The Negative Impact of Filipino Cultural Values on Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial component of an individual’s overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, many cultural values and beliefs perpetuated in the Philippines can pose a threat to the mental health of Filipinos. These cultural values can create a significant impact on mental health, leading to severe consequences such as anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
The concept of “pakikisama,” or the need to conform to the group, is a core value in Filipino culture. This value emphasizes the importance of group harmony and the belief that one’s happiness is best achieved by conforming to the expectations of the group. This cultural value can lead to immense social pressure and can negatively affect mental health. For example, the pressure to conform to societal expectations of success and the fear of disappointing one’s family can cause individuals to feel overwhelmed, leading to anxiety and depression.
Similarly, the cultural value of “hiya,” or the fear of shame or embarrassment, can also have a detrimental effect on mental health. This cultural value instills the belief that one must maintain a good reputation, avoid shame, and conform to societal expectations. This can lead to a fear of failure, avoidance of risk-taking, and an overemphasis on external validation. The pressure to maintain one’s reputation can create a constant fear of being judged, leading to heightened anxiety.
Moreover, the cultural value of “delikadesa,” or acting in a dignified manner, can also negatively affect mental health. This cultural value promotes the importance of presenting oneself with modesty and grace, which can lead to a suppression of feelings and emotions. This disconnection from emotions can lead to an inability to regulate one’s emotions, resulting in increased anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues such as ulcers and high blood pressure.
In conclusion, while these cultural values are essential to Filipino culture, they can have a negative impact on mental health. It is crucial to recognize the impact of these cultural values on mental health and find ways to address them. Mental health professionals should acknowledge these values and provide culturally sensitive care to their clients. Additionally, the Filipino community must begin to have open conversations about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. The first step towards creating a positive change is to begin these conversations and increase awareness about the impact of cultural values on mental health.
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