As part of our series of articles on the topic of cultural differences – how culture impacts mental health – our highly specialist CBT Therapist, Dr Neema Chudasama has written this month’s blog.
Working in a culturally diverse environment with clinicians from all walks of life is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Being part of a team that reflects the vibrant multicultural tapestry of London feels natural to me, but it’s something that deserves celebration and reflection.
I’m Indian and Gujarati, and while I’ve been fortunate to rarely experience overt negativity due to my heritage, one encounter as a medical student stands out. My consultant, also of South Indian origin, and I were treating an elderly woman with anaemia who needed a blood transfusion. She was kind and pleasant throughout the interaction, but as we turned to leave, she asked, “The blood I’ll get… it will be white blood, won’t it?” I remember feeling nervous and self-conscious with no idea how to react. My consultant, however, responded with warmth and confidence: “All blood is red blood.”
That moment stuck with me. It was a reminder of how our perceptions—of health, of others, of ourselves—are often deeply shaped by cultural and societal influences. And this is especially true when it comes to mental health.
The Cultural Lens on Mental Health
Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s filtered through our upbringing, beliefs, and cultural frameworks. While physical health is almost universally acknowledged as important, mental health often lags behind, especially in certain communities. During my medical training, I noticed that people from all backgrounds would seek help for physical ailments without hesitation. But when it came to mental health, the difference was glaring.
For many people from South Asian backgrounds, mental health is still a taboo topic. Seeking help might feel like a last resort, shrouded in shame and secrecy. There’s often a fear of judgment from elders or the wider community. This isn’t everyone’s experience, of course, but it’s a recurring theme I’ve encountered in my work.
Even within my own experience, I’ve noticed the gap. Though I grew up speaking Gujarati with my family, I can’t think of a direct translation for ‘depression’ or ‘anxiety.’ The closest term I know is ‘dhuk,’ which means pain or hurt. Perhaps there are words I’m unaware of, but their absence from everyday conversations speaks volumes. If we don’t have the language to articulate mental health struggles, how can we address them?
Breaking the Silence
The silence around mental health in some South Asian communities is particularly perplexing when you consider the cultural wealth of practices like yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation—all of which emphasise mental well-being. Ancient Indian philosophies have long acknowledged the role of mental suffering in personal growth. Yet, the stigma remains. Mental struggles are often dismissed as ‘karma,’ the ‘evil eye,’ or other external forces, rather than accepted as part of the human condition that we can work on and learn to change.
On the flip side, cultural superstitions are readily embraced without question. Growing up, I heard things like, “Don’t wash your hair on Thursdays—it’s bad luck,” or “Don’t measure your height at night; you won’t grow.” These beliefs are accepted without evidence, yet the idea of discussing feelings to improve mental health is sometimes seen as absurd.
So, how do we bridge this gap? How do we empower ourselves and others to talk about mental health in a way that resonates across generations and cultures?
Steps Toward Change
- Be curious Start by exploring how mental health is perceived in your own family or community. What language do they use? How do they understand mental health struggles? Engaging in open and respectful conversations can help uncover deeply rooted beliefs and create space for new perspectives.
- Draw parallels with physical health One effective way to normalise mental health is by comparing it to physical health. For example, if you have diabetes, you take medication. Similarly, if you’re feeling depressed, you talk to someone. Framing mental health as just another aspect of overall well-being can make it more relatable.
- Create a language If the words don’t exist, create them. Use metaphors, stories, or examples to explain mental health concepts. One of my favourite metaphors is the jungle analogy, which I often share with clients:
Imagine your mind is like a jungle. Over time, you’ve carved out a well-trodden path. It’s familiar and easy to follow, but it no longer leads you where you want to go. This path represents unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that might contribute to stress, anxiety, or depression.
Therapy is like learning to forge a new path. At first, it’s daunting; hacking through the undergrowth feels overwhelming. But with the help of a therapist, you can start creating a healthier path. The more you walk this new route, the clearer and easier it becomes. Over time, the old path grows over, and the new one becomes your default. Therapy is having someone to help you forge the new path and walk with you down it until you feel you can now walk it yourself.
All Blood Is Red Blood
No matter our backgrounds, we all experience mental health struggles. Just as “all blood is red blood,” all health is mental health. Let’s dare to be curious, creative, and compassionate as we navigate our own jungles and support others through theirs. Together, we can break down barriers, one conversation at a time.
If you’re looking for support with your mental health, and you’d prefer to work with a therapist who has understanding or experience of your own cultural background, please take a look at our team page. Our team includes licensed, professional therapists from a wide range of cultures and countries who would be delighted to support you.
Please get in touch to book a free, 20-minute consultation, and we’ll ensure we get the right fit for you.
