Reflection–cultural constructions of mental health and illness Assessment

Assessment 1: Reflection–cultural constructions of mental health and illness

1. 2 Definitions of each (150 words)

Mental Health :

1. A state of prosperity where a person realizes his capabilities, is able to handle general life stresses, works constructively and contributes competently to his community (Fusar-Poli et al., 2020)

1. The concepts of positive mental health and well-being are not the same necessarily. A person having good mental health may not have good well-being as well or vice versa (Keller, 2019)

Mental Illness :

1. According to Mental Health Act 2014 s.4it is a medical condition that is distinguished by substantial disruption of memory, mood, perception or thought.
2. Any illness which causes a psychological disturbance or encourages any behavioural disruptions compared to the general population is regarded as Mental Illness

Mental Disorder:

1. Mental disorder is any particular form of mental illness that affects an individual’s psychological or behavioural daily routine, causing distressing symptoms including safety concerns (Sari et al., 2023)
2. Any significant enough clinical disturbance in behaviour, cognition or emotional in nature, usually impacting the common functioning due to distress (WHO, 2022)

Mental Health Issues :

1. Any issues which are related to or are affecting the cognition or behaviour of an individual and most probably would need treatment or strategies to improve to spend a fruitful life.
2. The perception of mental health issues in some cultures and societies uses non-traditional methods which challenge the effectiveness of traditional medicines used in the western world to treat mental health issues.
3. Critically reflect on the similarities and differences between these definitions, highlighting which perspective (i.e., western medical, social, cultural, religious) has influenced which definition. (250 words)

Mental Health:

Similarity:  Mental health is a general vague term for having a healthy life where a person should enjoy a fruitful and contented life while socialising with others, generally in every culture, religion and western medical perspective.

Differences:  In some cultures, positive mental health is not necessarily a sign of good well-being A social and cultural perspective in some societies considers a person having some kind of mental health issues as divine.

Mental illness:

Similarity:  Western medical and social perspective considers mental illness as any illness or medical condition which causes a significant or considerable interruption in any form of cognitive deficiency.

Differences:  In contrast to western medical perspective, in different cultures or religious fraternities, mental illness might be regarded as a punishment or the will of god.

Mental disorder:

Similarity:  

Social and cultural similarity: It is any particular type of mental disorder that is affecting the daily or general routine of an individual, affecting his/her daily life or the life of the individuals connected with that person or of society, in general.

Differences:  

The treatment of any particular mental disorder in western medical treatment options compared to the sociocultural methods. The perception, narrative, expectations of treatment and the end results are diverse in different religions and cultures (Bailey et al., 2019). 

Mental Health Issues:

Similarity: In every culture and religion any mental health issue is endeavoured to be treated by the family, society or the administration (although, maybe only to obtain political gains). But the stigma of openly affirming mental health issues is a big taboo in some societies, religions and cultures.

Difference:

The perception of mental health issues differs in different cultures where the use of non-traditional methods challenges the effectiveness of western medicines, used to treat mental health issues (Sankoh et al., 2018).  

3. Explain how and why these differences could influence your consumer-centred mental health practice. (100 words)

One of the main reasons is the difference in religion and culture, influencing the consumer-centred mental health care practice. It can vastly be due to legal complexities that may arise if any issues are raised by the consumers. The Australian law, providing patients the “Right-to-choose” the treatment options or gender-based options are sometimes too complicated for the nurses and other professionals to decide or conclude whether to provide the required appropriate consumer-centred care or just provide what the patient wants. Consumers from different religions, CALD or social backgrounds can be a real challenge for the nurses to provide consumer-centred care in such an environment.