Loading ...Let’s Talk Mental Health: Is Mental Health really “hush hush” in the Arab World?
Photo courtesy of Unsplash by Dan Meyers.By MacKenzie DiLeo / Arab America Contributing Writer
Ever since I can recall, I’ve been told to maintain my mental health in a variety of ways. This has included attending weekly yoga classes, eating a healthy diet, taking frequent breaks from studying, and remembering not to sweat the small stuff. While sometimes taking these measures can be easier said than done and may not always be at the forefront of my occasional break downs over the amount of stress I have for an upcoming exam, I am constantly reminded that maintaining my mental health is just as important as keeping up with my physical health.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash by Mihai Surdu.Having lived in America my entire life, I never realized that these same practices were not highly encouraged in other cultures. Even worse, I did not realize that mental health may not even be addressed in different parts of the world. Because I have been immersed in a culture that puts this topic at the forefront of conversations, realizing that this is not always the case elsewhere was a hard pill to swallow.
What does Mental Health look like in the Arab World?
Photo courtesy of Unsplash by Aan Nizal.There exists a stigma in the Arab world that mental health is a “hush-hush” topic of discussion. In other words, mental health is not addressed in the Arab world like it is in the United States. While there are issues of anxiety and depression in the Arab culture, these topics are not openly discussed nor are people aware of the practices that come along with maintaining mental health. In an interview with Dr. Adel B. Korkor of the AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health, I learned mental wellness is not well received and not well understood in Arab culture. The tremendous stigma of shamefulness regarding this topic in the Arab world is also most prevalent in men.
When visiting a friend from Syria back in the 1990s, Dr. Korkor explained how his friend had been seeing a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist told Dr. Korkor’s friend that a majority of the patients he saw were women. Having said this, even despite the quietness of the mental health issue in Arab culture, women are more likely than men to seek professional help in that department.
“Arab men don’t really go out to seek help, and they often self-medicate,” Dr. Korkor said. “There can be an enormous amount of anger and aggression, and they can take it out on their kids or spouse. They don’t really deal with their emotions in a positive way that allows them to live a healthier and normal life.”
Of course, my initial reaction to this was “why?”. Why is it that this topic that has been emphasized so much in my own culture can be drastically different in another culture? Why should one ever have to feel ashamed or belligerent about their mental well-being? While Dr. Korkor could not be completely certain, he explained that you can actually see a similar phenomenon in minority communities throughout the United States. He believes the issue resides in the fact that there is a long history of patriarchal societies across the globe, and because of this, men are expected to be strong for their families and not show any signs of vulnerability or distress.
Dr. Korkor went on to explain that in the Arab culture, it is a sign of weakness and a man would be letting his guard down if he were to tell his wife he was feeling depressed or frustrated with life. Hence, women feel more comfortable seeking help than men do. However, that is not to say that women are entirely understood or accepted for speaking up, nor do they understand the full extent of how they can maintain healthy mental health practices.
Where can we begin with Mental Health Awareness?
As I have learned, the best way to relieve stress and maintain both mental and physical health is to remain active. Beginning on May 27, the AB Korkor Foundation hosted a series of four online seminars that focused on ways to overcome mental health struggles and improve mental health. On May 27, Dr. John B. Bartholomew from the University of Texas at Austin spoke for 60 minutes about how acute bouts of exercise can reduce state anxiety and can decrease the likelihood of depression.
“How we feel about activity impacts how we feel after activity,” Dr. Bartholomew said.
According to Dr. Bartholomew, mental health is improved with regular exercise training. Each time you are active it reduces stress and anxiety. The only movement you feel good about will help you feel energized and happy. Dr. Bartholomew recommended doing a lot of little activities if completing one more intense workout at a set time is not your cup of tea. He also said to be sure to give yourself small rewards afterward, but these rewards should not be food or alcohol as that would only defeat the purpose of your exercise.
Dr. Korkor has also turned to physical exercise as his prime way of relieving stress and focusing on maintaining mental health practices. He has made running a priority in his life, and he encourages others to do the same. While people in the Arab culture typically do not exercise on a regular basis, this would be a good way to start improving both their physical and mental health. If the Arab world can begin incorporating a routine bike ride or jog outside, they would likely see a drastic improvement in mood and mental well-being. As I have learned, a 30-minute bike ride or yoga session can go a long way.
Sources
https://adelbkorkorfoundation.org/meet-our-founder/
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