How Does Culture Influence Mental Health?
When you think about culture, you likely think of the things you see and experience every day. Things like how people dress, the latest trends, and the use of technology all tend to come into play when it comes to culture.
But, it’s also important to recognize that culture isn’t just what you observe. You’re a part of it, and it can have more of an impact and influence on you than you might realize. Sometimes, that might include influencing you on how to dress or what music to listen to.
It could also include influencing your beliefs and behaviors and changing the way you see mental health resources.
If you’ve never considered how culture influences mental health, it’s time to boost your awareness. While you won’t be able to make a cultural shift, you can certainly stand firmer in your beliefs if you recognize how society might sway you.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Culture can play a big role in understanding and accepting your mental health symptoms. More importantly, it can influence how you describe those symptoms. You might feel like you can (or should) only talk about the physical things you’re experiencing, or the emotional things, but not both.
This kind of influence can cause you to miss out on essential things that could have a big impact on your mental well-being. If you’re talking to friends, family, or even your doctor about what you’re going through, being able to clearly define your symptoms in a concise and compelling way could make a big difference in the type of treatment you get. If you’re not able to describe them using that kind of clear language or you’re leaving things out, you might not get the kind of help you need.
Mental Health Stigmas
One of the biggest issues with culture and mental health is the stigma that often comes with it. Yes, even in the 21st century, there are still certain stigmas against mental health issues.
Some people consider mental health problems to be a weakness. They think those issues should be hidden away, so you never talk about them. Maybe you grew up in a family where that was the norm. Or, perhaps you just want to fit into societal norms, so you’ve been trying to ignore your issues.
Everyone is susceptible to these stigmas. However, they often tend to be worse for men who don’t want the perception of being weak.
How Stigma Affects Community
The culture you’re surrounded with, in general, can be greatly influenced by everything from trends and gimmicks to long-standing stigmas. If you live in an area where mental health issues are hidden away, you might feel like you don’t have a strong support system.
Being able to talk to someone about how you’re feeling can make a big difference in your mental well-being. If you’re worried that family and friends won’t understand or that you’ll be judged for those feelings, it can end up causing even more stress and anxiety. These issues can happen anywhere and to anyone. But, they’re typically more common in minority communities, who are left to find treatment on their own.
What Can You Do?
Again, you might not be able to make societal changes on your own. But, you can fight back against the norms put in place. When you recognize the importance of prioritizing your mental health, cultural influence becomes less important.
The first step is recognizing that you need — and want — some help. Even if you don’t completely understand your feelings or recognize how to handle your symptoms, don’t be afraid to reach out to learn more about anxiety or depression therapy . Starting your mental health journey today will help you overcome everything cultural norms try to throw at you.
