Filipino Mental Health Culture Paper

Introduction “Culture comprises of shared beliefs values, and practices that guide a group’s members in patterned ways of thinking and acting. Culture can also be viewed as a blueprint for guiding actions that impact care, health, and well-being” (Leininger & McFarland, 2006). “Culture is more than ethnicity and social norms; it includes religious, geographic, socio-economic, occupational, ability-or disability-related, and sexual orientation-related beliefs and behaviors. Each group has cultural beliefs, values, and practices that guide its members in ways of thinking and acting. Cultural norms help members of the group make sense of the world around them and make decisions about appropriate ways to relate and behave. Because cultural norms prescribe what is “normal” and ‘abnormal,” culture helps develop concepts of mental health and illness” (Varcarolis & Halter, 2010). Discussed further will be the mental health of Filipino Americans as well as mental health information from The Philippines.
Mental Health Needs “A strong belief that spirits are a cause of physical and mental illness is prevalent throughout the Western Pacific Region, including the Philippines. The strong influence of religion on the Filipino people has however, generated a strong and positive sense of spirituality, which is considered a source of strength in the individual. Since this spirituality is actively acknowledged and practiced in communities, it is recognized as a major coping mechanism in times of social deprivation and disadvantage, crises, political upheavals, and natural and man-
Running Head: FILIPINO MENTAL HEALTH CULTURE PAPER 3 made disasters. Psychosocial intervention programs during these times often integrate a psycho-spiritual approach. It is though that the rate of successful suicide is low because taking one’s life is considered a sin (Conde, 2004).”
Family Support “The family is the basic unit of society. It is still considered to

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