When we think of mental health, we probably think about something different. We all have different definitions, solutions, and methods of healing. The different ways of thinking most likely come from all of our cultures’ different mindsets and beliefs.
Image Source: Sharp HealthCare
In our podcast episode, Jordyn discusses different cultural perspectives on mental health with Seika Brown, a student at Cornell University who created The YLG Research Initiative, which focuses on mental health advocacy across cultures and backgrounds all around the globe. When thinking about mental health, how we view it, and what types of treatments are most suitable, we probably all have different beliefs because we all come from different backgrounds, situations, and cultures that form or have formed their own views on mental health.
As children, we subconsciously learn from the older influences that are around us, who typically take after their culture(s). How we talk, act, and think is based on an archetype that our parents or guardians create, which is how culture is so easily adopted into our lives when we are younger (Bournemouth University). Seika mentions that her mother is from Japan and her father is from England, and there are distinct differences in how those cultures view mental health. Seika had to learn that her parents’ views were neither right nor wrong and were the foundations of their individual cultures. There is no “one right way” to look at mental health, which is why the kind of research YLG is doing is so important.
Image Source: Stock
If we want to learn how different regions of the world think about mental health, we must open our minds to their cultures. When talking about her work with YLG, Seika highlights that it is essential that they are not forcing their beliefs onto others. “We wish to learn about people’s cultures. I’m not saying we should adapt them into our lives, I’m saying we should be aware of them. We should recognize that there [are] differences and be okay with that.”
There should be a sense of respect when learning about different cultures. YLG has created an atmosphere in their interviews that shows how important it is to do two things: listen and learn. Sometimes, people just need someone to listen. YLG provides an outlet where people are able to talk about their experiences and mental health struggles without feeling pressured.
Learning comes naturally to the YLG process, seeing as it is a research initiative. Seika hopes that YLG can have a professional decipher all the information they gather and possibly find solutions based on what does and does not work for certain cultures. As time goes on, Seika hopes that YLG will continue to train young leaders on how to replicate their interviews and conduct them within their own communities and cultures.
No matter your culture or struggles, we see you. Seika recalls a time when her brother told her that “loving life doesn’t mean you have to love the circumstance that you’re in.” There may be setbacks and challenges, but that does not mean you cannot treasure life and admire the fact that you are here today.
To learn more about YLG, go to www.seikabrown.com
Comments