Stigma Surrounding Depression in Different Cultures
Depression and Culture
Abstract
Depression progresses as the second most common disorder for causing disability in individuals since 2020. There are countless factors that affect the prevalence of depression and culture is one of them. Culture is defined as the norms and regulations put by the society, community or a group you identify with. Culture affects the diagnosis of depression through the symptoms being presented, the language used and the over-all norms of the given culture. No one culture is deemed appropriate as the results of researches do not weigh in one direction. To provide effective mental health care and an accurate diagnosis, effective and acceptable culture-appropriate language should be used. Awareness about the illness needs to be spread to break the taboo that surrounds depressive disorders in various cultures. Both collectivistic and individualistic societies have their pros and cons but to eliminate the prevalence of this disorder, one has to be evaluated and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each culture.
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