Cultural Beliefs and Mental Health in US Minorities

Introduction

Allison Ding Lawson introduces the topic of cultural beliefs influencing the perception and approach to mental health issues among minorities in the US.
She acknowledges the sensitivity and strong opinions surrounding the topic.

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
It is often overlooked due to stigma, lack of awareness, or ignorance, affecting people of all backgrounds.
The focus is on immigrant minorities and how their cultural beliefs, traditions, and ethnic backgrounds affect their views on mental health.

Cultural background and beliefs shape the understanding and response to mental health, differing from Western views.
Older generations may not have grown up with the concept of mental health.
Discussing mental health can be interpreted as illness, potentially leading to being labeled as "crazy."
Honor within minority households is emphasized, with mental health sometimes seen as a threat to family reputation.
Showing emotion might be seen as a sign of weakness, discouraging open expression.
Individual identity is closely tied to how others perceive them, impacting personal and family honor.

Systemic inequality and lack of access to care significantly influence how minorities view mental health.
Younger generations are becoming more aware of mental health through school and are teaching their families.
COVID-19 pandemic increased mental health awareness due to quarantine and reduced social interaction.
Immigrants often face additional mental health challenges due to displacement, leaving their homes and families for a better life.
Systemic inequality and racism exacerbate these strains, as immigrants may have to take minimum wage jobs and lack access to mental health resources.
Limited opportunities to discuss these issues with others who share similar experiences further complicate the situation.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, initially for ALS, also raised awareness for mental health.
Interviews with immigrants and descendants aged 19-24 revealed that mental health was often not discussed in their households.
Younger generations are teaching older generations about mental health, a switch that can be seen as either wholesome or disrespectful.
Lack of knowledge about mental health in some families leads to stigma, with mental illness viewed as dishonorable or not taken seriously.
Minority families may perceive depression and anxiety as easily surmountable, leading to a lack of serious consideration.

Separation from families during migration is another factor contributing to mental health issues.
A study by Sarah A. McLean investigated the psychological impact of separation on immigrant children detained after crossing the US border.
The research focused on children aged 5-17 and involved 73 mothers.
The survey revealed that 49% of children demonstrated emotional problems, with females showing more significant issues in hyperactivity.
The act of separating children from their families, even for a short period, can have severe emotional repercussions.

Immigrants often face economic challenges, working long shifts in minimum wage jobs to provide for their families.
Due to these commitments, access to mental health programs is often overlooked.
There is a need for more systems, programs, and promotion to help minorities access mental health care.

Allison thanks listeners for joining and hopes the discussion raised awareness for mental health and minorities.