1. Many people have preconceived ideas about what mental illness means and what it looks like. I think the fear and stigma surrounding it comes mostly from a lack of understanding and the idea that having a mental illness is a “deviation” from what is considered “normal”. In many ways, this stigma is societal and is “taught”. In that sense, those that experience mental illness may suffer from their own self-stigmas. Mental health alone is treated as a delicate subject and getting help or seeing a professional can be seen by some as “weakness”.
2. Different cultures approach healthcare in myriad ways, and the same goes for mental healthcare. Religion and spirituality may help some patients be more in touch with their minds and bodies, while others may feel excluded and misunderstood. Certain cultures may influence the way people view wellness, or what is considered “normal”. Mental illness may be understood as a punishment by a higher power or a gift!
