 One factor often overlooked by both family members and mental health professionals alike is the role culture plays in the family experience of mental illness.
When we talk about culture, what we mean is a set of beliefs, behaviors, norms, values, and language shared by people grouped together because of common ties based upon race, ethnicity, faith, gender, age, sexual orientation, etc. Because culture impacts the way people interact with one another, it is important to recognize that a person's culture shapes the way they perceive and experience mental illness. A family's culture could influence whether and when they seek help, what type of help they seek, what coping styles and supports they have, and what treatments might work. Mental health professionals are not only affected by their personal culture, but also by the culture of the medical field, which relies heavily on science and open communication for diagnosis. |
When the provider's cultural background differs from that of the patient and/or family (especially if there is a language barrier), the lack of knowledge about the patient/family's culture can create impediments to effective treatment, including misunderstandings that can result in a wrong diagnosis. Although most providers want to work sensitively and effectively within various cultural contexts, it may be easier to find written information in non-English languages, than to find professionals skilled at delivering treatment that is sensitive, relevant and culturally competent.
In addition, after a patient has been discharged, some families have difficulty finding support groups with which they are comfortable. These are some problems family members have reported experiencing when trying
to integrate themselves into mainstream support groups:
 Lack of aggressive and innovative outreach to families outside of mainstream culture.
Structure and leadership styles may not reflect different cultures' preferred styles.
Support group leadership and membership may lack comfort with issues of diversity or may simply lack knowledge or information.
Social activities sponsored by groups may not be familiar, appealing or comfortable.
Programs may be held in settings outside of neighborhood communities or in places where people feel uncomfortable.
Lack of people from cultural group may cause families to feel alienated, isolated or uncomfortable.
In order to receive appropriate treatment and find a support model for your loved one and family member that is consistent with your cultural style and strengths, be prepared to reach out, bridge knowledge gaps, make connections and educate others about your culture.
Cultural differences to consider:
Communication and presentation styles
Verbal expression: open, self-disclosing, or closed?
Eye contact
Distance in personal space
Problem-solving and decision-making
Familial or gender role expectations and responsibilities
Religious or spiritual beliefs and practices
What works?
A. Find a mainstream program that already exists.
B. Consider a "family network" approach. As opposed to building a group of unrelated individuals, this approach builds upon a large family network that shares kinship ties or membership in key community institutions, such as a church or well-regarded neighborhood community center. Family network approaches can make use of collective problem-solving and conflict resolution, which is common in many cultures.
C. Join or create an ethnically or culturally specific psycho-educational group where all members are from the same cultural group. |
