Culture plays an important role in mental health. Understanding culture, which is the common traits that are shared by one group, can be useful in identifying mental health issues and creating successful treatment plans for mental illness. Connecting to a culture gives people a sense of belonging and gives them a sense of balance, which are important aspects of mental wellbeing.
Culture – whether it is based on ethnicity, age, geography, sexual orientation or gender – influences how people view mental illness and how they may go about treating it. For instance, some cultures place great value on family’s role in the healing process. A successful treatment plan for an individual from this type of culture would contain some family involvement.
Culture can help people stay balanced and can play an important role in healing. Disconnection or separation from culture can cause stress for many people. Connecting to one’s culture – whether it’s through friends, food, events or music – can help keep people physically and mentally well.
