How Different Languages Address And Embrace Talking About Mental Health
Mental health is approached differently depending on language, dialect, and culture. Values, traditions, and vocabulary can impact whether and how mental health and love in other languages is discussed. Cultural sensitivity and finding the right words to address mental health concerns may help more people learn about mental health and find treatment options.
Speaking of mental health: The importance of cultural sensitivity
Talking about mental health can be both challenging and extremely important. Speaking about mental health—and often about emotions in general—can be personal. Such conversations may feel uncomfortable, particularly if cultural stigma surrounds the topic of mental health. But discussing mental health can be life-changing and even lifesaving. With open discussions about mental health, we can learn more about symptoms, disorders, effective ways to treat them, and how get help.
Views of mental health and openness about discussing it varies from culture to culture. How mental health is discussed also varies by language and dialect. Awareness of cultural and language differences may help people with mental health concerns find a culturally sensitive treatment.
Good communication about mental health has a wealth of benefits, including:
- Helping those living with mental health disorders feel understood and supported
- Empowering those living with mental health concerns to seek help
- Providing helpful information to those trying to support loved ones and friends living with mental health disorders
- Breaking down treatment barriers for mental health concerns
- Addressing taboos and stigmas surrounding mental health
- Educating society about the realities and prevalence of mental health disorders and available treatments
How mental health is often addressed in the ten most spoken languages in the world
There are hundreds of languages spoken globally, but the ten most spoken languages each have their own unique way of describing and discussing mental health.
English
English is the most widely spoken language in the world. There has been a recent effort to speak more sensitively and openly about mental health disorders in many English-speaking countries. Encouraging the public to use appropriate, accurate words when discussing the topic may help remove the stigma attached to mental health.
The English language is full of misused words regarding mental health. Educating people about conditions and correct, sensitive terminology may lead to a greater understanding of mental health and help reduce stigma. The list of mental health-related terms inappropriately used in the English language is a long one. For instance, calling someone “crazy” or “schizo” is emotionally charged and inaccurate, and fuels negative thoughts and feelings regarding mental health. A person living with obsessive-compulsive disorder is not the same as a person mistakenly called “OCD” because they’re neat and organized. Calling someone “bipolar” because they’re moody is also inaccurate, as a person with mood swings is not necessarily living with bipolar disorder. Saying something is “depressing” is not the same as living with depression. Experiencing anxious feelings from time to time is common, but it does not necessarily equate to having an anxiety disorder.
“Suffering” from a mental health disorder is no longer considered the most accurate way to describe it, as mental illness does not equate to living a life of hardship without relief. Effective treatments are available.
Talking more sensitively about mental health and using accurate language may play a positive role in how we view and understand mental health conditions. People living with mental health concerns—and the English-speaking public—can learn more about mental health disorders and may feel more empowered to seek and support treatment.
Mandarin
Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world. Research has shown that people are not familiar with the causes, treatments, and prevention of mental illness in many areas where Mandarin is spoken. Many people may be hesitant to discuss the topic of mental health because it can be viewed as “taboo,” embarrassing, or a sign of weakness.
There can be a strong emphasis on intergenerational family in many Mandarin-speaking communities. Some people may feel that stigma related to mental illness will affect them and their families. Therefore, they may be hesitant to discuss mental health or seek treatment. However, in recent years, China has made efforts to break down barriers that may prevent people from getting care, including introducing a mental health law calling for more mental health care and awareness.
Hindi
Hindi ranks third globally as the most common language spoken. It is one of 22 official languages spoken in India. Research shows that while speaking about mental health tends to be uncommon in Hindi-speaking areas, over fifty derogatory or demeaning terms are used to describe people living with mental health conditions.
There are also misconceptions that people who experience mental health disorders may be untrustworthy, incompetent, or irrational. A lack of accurate terminology about mental illness may also be present in or near areas where Hindi is spoken. For instance, the words “mental health” and “depression” are not included in most of India’s twenty-two languages.
Spanish
Spanish is the fourth most common language spoken in the world. There are several phrases in Spanish that may indicate a hesitancy in discussing mental health. For example, “La ropa sucia se lava en casa” means “The dirty laundry is washed at home.” This symbolic phrase indicates that feelings are meant to be dealt with at home, not in public.
Another example is “Al mal tiempo, buena cara,” which means “In bad times, put on a good face” or “To put on a brave face.” There can be value in putting on a brave face and being strong or resilient. But if a person is living with a mental health concern, knowing there is no weakness in seeking help can be a powerful step to healing. Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength and courage.
French
French is the fifth most common language spoken in the world. In French conversation, mental health is largely considered a discreet topic. However, in France, the government recently announced that it will fund mental healthcare treatment. This movement has come amid a growing awareness, concern, and communication about mental health and an increase in people living with mental health disorders.
Arabic
Arabic ranks sixth on the list of most commonly spoken languages globally. It is the official language of 26 countries. Research shows that little is known about mental health in many Arabic-speaking countries, possibly because the topic isn’t commonly discussed. Research also shows that mental health resources are usually scarce in Arabic-speaking countries. Arabic-speaking families often view the experience of having a loved one with a mental illness as a source of fear, loss, embarrassment, or disgrace. They may face the situation with feelings of isolation, secrecy, despair, or helplessness.
Bengali
Bengali is the seventh most spoken language in the world. Mental health is not often talked about in Bengali-speaking communities. Those living with mental illness often feel isolated and experience their mental health condition in silence. There are also some superstitions regarding mental health disorders. For instance, some Bengali superstitions attribute mental illness to evil spirits.
Finding culturally sensitive language to explain that mental health concerns stem from biological and psychological circumstances may lead to a greater understanding.
Russian
Russian ranks number eight on the list of most spoken languages. Often, mental health disorders have been ignored in Russian-speaking communities. However, with the popularity of social media, younger generations in Russia have begun communicating online about normalizing mental health discussions and advocating for better mental wellness.
Historically, medical doctors treated mental health disorders in in-patient settings instead of mental health professionals offering treatment in community-based settings. The idea of recovery was not widely accepted, but with culturally sensitive communication, people in Russian-speaking communities may be able to understand the effectiveness of treatment better.
Portuguese
Portuguese is the ninth most common language in the world. Brazil has the highest number of Portuguese speakers. Since 1970, there have been changes in the mental healthcare system in Brazil. For instance, there are now more community-based treatment options. There are also more trained mental health professionals. However, there is a disparity between which socioeconomic groups have mental healthcare. People in higher-income areas may know and talk more about mental health.
In contrast, those in other areas may not have information about mental health disorders and resources for treatment. In Portugal, people speak enough about mental health disorders that studies have determined that over 30% of Portuguese citizens will experience mental illness in their lifetime. However, the same research shows that primary care and community-based care do not adequately address mental health needs.
Indonesian
Number ten on the list of the world’s most spoken languages is Indonesian. In Indonesia itself, the stigma surrounding mental illness is common. “Pasung” is an Indonesian word related to treating mental health disorders. It refers to confining and restraining people who are living with mental illness. A proposed reason for the practice of pasung is to keep the patient and community safe. Research in Indonesia suggests that contact with those living with mental health disorders may help with destigmatization.
“Mental health literacy” in different languages
There are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today. Vocabulary, dialect, and cultural norms can affect talking about mental health. Language can significantly impact “mental health literacy”—or the understanding of mental health and resources for treatment. Cultural differences, including language, can affect how people perceive mental health conditions. Being culturally sensitive can improve mental health outcomes. Awareness of how different languages and cultures address mental health may help compassionately improve quality mental healthcare services.
Talking about mental health in therapy
If you or a loved one lives with a mental health concern, please reach out for help. At BetterHelp, you can connect with a culturally sensitive, licensed mental health professional who is a good fit for you. Compassionate support that considers your background is available. Through BetterHelp, you can find affordable mental health care from the safety of your home or anywhere you have a reliable internet connection.
Research shows that online therapy can be very effective. It may even be as effective as traditional in-person therapy, offering more convenient treatment for those who might not otherwise seek it. Through BetterHelp, you can find support to achieve better mental health.
Takeaway
How does language help mental health?
A large part of finding the mental health services and support you need can be having the words to properly express your feelings. For example, most of India’s twenty-two languages do not include the words that translate to “mental health” or “depression”. If someone were experiencing these conditions, not having the words to explain it could cause them to be misunderstood or without treatment altogether.
How does language affect the perception of mental illness?
The way we describe mental health conditions can greatly affect our perception of them. For instance, referring to mental illnesses as “mental health problems” can direct judgment towards the person experiencing these concerns instead of recognizing that that person is experiencing a real illness that requires legitimate treatment from mental health care professionals.
Does language matter when talking about mental health?
Language can matter when discussing mental health for a variety of reasons. For starters, having the right language to describe the details and context of the condition can be critical in determining suitable treatment. Additionally, the words we use to describe mental health conditions can create stigmas or lead to discrimination, potentially making it more difficult for individuals to find the courage to seek help. For instance, if your family describe someone you know with a mental illness as a “mental patient”, you might resist seeking treatment for your own mental health concerns over fear of receiving a similar label.
How can language barriers affect mental health?
There are many nuances in how different languages address mental health. If certain languages don’t have accurate words to describe what someone is feeling, it can make it more difficult to find the appropriate treatment or psychiatric services. Additionally, language barriers could make it difficult to take advantage of available treatment. For example, when public health initiatives are funding mental health services in a country that primarily speaks a language other than your own, you may not receive the same benefits as someone who does speak the same language, or you might avoid taking advantage of this treatment altogether.
How does speaking multiple languages benefits the brain?
According to the National Institutes of Health, people who speak more than one language exhibit the following outcomes:
- Increased ability to multitask
- More focused attention
- Better memory
Additionally, Michigan State University reports that bilingual speakers can also benefit from:
- Better self-control
- Better problem- and puzzle-solving skills
- Decreased risk of Alzheimer’s
How is language used in therapy?
Talk therapy and other psychiatry services can primarily rely on spoken or written language to understand the mental health challenges occurring in the patient, diagnose mental illnesses, and develop treatment plans. Without accurate language to describe what one is feeling, it can be more difficult and take more effort to find a treatment option that helps alleviate symptoms.
How does language help emotional development?
Humans use language as a way of understanding and interacting with the world around them. As children learn language throughout the course of their lives, they can also learn how to interact socially and how to manage their own emotions. According to research, people who can better express their emotions often have an easier time managing them.
How do languages boost your brain?
According to research, bilingual people may have an increased number of neurons and dendrites in their brain compared to those who only speak one language. Research suggests they might also have stronger communication between their brain’s different regions, potentially leading to better learning abilities and overall functioning.
How does language affect mindset?
Although humans are able to think about concepts for which we don’t have exact words to describe (very specific colors, for instance), language can still play a role in influencing the way we think. For example, using stereotyped or biased language to describe certain concepts may shift the way we think about those things and how we perceive the world in general.
Do people who speak different languages think differently?
Many languages have large commonalities, but there may be certain concepts within a language that cause its speakers to perceive the world differently from those who speak another language. For instance, in English we have words to describe red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, brown, black, white, and gray. Other languages have entirely different words for dark blue and light blue; however, this doesn’t mean that everyone who only speaks English can’t see a difference between those two colors. Similarly, some languages only have two words for color—translating into “dark” and “light”—and all English colors fall into one category or the other. This doesn’t mean they can’t see the difference between blue and green, but they may think of them differently than English speakers do.
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