Culture and mental health

Some cultures see mental health as a medical problem that needs treatment from doctors or therapists. Other cultures may think of it as something emotional, spiritual, or connected to family or community life. 

These beliefs affect how people talk about their feelings and whether they decide to get help.

Some people do not ask for help with their mental health because they are worried about what others might think. 

In some families and communities, mental illness is seen as something to be ashamed of.  This can lead to people staying quiet and feeling alone. For example:

• Concerns about stigma or family reputation can affect how openly mental health is discussed within parts of Asian communities.
• In some Latin American communities, people may be more likely to seek support from family members than from mental health professionals.
• For people from West Asian and North African backgrounds, experiences of mental health may be shaped by factors such as community expectations, stigma or concerns about reputation.     

Mental health terms like depression or anxiety do not always exist in other languages.  People may describe their feelings in different ways. Here are some examples:

• Amharic - Ethiopia: Emotional distress is often described through physical symptoms like headaches or tiredness.
• Somali: The word “buufis” expresses longing or restlessness, which can hide symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• Mandarin Chinese: People may say they have fatigue, pain and dizziness instead of using the word for depression, which carries stigma.
• People from South Asia: A common reaction to the suggestion that someone should get professional help for mental health issues is "Log Kya Kahenge?" It means "What will people say?" This hints that stigma about mental illness in these communities can sometimes be strong.  
• Japanese: The term “kokoro no kea” means “care for the heart or mind.” It is used to describe a wide range of mental health conditions in a less stigmatising way.  

These differences can lead to:

• misunderstandings,
• missed diagnoses, or
• people feeling disconnected from services.
   

Mental health care is not the same everywhere. 

In Western countries, people often get help through talking therapies and medication. 

But some people find support through their faith, family or local community. 
 
Some people may prefer to speak first with someone they trust in their faith community.  This might be their imam, priest, rabbi, pastor, faith leader, chaplain, or elder. They may do this because these people understand their beliefs, family context, and community expectations.

Some traditional communities focus on keeping a balance between the mind, body, and spirit when it comes to mental health. 

Faith-based support can be helpful for many people. But it does not have to replace medical or psychological support. Some people may benefit from both spiritual support and professional mental health care working alongside each other.

If you are looking for help for your mental health, you can explain how you feel in your own words. You do not need to use medical or technical terms. 

You can also tell a professional if:

• your faith is important to you, or
• you would like your faith leader or chaplain to be involved in your support. 

A good service should respect this and talk with you about what feels helpful and safe.

Getting support from others

You do not have to get support on your own. If it would help, you can ask a trusted family member, friend, faith leader or community member to support you.

If you find it difficult to speak up for yourself, an advocate may be able to help. Advocates can support you to understand your options, express your views and make sure your voice is heard.

See our webpage on Advocacy for mental health - Making your voice heard for more information. 

Some people find it helpful to connect with others who have similar experiences. You could look for local peer support groups, community organisations or faith groups that offer support for mental health and wellbeing.

A good place to start is by speaking to your GP or asking a local community or faith organisation what support is available in your area. 

People from different backgrounds may talk about their feelings in different ways. Listening carefully can help you understand what they are going through.

You can help by:

• listening without judging,
• respecting their beliefs and preferences,
• encouraging them to get support if they need it, and
• offering to help with appointments or finding information.

Remember, everyone is different. Supporting someone can be challenging, so it is important to look after your own wellbeing too.

For more information see our following webpage:

• Supporting someone with a mental illness

If you are a professional, you can ask people how they understand their symptoms before using medical language. When needed, use interpreters who understand both the language and the culture.

It can also help to ask whether faith, spirituality, or support from a faith leader is important to the person. Avoid assuming that everyone from a particular culture or religion will want the same type of support.

As a mental health professional, understanding cultural and language differences can help:

• reduce stigma,
• improve communication, and
• offer more respectful and effective support. 

This helps create a more inclusive and compassionate approach to mental wellbeing.

NHS services

If an NHS service is supporting you, you can ask them for a free interpreter.

You have the right to be communicated with in a way that you can understand.  This includes providing you with someone who can help you speak to your GP in your language. 

But the NHS say translation and interpreting services are inconsistent across the NHS.  

Rethink Advice and Information Service

If English is not your first language, our advice helpline includes a translation service called Language is Everything. It provides interpretation and translation assistance. 

• To use Language is Everything you must call our helpline.
• An advisor will take your name and phone number and ask what language you speak.
• The adviser will then end the call and contact Language is Everything.
• Someone from Language is Everything will call you and translate in your chosen language.

You can learn more on our Accessible advice page.

Rethink Mental Illness website

There is an accessibility function on this webpage called Recite. It allows you to translate information into different languages.

You can learn more on our Accessible advice page.

Our webpages below provide practical advice and information. They might help you overcome problems, find help, make choices, and get the support you need.

• • Asylum seeker and refugee mental health
  • Ethnic minorities and mental health
  • Feeling low or worried? Support for Irish Travellers