How Culture Shapes Mental Health
Growing up, I didn’t realize how much culture influences the way we think about mental health. It wasn’t until I began studying psychology, and later social work, that I started putting words to experiences I had lived with for years.
I am the first person in my family to be born in the United States, making my parents and older siblings immigrants from other countries. My mother is Lithuanian, and I was raised speaking Lithuanian fluently. My father is Polish, although he always spoke English with me while I was growing up. Looking back, I sometimes wish I had learned Polish as well. Every time I visit my large family in Poland, I’m reminded of the language I never had the opportunity to learn early on and the connection I sometimes feel I missed because of it.
Over the years, my appreciation for culture has only grown stronger. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to several countries, many throughout Europe, and I even studied abroad in Peru during high school, where I practiced speaking Spanish for a short time. More recently, my husband moved to the United States from Ghana just a few years before I met him, introducing me to yet another rich culture and perspective. Every experience has reminded me that no two families, communities, or cultures view life in exactly the same way.
Mental health is no exception.
In many immigrant families, including my own, perseverance and sacrifice are deeply valued. My parents believed in working hard, eating nutritious food, respecting your elders, and developing discipline. From their perspective, these were the ingredients for a healthy and successful life. Conversations about anxiety, depression, or therapy, however, were not common. The belief was often that if you remained disciplined and pushed through difficult times, you would be okay.
Looking back now, I understand that these beliefs did not come from a lack of love. Rather, they were shaped by my parents' experiences, the cultures and eras in which they were raised, and the challenges they faced. At the same time, growing up in the United States exposed me to different conversations about mental health. Research shows that mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Our culture shapes how we express emotions, how we understand mental health, and whether we feel comfortable asking for help. The American Psychological Association recognizes culture as a critical factor in understanding and responding to mental health concerns.
As a social worker, this understanding has become one of the foundations of how I approach therapy. I never want someone to feel like they have to choose between honoring their culture and caring for their mental health. Instead, I want to understand the experiences and values that have shaped who they are, because healing begins with listening, not judgment.
If you have ever been told to "get over it," "move on," "stop thinking about it," or "be stronger," I want you to know that you are not alone. You deserve to have your experiences taken seriously. Seeking support does not mean you are rejecting your family or your culture. It means you are making space to care for your emotional well-being while still honoring the strengths and values you were raised with and continue to carry with you.
Our cultures provide us with identity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Healing is not about leaving your culture or your values behind. Rather, it is about carrying forward their strengths while making room for compassion, understanding, and emotional honesty.
If you have ever struggled to balance your cultural values, family expectations, and emotional well-being, you do not have to navigate that journey alone. Therapy can provide a space to honor your experiences, explore your identity, and heal in a way that respects both who you are and where you come from.
At Inner Healing Therapy, we believe that healing begins with understanding your unique story. If you are ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, we are here to support you.
Schedule a consultation or intake appointment today:
You deserve support that honors your experiences, your values, and your voice.
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