Behavioral Health

Particular priorities in relation to mental health are understanding mechanisms, investigating the impact of loneliness and social isolation in marginalized groups, and addressing the lack of rigorous trials of psychological and social interventions to address these key risk factors. Socioenvironmental risk factors are thought to be driven by structural racism – i.e., by interconnected, racially inequitable systems (e.g., housing, education, employment, health care, the legal system) that reinforce each other158 to stigmatize, discriminate and disempower marginalized people159. These events do not affect all people equally, making them strongly socially determined risk factors for offspring mental health.

This finding is consistent with the model on MH by Corrigan et al. (2014) that structural factors may act as systemic barriers to MH service use. There is an increase in the volume of qualitative studies conducted in clinical and health care research and the need to synthesise the themes identified in the literature (Munro et al., 2007; Cohen and Crabtree, 2008). Shefer et al. (2013) also reported stigma and stigmatising attitudes across the ethnic minority communities in their study.

Perception and belief of service users

We can move toward a more equitable and effective mental health care system by acknowledging and addressing the unique stigma-related challenges different groups face. This might involve, for example, promoting mental health literacy, challenging harmful gender norms, and providing gender-specific mental health services. These findings underscore the importance of considering gender and cultural context in understanding and addressing stigma related to mental illness.

• Although the majority of mental disorders manifest during adolescence19, they are often rooted much earlier in development.
• Research also reveals that African Americans are more likely to experience a mental health disorder than whites, are less likely to seek treatment, and when they do, it is often in emergency rooms.
• Hence, a clinician’s awareness and understanding of such culture-bound syndromes can enhance their diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness.
• Women with mental illnesses may therefore face dual discrimination – first for their gender and then for their mental health condition.

Therefore, although we briefly overview evidence from all three levels in the following section, we devote most of our attention to primary prevention. We recognize that screening, early detection, and diagnostic testing are essential aspects of an effective prevention strategy for mental ill health310. Various mechanisms may be involved, from increased anxiety or depression arising from existential concerns for the future, to exposure to social adversities arising as a result of climate change, including job loss, housing insecurity, displacement, food insecurity and conflict.

How Different Cultures Approach Mental Health

For example, Steinman and colleagues changed terms to reduce stigma (e.g., using words other than “depression” and “problems”). Seventeen interventions (53%) adapted intervention materials to increase intervention uptake (Table 1). To make intervention content more accessible and values-oriented, storytelling , humor , and religious activities (e.g., prayer and reading from scripture) were added. Consistent with personalismo, activities were added to explicitly attend to interpersonal processes in interventions, such as encouraging self-disclosure, receptive listening, and icebreakers to foster relationship building 17, 41, 54. More specifically, in line with familismo, interventions were supplemented with content about parenting 34, 41, 45, 78, child development 45, 78, and activities for families to implement new skills 18, 64. For CHWs, personalismo and simpatia were emphasized as values to build personal and warm rapport with clients.

Cultural aspects significantly influence the definitions and expressions of mental disorders. By acknowledging these complexities, mental health professionals can better address the unique challenges faced by diverse populations. Remember that to keep your mental health in line, it needs not just personal effort but a partnership with communities, mental health workers, and society as a whole. Ending stigma is essential, encouraging open discussions, and calling people to seek help. Encouraging individuals to seek help involves creating a supportive Honoring Indigenous peoples through education environment.

These issues point toward the need for developing partnerships that are more equitable and that realign power relationships between service providers and individuals. Firstly, cultural competence frameworks approach culture from a purportedly value-neutral position, thereby ignoring the differences in power and the nature of historical and present-day oppression experienced by cultural groups (61). Mahony and Donnelly (44) also point out that spiritual and traditional healing practices can prove very useful in terms of promoting immigrant women’s mental health. Boksa et al. (37) also reiterate the centrality of local Indigenous knowledge as a guide to the development of relevant mental health systems. Further, he argues that the development of a strong social support and community-based network must be intrinsic to the process. This societal context also involves globalization and the rapid change of systems and cultures.