Every culture has a different way of looking at mental health.
For some, there remains stigma around the subject – shame, embarrassment, lack of understanding and the fear of discrimination and rejection are just some of the barriers preventing diagnosis and effective treatment – as well as family and community support.
This can be more prevalent in the workplace, and some people may fear it will affect their job prospects or security, along with negative judgment from colleagues.
A reluctance to talk to healthcare providers can result in a harder job diagnosing and assigning the correct treatment, which can result in the mindset to somatise.
Here the psychological health problems can manifest into physical problems, such as tiredness, chronic fatigue, pain, infections, anxiety and depression.
However, somatisation is not necessarily a conscious decision, although it is more likely in cultures and environments where the stigma of mental health issues prevents people recognising that they need assistance.
Driver of personal wellbeing
Positively in the UK and Europe, it is evident there is less of a stigma in receiving mental health support, which is helped greatly by government campaigns and celebrities, sports people and royalty coming forward and being open.
It has largely become more acceptable to talk about mental health, helping to reduce the silence and leading to people feeling that they can reach out for support.
Our recent Cigna 360 well-being study revealed that globally, 72% of people rate mental health as a very important influence on personal health and wellbeing, with physical health coming in a close second at 70%.
This shows a growing awareness and understanding of the impact of mental health on an individual’s overall health.
It also makes it clear that support for mental health issues is a critical component of any drive for better health and wellbeing, whether that support is provided through health services companies, employers or other means.
Social acceptance and workplace culture
In terms of diagnosis, it is time to look at the bigger picture and acknowledge that our lives are complex, particularly right now and what works on paper may not work for people’s realities.
The overall health of a person must be taken into consideration by healthcare professionals, and that is going to be a challenge for many.
Is it just the physical problem being presented or is there more to their story?
We need to recognise this is more than just physical and mental health; it is everything that makes up our world – family, friends, work-life balance, access to care, finances and home environment.
A difficulty in any one of these areas can have an immediate knock-on effect.
Once this is better understood, tailored support can be provided in all the key areas of people’s lives to create a stepping-stone towards better all-round health.
Prevention is always going to be key, however this is dependent on acceptability of one’s society and country, as well as their belief systems and workplace culture.
The growing access to virtual health solutions for mental health presents an opportunity to address this, enabling people to access the care they need from a safe space, when they need it.
Wellbeing programmes should also be introduced, providing anonymous support services, which are both well-promoted among staff and easy to access, as well as telehealth if the GP is not an option.
Do conditions vary across areas or populations?
Mental health doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of race, age, gender, geography, culture, and religion.
And although certain symptoms are common in specific mental health problems, no two people behave the same way when they are unwell.
When mental health issues manifest it can be very harmful to a person and can have a major impact on people’s ability to perform at work, engage socially and enjoy life.
It is widely recognised this can affect physical health too, with problems sleeping, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and high blood pressure some of the most common physical symptoms.
Not to mention the overwhelming feelings of depression, anxiety, sense of worthlessness and imposter syndrome that engulf many.