Written by: Arin Lee
Edited by: Benjamin Hewitt
Stigma surrounding mental health conditions and their treatment is prevalent in all cultures. The degree to which such stigma can affect individuals’ access to mental health treatment varies, but there’s no doubt that the stigma surrounding mental health can damage anyone’s perceptions of mental health conditions. Stigma doesn’t arise by chance, however; it is often the result of a lack of understanding and/or fear. Both these factors are usually created by the spreading of misinformation through inaccurate or misleading media misrepresentation. It’s also important to note that while many cultures are aware of the nature of mental health disorders and the necessity for treatment, they can still maintain a negative view for those with mental health disorders (Singhal, 2024).
Different cultures and ethnic groups within the United States view mental health conditions differently, with each negative or inaccurate view contributing to the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking therapy or treatment. In general, many Americans are reluctant to seek counsel for their mental health issues in fear that they will be socially rejected, or because of shame or embarrassment. Black communities are less likely to seek help due to a longstanding history of racism, discrimination, and mistreatment at the hands of healthcare providers in the U.S.. For Asian communities, there is a commonly held cultural belief that seeking mental health treatment brings shame and dishonor to the individual’s family, causing the individual to internalize their symptoms instead of getting help. Latinx communities tend to distrust mental health providers and often seek counsel from family or other community members (Modir et al., 2020). Ethnic minority groups in general are less likely to seek help for their mental health problems compared to their ethnic majority counterparts, due to a variety of factors and stigmas, such as distrust in healthcare providers, religious/spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices/norms (William, 2017).
There are several things that can and should be done on the individual-level to help alleviate the general stigmas surrounding mental health. Individuals can seek reliable information regarding mental health conditions and treatment, from trusted sources such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, spread and educate others on mental health issues using reliable information from trusted sources, talk openly about mental health, whether it be on social media platforms or in daily conversation. Individuals should also use inclusive, conscious, and appropriate language to account for nuances and to avoid furthering any stigmas (Modir et al., 2020; Singhal, 2024). Lastly, individuals should show compassion and empathy towards those with mental health conditions and those who choose to seek therapy (Singhal, 2024).
There is no doubt that culture plays a large role in the perception of mental health and of seeking treatment for mental health conditions. As long as these cultures exist, it is evident that the stigmas associated with such cultures will continue to exist as well. It is pertinent that individuals take the necessary steps to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health when entire cultures cannot be expected to do so. And if such efforts are successful, it will indubitably result in a much happier, mentally healthier world.
References
Modir, S., Alfaro, B., Casados, A., & Ruiz, S. (2020, August 4). Understanding the role of cultural stigma on seeking mental health services. CHOC. https://health.choc.org/understanding-the-role-of-cultural-stigma-on-seeking-mental-health-services/
Singhal, N. (2024, March). Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness. Psychiatry.org - Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination#:~:text=Stigma%20often%20comes%20from%20lack,contribute%20to%20both%20those%20factors.
William, H. (2017, June 1). Looking at the cultural aspects of mental health. Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. https://crownschool.uchicago.edu/news-events/magazine/looking-cultural-aspects-mental-healt
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