culture and mental health
Culture and Mental health
By: Daniel Greene
Latino Culture is a very rich and strong culture consisting of many traditions and family strength that is rarely found in other cultures throughout the world. In Latino cultures the elderly are said to have inner strength and are not afraid to ask for help. They are considered very wise and powerful important members of the families they belong too. The elderly also have a pivotal role in raising and teaching the grandchildren and youngsters. The Latino culture believe in family strength the stronger a family is the closer it is. Latino culture is about staying very connected with your immediate family along with your extended family. One amazing fact about the Latino culture is the fact that they are always willing to lend a helping hand to another family member they feel a certain responsibility towards helping their family which could be a reason why the Latino culture is so close and strong compared to other culture groups.
Culture Bound Syndromes-
· Ataque de nervios or attack of the nerves is classified as a culture bound syndrome for Latin Americans residing in Puerto Rico this disease is said to be an overabundance of nerves and the feeling of being out of control.
· Cholera is an infection in the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. The main symptoms are profuse, watery diarrhea and vomiting.
· Locura- A severe form of chronic psychosis, attributed to an inherited vulnerability, the effect of multiple life difficulties, or a combination of the two.
· Nervios- Illness specific to Central America caused by events or prolonged periods of stress or distress and resulting in feelings of desperation, headaches, hopelessness, anxiety, etc. Can be as mild as a general disposition of nervousness or as severe as having seizure like panic attacks referred to as "ataques de nervios".
Cultural Differences-
· Strong family bonds – Latinos believe strongly that families should look after each other and that successful individuals should contribute to their family's welfare. It's normal for elderly parents to be cared for by their daughters.
· Strong cultural identification – Latinos are passionate about their culture and heritage.
· Religious faith – as a legacy of Spain's colonial heritage, almost all Spanish-speaking countries are strongly Catholic or Christian.
· Food- Latin American and Spanish food is considerably different from other cultures. Latin American food is considered to have a certain spice to it. Is usually always homemade with big gatherings surrounding the food.
· History- Latin Americans are very proud of their culture and express spiritualism in their culture throughout their traditions and holidays.
· School is sometimes difficult for Latin Americans because dominant American culture which is expected in school can conflict with the student’s Latin American culture causing the student to balance two different cultures.
Barriers to Treatment-
There are several serious barriers that exist within the Latino community. Perhaps the most important is the cultural stigma and misunderstanding that often surrounds mental health conditions among Latinos. There is a widely held belief that mental illness is the result of a being weak-willed or crazy, or is perhaps even the result of being spiritually possessed. While it is very important to be sensitive to cultural and spiritual beliefs, it is still important to recognize that science shows us that mental illness is caused by factors that are out of the control of those afflicted. While willpower and folk-healing such as espiritualistas may be an important part of recovery for many, we know that these approaches alone cannot restore imbalances of brain chemistry or integrate traumatic memory. Skilled professionals who have been trained in modern treatment modalities are a vital part of recovery for anyone suffering from mental illness, regardless of cultural or spiritual background. The best treatment for any individual is one that incorporates the support of their social and family group, spiritual community, cultural beliefs, and high quality therapeutic treatment modalities that are medically proven to help.
Experience with Racism-
I found a study online where Latino mothers were interviewed after having conferences with the teachers of their sons and daughters the mothers felt that their children were not succeeding in school because they are not given the same opportunities as white children in the classroom. The mothers felt like their children were being discriminated against and not given a fair opportunity to succeed in school and further develop their education.
Culturally sensitive, and culture specific treatment approaches-
Latino clients develop an attitude as only speak when spoken too, most clients only talk about what they are asked about. Therapists who are considered as cold or unwelcoming will not be able to develop a relationship with the Latino client thus the client will not trust them. Therapists who are warm hearted and welcoming are seen as trusting and after the client forms a relationship with the therapist the client will open up and begin to speak to the therapist more openly. Many Latino clients believe in religion heavily and believe that they have no power over what they do and their future is already predetermined according to God. This makes therapy for both the therapist and the client extremely difficult because if something is going wrong in a person’s life they believe it is because God is testing them and they have no control over their life.
One of the goals, or rather requirements, of therapy is to create a trusting relationship and healing environment in which our clients can reveal themselves and engage in what is often challenging and difficult work. When working with Latino clients, one must come to know and respect the unique expectations that are in part shaped by culture and world view, and integrate this understanding into the therapeutic approach.
By: Daniel Greene
Latino Culture is a very rich and strong culture consisting of many traditions and family strength that is rarely found in other cultures throughout the world. In Latino cultures the elderly are said to have inner strength and are not afraid to ask for help. They are considered very wise and powerful important members of the families they belong too. The elderly also have a pivotal role in raising and teaching the grandchildren and youngsters. The Latino culture believe in family strength the stronger a family is the closer it is. Latino culture is about staying very connected with your immediate family along with your extended family. One amazing fact about the Latino culture is the fact that they are always willing to lend a helping hand to another family member they feel a certain responsibility towards helping their family which could be a reason why the Latino culture is so close and strong compared to other culture groups.
Culture Bound Syndromes-
· Ataque de nervios or attack of the nerves is classified as a culture bound syndrome for Latin Americans residing in Puerto Rico this disease is said to be an overabundance of nerves and the feeling of being out of control.
· Cholera is an infection in the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. The main symptoms are profuse, watery diarrhea and vomiting.
· Locura- A severe form of chronic psychosis, attributed to an inherited vulnerability, the effect of multiple life difficulties, or a combination of the two.
· Nervios- Illness specific to Central America caused by events or prolonged periods of stress or distress and resulting in feelings of desperation, headaches, hopelessness, anxiety, etc. Can be as mild as a general disposition of nervousness or as severe as having seizure like panic attacks referred to as "ataques de nervios".
Cultural Differences-
· Strong family bonds – Latinos believe strongly that families should look after each other and that successful individuals should contribute to their family's welfare. It's normal for elderly parents to be cared for by their daughters.
· Strong cultural identification – Latinos are passionate about their culture and heritage.
· Religious faith – as a legacy of Spain's colonial heritage, almost all Spanish-speaking countries are strongly Catholic or Christian.
· Food- Latin American and Spanish food is considerably different from other cultures. Latin American food is considered to have a certain spice to it. Is usually always homemade with big gatherings surrounding the food.
· History- Latin Americans are very proud of their culture and express spiritualism in their culture throughout their traditions and holidays.
· School is sometimes difficult for Latin Americans because dominant American culture which is expected in school can conflict with the student’s Latin American culture causing the student to balance two different cultures.
Barriers to Treatment-
There are several serious barriers that exist within the Latino community. Perhaps the most important is the cultural stigma and misunderstanding that often surrounds mental health conditions among Latinos. There is a widely held belief that mental illness is the result of a being weak-willed or crazy, or is perhaps even the result of being spiritually possessed. While it is very important to be sensitive to cultural and spiritual beliefs, it is still important to recognize that science shows us that mental illness is caused by factors that are out of the control of those afflicted. While willpower and folk-healing such as espiritualistas may be an important part of recovery for many, we know that these approaches alone cannot restore imbalances of brain chemistry or integrate traumatic memory. Skilled professionals who have been trained in modern treatment modalities are a vital part of recovery for anyone suffering from mental illness, regardless of cultural or spiritual background. The best treatment for any individual is one that incorporates the support of their social and family group, spiritual community, cultural beliefs, and high quality therapeutic treatment modalities that are medically proven to help.
Experience with Racism-
I found a study online where Latino mothers were interviewed after having conferences with the teachers of their sons and daughters the mothers felt that their children were not succeeding in school because they are not given the same opportunities as white children in the classroom. The mothers felt like their children were being discriminated against and not given a fair opportunity to succeed in school and further develop their education.
Culturally sensitive, and culture specific treatment approaches-
Latino clients develop an attitude as only speak when spoken too, most clients only talk about what they are asked about. Therapists who are considered as cold or unwelcoming will not be able to develop a relationship with the Latino client thus the client will not trust them. Therapists who are warm hearted and welcoming are seen as trusting and after the client forms a relationship with the therapist the client will open up and begin to speak to the therapist more openly. Many Latino clients believe in religion heavily and believe that they have no power over what they do and their future is already predetermined according to God. This makes therapy for both the therapist and the client extremely difficult because if something is going wrong in a person’s life they believe it is because God is testing them and they have no control over their life.
One of the goals, or rather requirements, of therapy is to create a trusting relationship and healing environment in which our clients can reveal themselves and engage in what is often challenging and difficult work. When working with Latino clients, one must come to know and respect the unique expectations that are in part shaped by culture and world view, and integrate this understanding into the therapeutic approach.