What mental illness means in different cultures: Perceptions of mental health among refugees from various countries of origin

Sarah Moses; David Holmes

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v5i2.126

Authors

Sarah Moses Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6551-9354
David Holmes, MD Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v5i2.126

Keywords:

refugee mental health, perceptions of mental health, stigma, barriers, mental illness, mental health treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Mental illness remains a significant issue in refugees worldwide. Internationally, there continues to be stigma surrounding mental health, mental illness, and mental health treatment. Cultural stigma is just one of many barriers to mental healthcare for refugees. Perceptions of mental health are culture-specific and continue to play a role in refugees.

Purpose: The purpose of this review study is to make distinctions between the perceptions of mental health of refugees based on country of origin because knowing these cultural differences has the potential to improve refugee mental healthcare. This knowledge could contribute to treatment approaches and help break some of the barriers to mental healthcare for refugees.

Methodology: An extensive literature review of relevant articles published between 2000-2021 was performed using the databases APA PsycInfo, Global Health, MEDLINE via Ovid, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Google Scholar. The following search terms, in addition to other related and relevant terms, were used: “mental health, refugees, mental health barriers, perceptions of mental illness, country of origin.”

Results: There were both numerous similarities and differences between the perceptions of mental health among refugees from different cultures. There were similarities in terms of mental health stigma, with certain cultures thinking of mental health/illness as taboo, as shameful, or associating it with evil spirits. A few of the cultures studied had similar ideas about the causes of mental illness, believing it was due to traumatic events or possession by evil spirits. The refugee groups had some common treatment options, including informal conversation, religious-based ideas, and community-level solutions. Some differences between refugees from different cultures involved certain symptoms associated with mental health, including physical symptoms, and differing degrees of religiosity.

Discussion: Based on studies reviewed about the perceptions of mental health of various refugee cultures, many recommendations are proposed to improve refugee mental healthcare. Suggestions include focusing on cultural competency and community-level solutions, in addition to implementing mobile health clinics and telehealth.

Conclusions: This review discusses the perceptions of mental health, mental illness, and mental health treatment of refugees from numerous countries of origin. It is unique in its inclusion of different groups of refugees. Culture seems to play a significant role in the perceptions encountered. Keeping culture in mind, several recommendations are made to improve refugee mental healthcare, such as more integrative treatment methods and telehealth.

Author Biography

David Holmes, MD, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo

Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine

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