Cultural perspectives

Unfortunately, not everyone understands mental health disorders such as anxiety, and some people may have misconceptions. They can also, unintentionally, use language that people with a mental health disorder might find dismissive, offensive, or hurtful.

The stigma associated with mental health can make people with a mental health disorder feel fearful or reluctant to seek help, leading to health inequalities. Cultural issues and experiences of discrimination or prejudice can contribute further to these health inequalities.

To learn more about these issues, read the following personal stories on the Mind website.

• My culture stopped me talking about my anxiety
• Talking about mental health in Asian communities 
• Why LGBTQ+ support matters
• Disability and mental health.

The Choice and Medication website is a subscription-based source of patient information about mental health conditions. It includes medicine leaflets that have been translated into many different languages and in different formats, such as for young people, those with a learning disability, and large print and bionic reading styles for those with dyslexia, autism (ASD) and ADHD. Most of the information is freely available, although your local mental health trust is likely to have a subscription for access to the whole website.