Today, we are going to talk to you about cultural differences within mental health. Mental health experiences and disparities are greatly impacted by an individual's culture and how society at large views that culture. Racial and ethnic minorities in the US are less likely than white people to seek mental health treatment or to delay treatment until symptoms are severe.

This is due to mistrust stemming from the history of discrimination, racism and a fear of being mistreated. People often think of mental health as a very personal matter that has to do only with the individual.

However, mental illnesses and mental health in general are impacted by the combination of biological, social, and genetic factors.

Societal factors—including but not limited to poverty, racism, and discrimination—have a major impact on mental health.

On the other hand, societal factors oftentimes such factors go ignored. One's culture has an influence on a diversity of experiences. Every culture has its own way of making sense and understanding one's mental health. Each has its opinion on whether mental illness is real or imagined—an illness of the mind or the body or both. Who is at risk for it? What might cause it?

And perhaps most importantly, the level of stigma surrounding it. Based on these cultural influences and ideals, people decide how they are going to cope with mental illness and seek treatment. One's culture strongly influences their beliefs about mental illness and shapes one's attitudes towards the mentally ill. Taking into consideration these factors, it's important that individuals start to work collectively to gain an understanding of cultural differences and work towards destigmatizing the topic of mental health. Moreover, look at the entire person and the societal factors as opposed to the mental health symptoms the person is exhibiting.

If you are suffering from mental health issues, and concerns, please take the time to reach out and discuss with a trusted provider.