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From Luke’s Journal Nov 2024 | Vol.29 No.3 | Mental Health II

Exploring Culture’s Impact on Mental Health from a Christian Perspective

The very first culture to exist from a Christian perspective is within the Trinity. Within the harmonious relationship of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we find a ‘Kingdom Culture’ where love, joy, peace, harmony, unity, freedom and truth flourish.¹ God’s intention has always been for us to enjoy this fellowship within ‘Kingdom Culture’. However, in our fallen and globalised world, culture clashes are everywhere. I’ve counselled many people who report toxic work environments, abusive family dynamics, and struggles with adjusting to new cultures after moving abroad. Understanding how culture impacts our mental health can make the difference between barely coping and truly thriving.

The Cultural Lens on Mental Health

Mental health, a vital aspect of our overall well-being, is deeply influenced by the cultural contexts we navigate daily. Culture shapes our beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes toward mental health, affecting how we perceive and address these issues. From a Christian viewpoint, understanding the interplay between culture and mental health gives us unique insights into fostering holistic well-being.

Culture is the shared values, norms, meaning, and practices of a community or organisation.² Whether within our families, workplaces, nations, or urban and rural areas, each of these unique cultures significantly influences how we interpret our experiences and cope with life’s challenges. For instance, in some profit-driven urban workplaces, there is often a neglect of workers’ mental health, whereas in rural areas, workplaces may foster a strong work ethic and encourage connectedness within small farming communities. My own research showed cultural differences in the life stories of European-Australians and Singaporean Chinese,³ with Western cultures often emphasising individualism and self-reliance, leading to a personal approach to mental health. Conversely, many non-Western societies prioritise community and familial support, resulting in different influences in how mental health issues are addressed and perceived.

“Conversely, many non-Western societies prioritise community and familial support, resulting in different influences in how mental health issues are addressed and perceived.”

Having recently returned from Timor Leste, where I was born, I witnessed firsthand how my brothers and I were raised not only by our parents but also by aunts, uncles, grandparents, and our small community in Baucau. This collective support during my formative years profoundly impacted my mental health, teaching me that my well-being is intertwined with harmonious relationships within my extended family and community. However, my children have grown up in Australia, influenced by more individualistic values. Within our own family, different generations embody dissimilar cultural values, which must be acknowledged and respected.

In many cultures, mental health stigmas persist, discouraging open discussions and seeking help.⁴ Misunderstandings and misconceptions about mental health can lead to shame and isolation.⁵ However, through the lens of Christianity, these cultural barriers can be challenged and redefined, promoting a more compassionate and supportive approach.

The Christian Perspective on Mental Health

Christianity offers a unique perspective on mental health, emphasising the intrinsic value and dignity of every individual. The Bible teaches that each person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), affirming the inherent worth of everyone, regardless of their mental health status. This belief encourages a compassionate approach, countering cultural stigmas, and promoting acceptance and support.

Christian teachings also emphasise community and bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). This aligns with the collectivist cultural approach, highlighting the church’s and community’s role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. The church can serve as a sanctuary, providing spiritual, emotional and practical support to those in need.

Culturing Mental Health by Integrating Cultural Sensitivity and Christian Compassion

Addressing mental health from a Christian perspective involves integrating cultural sensitivity with Christian compassion to create a culture of mental health and well-being. This means recognising and respecting cultural differences while applying biblical principles and the Christian worldview to promote mental health.⁶ The Apostle Paul exemplified how to engage with the culture of this world respectfully in his classic speech to the Greeks in Athens (Acts 17:10-34). His example and the principles can be summarised in four key points:

1. Cultural Awareness: Paul developed cultural awareness by being observant and knowledgeable about other cultures (Acts 17:22-28). Understanding the cultural background and experiences of individuals is crucial. This awareness helps in providing appropriate and effective support. In cultures where mental health is stigmatised, creating safe spaces for open discussions can encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgement.

2. Biblical Counselling: Paul exhorted believers to examine the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Christian counselling, grounded in biblical principles, offers a holistic approach to mental health. The Bible addresses spiritual, emotional and psychological aspects, providing comprehensive care. Incorporating cultural understanding into counselling with scriptural encouragement can enhance its effectiveness, making it more relevant and impactful.

3. Community Support: Paul, Silas, and Timothy were supported by believers in Berea (Acts 17:14-15). The Christian community plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health. Churches can organise support groups, workshops and counselling services, fostering a supportive environment. Encouraging openness and empathy within the church can significantly impact individuals struggling with mental health issues.

4. Prayer and Spiritual Practices: Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica about the spiritual practices that promote mental health: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Integrating prayer, meditation and other spiritual practices into mental health care can provide comfort and strength. These practices, rooted in Christian faith, offer hope and resilience helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys.

Conclusion

Culture profoundly impacts our mental health, shaping our perceptions and responses to mental health challenges. From a Christian perspective, integrating cultural sensitivity with biblical principles offers a compassionate and holistic approach to mental health care. By embracing cultural diversity and applying Christian teachings, we can create supportive environments of ‘Kingdom Culture’ that promote mental well-being and reflect the love and compassion of Christ. This is what I mean by culturing mental health. Through this integration, we can address mental health challenges more effectively, fostering a community where every individual is valued and supported.

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References

1. Lingenfelter, S. G. Leading Cross-Culturally: Covenant Relationships for Effective Christian Leadership. 2008. Michigan: Baker Academic.
2. Hofstede, G. Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviours, institutions and organisations across nations. 2001. Sage publications.
3. Lae, L. L. Culture, self-narratives and autobiographical memory: Using a semiotic narrative approach to investigate cross-cultural differences. 2019. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Melbourne).
4. Ahad AA, Sanchez-Gonzalez M, Junquera P. Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 May 26;15(5): e39549. doi: 10.7759/cureus.39549. PMID: 37250612; PMCID: PMC10220277.
5. Crowe, A., Averett, P., Glass, J. S., Dotson-Blake, K. P., Grissom, S. E., Ficken, D. K., & Holmes, J. Mental health stigma: Personal and cultural impacts on attitudes. Journal of Counselor Practice. 2016. 7(2), 97-119.
6. Kraft CH. Culture, worldview and contextualization. Perspectives on the world Christian movement. 1999;3:384-91.