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Social and cultural forces have long been hypothesized to shape concepts of self, expressions of self and self-regulation. She recounts one of her mother’s favorite turns of phrase to describe young people’s tendency to neglect the influence of previous generations, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? 9am-5pm in-person program hours based upon determined level of care (Staff will discuss/determine with you at admission) Stigma leads many individuals to avoid discussing their symptoms, fearing negative judgment. This divergence can lead to varied coping mechanisms and treatment-seeking behaviors.

Depression vs. Grief: Understanding Emotional Differences GrandRising Behavioral Health

Departing from a focus on investigating determinants of help-seeking behaviors within the confines of individual ethnic group boundaries, the current study focused on identifying shared cultural values that might deter both Asian and Latinx college students from seeking mental health treatment. However, this work largely overlooks the possibility that shared cultural values may jointly predict mental health outcomes across ethnic-racial subgroups. Specifically, we tested (a) the extent to which cultural values endorsed by Asian and Latinx college students were shared, and how cultural values predicted (b) attitudes toward mental health, and (c) perception of mental health treatment need and help-seeking behaviors, above ethnicity alone. Additionally, those Asian and Latinx individuals who seek professional psychological treatment often present with more severe symptoms and tend to experience problems for a prolonged period of time prior to treatment, suggesting that the threshold for seeking mental health services is higher for them 51–53. We focus here on the role of cultural values pertinent to these ethnic groups on students’ mental health help-seeking behaviors, complementing the extensive work on external barriers to seeking treatment including language or financial resources 6–9. National rates of student mental health diagnoses and service utilization are increasing on college campuses across the USA , yet glaring racial-ethnic disparities exist in treatment-seeking behavior and receipt of psychological services .

Resources for support

• Discover 50 signs of mental illness that can help you identify when someone may need support.
• Our initial data from a fairly large and diverse college sample indicate that probing underlying shared cultural values, irrespective of ethnicity, may be informative for university mental health service providers.
• Sakamoto I. An anti-opressive approach to cultural competence.
• The way emotions are expressed directly influences how mental health symptoms are reported.
• In another trial in rural New York state, women at higher risk of mental health difficulties due to their social position were randomized to receive nurse home visits until the child’s second birthday or treatment as usual371.

In individualistic cultures, people are often expected to be self-reliant and independent. In collectivist cultures, people are often expected to put the needs of their community or family above their Honoring Indigenous peoples through education own. The way we are expected to behave in our culture can impact our mental health.

Getting support and advice that respects your culture is crucial for getting the help you need. Your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist or, if you’re under 18, to Child Adolescent and Mental Health Services (CAMHS). If you’re struggling to cope with your mental health, reach out for help. Try to express how you feel rather than using mental health terms.

Cultural factors impacting mental health

Individuals may internalize these negative perceptions, leading to shame and reluctance to address their mental health needs. They influence symptom expression, leading some cultures to articulate distress through specific physical complaints rather than emotional terminology. Individuals connected to their cultural roots often find empowerment in expressing their cultural values, promoting community engagement and reducing feelings of marginalization. This sense of belonging enhances self-worth, resilience, and social support, which contribute to overall well-being. Cultural identity plays a significant role in shaping mental health, offering both enriching benefits and potential drawbacks.