# Curiosity on Cultural Variations on Mental Health
[[21-11-2023]] Probably because of my upcoming trip to Japan and Taiwan, I am curious about how different Asian cultures affect mental health differently. I read in [[Chapter 2, Cultural Dimensions of Psychopathology, that different cultures will frame/interpret mental illness differently.
- I wonder whether patients in Japan, Taiwan and Singapore present their symptoms similarly or differently
- What kind of Themes or Issues may surface in those cities that may be different from Singapore?
- As a case manager, what kind of challenges are unique, or similar across culture?
[[202209140829 Symptoms can be presented differently in different culture. Like my mother complain of wind pain in her legs as compared to tingling or pulling of nerve]]
In counselling, we learned about the 'Social Graces Model.' - [What are the Social Graces by John Burnham? (Explained for Students) (helpfulprofessor.com)](https://helpfulprofessor.com/social-graces/) to remind us to be culturally sensitive. Even in Singapore, there are different cultures.
![[Pasted image 20231121153257.png]]
- Related to this note [[Chapter 3 The Role of Gender, Race, and Class in Psychopathology]]
# Stigma
- [[The rise of mental health awareness – and the stigma that remains attached to certain conditions]]
- How are mental illness/health issues perceived in Taiwan, in Japan, and in Thailand?
# Social Contexts
- For example beliefs/values:
- [[Why Do the Japanese Work Long Hours - Sociological Perspectives on Long Working Hours in Japan]]
- [[Burnt Out]]
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I wrote an email to a Japanese hospital to inquire about their experience.