A Word on Cultural Competency

Recently, I've had the opportunity to begin a research project on cultural competency in mental health systems. Specifically, I am searching for culturally competent interventions for older adults of minority communities. I am fascinated to discover a rich variety of issues that come up in this area. The following lists some examples:

- Some cultures view mental illness as divine punishment.
- The word "counseling" is difficult to translate into Chinese.
- Family structure has a deep impact on individual treatment in cultures where families make
decisions for individuals.
- There seems to be higher stigma associated with mental illness in Asian and
Hispanic populations.

Another interesting difference is in help-seeking behavior. Some groups, such as African Americans, rely on traditional healing and spiritual institutions such as churches for help in mental health issues. The challenge is to reach all minority groups and to understand the cultures and subcultures within each group. This seems to me to be both stimulating and challenging to a mind-boggling degree.

As a woman of African origin, I have had a chance to experience the mental health system at several different levels. It was not until an African psych tech reached out to me in a psychiatric unit, that I finally was able to begin making an attempt at recovery. It was not until I encountered a culturally sensitive and compassionate social worker that I began to envision myself as whole. It has been a great gift to have met these two individuals.

(Source: Appendix A: Cultural Competency Survey by Asian American Family Counseling Center, funded by NMHA)
http://www.ncstac.org/content/culturalcompetency/chapter8app.pdf)

Posted by Seble Menkir

Daytime T.V. and the Clearinghouse

"Being sympathetic is not the same thing as being informed."
Sean Astin

I had a call the other day from a woman who’d learned about the Clearinghouse in an unexpected way. She was watching the Tony Danza show when the guest, Sean Astin, mentioned the Mental Health Association (our parent organization) as a resource for consumers and their families. Most people know Sean Astin as Samwise, Frodo’s number two in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is also the son of Patty Duke, an actress who battled with bipolar disorder for much of her life.

Astin was eleven when his mother received her diagnosis. He said on his web site that the actress was relieved to know that there was a name for the turmoil she’d experienced much of her life. More importantly, there were steps she could take to make her and her family’s lives better.

As an adult, Astin founded the Web site http://www.learnaboutbipolar.com/. The site contains useful information on recognizing and treating bipolar disorder, as well as tips on how families can help their relatives with bipolar disorder. He also provides information to people who have bipolar disorder and their families, by speaking around the country.

Astin has been outspoken about his experiences growing up with a parent with mental illness and made a great effort to shed more light on this disorder, dispel myths, and divest the term “bipolar” of its stigma.

The most encouraging aspect of Astin’s efforts is the idea that family members act as partners with their relatives who have bipolar disorder. Partnership between people with bipolar disorder and their families is integral to the recovery process. I know firsthand that my recovery would have been impossible without the support of my parents

“Although my Mom was the one who struggled with the symptoms, the impact of bipolar disorder was felt by my whole family,” he states on the site. “I’d like to help other families recognize the sings early so they can get the help they need.”

Astin points out that family members can act as “mirrors”, pointing out behavior that could have a negative impact on the health and relationships of the person who has the disorder.
The idea of family members engaging in equal partnership, as opposed to serving as custodians or chaperones, is one of the first steps on the road to empowerment and recovery for many consumers.

We are pleased that Sean sees us as a resource for recovery and encourage more folks to call on us when needed.

Posted by Christa Andrade