Cultural Identity Issues
Cultural issues cover a broad range of concerns including race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and disability. Culture is a term that we use to refer to beliefs and customs employed by a particular group. Cultural identity issues have a relationship to mental health both in terms of different attitudes to wellbeing, self, personality and family, as well as issues surrounding struggles with identity and feelings of belonging. It can be difficult to find your place in two different worlds and to feel that you are accepted when you are a minority in one.
Who might have difficulties with their cultural identity?
Some people experience confusion about their identity as first or second generation immigrants, especially where their upbringing was different from their ethnic and cultural background or that of their parents. It can be hard growing up different in a majority culture, or not being able to identify with the culture of their background. Meeting the expectations of two different cultures can put pressure on the individual. Immigrants and their children may struggle with adjustment or experience discrimination in such areas as school, work and other closed communities.
"In some cultures, the stigma around mental health conditions is even greater than it is in the culture at large"
People with mixed-race backgrounds may also have issues with cultural identity. A 2014 report – Mixed Experiences – growing up mixed race: mental health and wellbeing – found that those with mixed-race backgrounds were more at risk of mental health issues because of their struggle to develop an identity.
There may also be specific challenges in mental health diagnosis and treatment because of different cultural understandings of mental health, the role of family and religion. In some cultures the stigma of mental health is even greater than it is in the culture at large.
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How can therapy help?
Therapy is not one size fits all, but you can find a therapist who is sensitive to cultural diversity and difference and/or familiar with your ethnic background and language.
You can look for a therapist who speaks your language using the Welldoing directory; you can also use our questionnaire to filter by therapist ethnicity and/or religion.
Your therapist will be able to support you, whether your feelings are related to issues around your cultural identity or a different, underlying problem.
In his piece on choosing a therapist, Welldoing therapist Jubriel Hanid gave his arguments for why difference might actually be a good thing:
1. You cannot judge a book by its cover
This may be a cliche, but probably because it’s true. Appearance is skin deep. When choosing a therapist, try to consider that you may have preconceptions based on appearance, that are not necessarily true. You may have more in common than you think, like a similar upbringing, perhaps in a city, the suburbs, or a rural setting.
2. The value of different perspectives
Different perspectives are not just relevant to gender, but any difference offers the opportunity to have things reflected back to you in a different way, e.g. class; ethnicity, neurotype, etc, which can lead to real insight. Step out of your echo chamber, and see what happens.
3. Change comes through disruption
Think of revolutions, where, out of the chaos, comes something new, and potentially better.
4. Break old habits
Therapy is about breaking habits that aren’t working for us. In relationships, we may be drawn to similar partners, we know haven’t necessarily worked for us in the past. Why should therapeutic relationships be any different?
So I would urge you to take the plunge and try something different. After all, we therapists are trained. We are taught robust techniques to hold and support our clients, whoever they may be."
Last updated August 9 2024
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Home and belonging
A therapist on identity and belonging
How society affects our cultural identity
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