Depending on your cultural background, you might not think mental health issues are a big deal. Maybe your family has always been accepting of mental wellness and has encouraged mental health support throughout your life. If that’s the case, consider yourself lucky. Not everyone gets that same kind of support, and it can create big problems when it comes to someone’s mental well-being.
If you’re on the other side of things and cultural expectations have kept you from being open about your mental health, including depression, know that you’re not alone. There are so many cultures that still carry a stigma when it comes to mental health. Even in the U.S., people from different backgrounds have firm beliefs and expectations about mental wellness, and you might be afraid to come forward with your struggles.
So, what should you do when depression and cultural expectations collide?
Why Are There Cultural Differences?
A lot of cultural expectations are deeply rooted in history. No matter how long a family has been in the U.S., they can still adhere to customs their parents and grandparents practiced in a different country. When you grow up with certain cultural expectations, breaking them is hard, especially when they mean a lot to your family. Even in the 21st century, when there’s so much research and information available about mental health, many people want to maintain that deep connection with their cultural backgrounds, so they are unwilling to drop their stereotypes.
Which Cultures Are Most Affected?
Asian Americans are often at a high risk of developing mental health issues that go untreated. They are under-researched, under-supported, and often at a higher risk of developing conditions like depression. One study from 2007 found that Asian American females ages 15-24 were second only to Native Americans when it came to suicide.
African Americans are also often at a greater risk of developing depression and not getting the help they need. Much of that has to do with health deserts and underserved communities. However, it also has to do with the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community—especially regarding men.
Because people in certain cultures might not view depression as the disease it is, the people struggling with it often avoid getting help until their symptoms are severe. As you might expect, this leads to a spike in mental health issues throughout those cultures and symptoms that can contribute to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
What Can You Do?
No matter your background, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself on mental health and depression. If your cultural expectations keep you from getting the help you deserve, do your research and share your findings with your family.
Remember that many cultural expectations have been formed over the years—even centuries. It can take time to break those stigmas and beliefs, but it’s not impossible. You have to be willing to follow the facts and do what’s best for your well-being. It can be hard to break free from the bonds of cultural expectations surrounding mental health. However, someone must be the first in every family to do it. Be willing to speak openly about your mental health, especially if you’re struggling.
Your family might have expectations and certain beliefs, but they care about you and want what's best for you. While that initial conversation might be difficult, offering them facts and educating them on the importance of mental health help can make a big difference now and in your family's future. If you're ready to take that first step and get the help you need, feel free to contact me for more information on depression treatment.