Culture and mental health resilience in times of COVID-19

This paper aims to clarify the role of culture as a public good that serves to preserve mental health. It tests the evolutionary hypothesis that cultural consumption triggers a microeconomic mechanism for the self-defense of mental health from uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic offers a natural experiment of cultural consumption under increased uncertainty. Using primary data from a pilot survey conducted online during the pandemic and applying Probit and Heckman selection models, the study analyzes levels of happiness and propensity to help others. The results suggest that past consumption of culture is associated with higher happiness levels during crises. Moreover, spontaneous cultural practices (such as group singing) during times of uncertainty are associated with an increase in the pro-social propensity to help others. These findings highlight culture as a tool for promoting mental health at the micro level and social capital resilience at the aggregate level.

Severe post-traumatic disorder leading to failure of passing asylum interview—a case report

Background Asylum applicants can benefit from psychiatric evaluation which can explain how culture and mental health symptoms relate to perceived deficits in credibility. Case presentation Ms. B presented for psychiatric evaluation, seeking asylum in the USA after multiple threats on her life in Honduras. At initial evaluation, she was diagnosed with depression. On reevaluation, she was found to have panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recommendations included an anxiolytic medication and the use of pre-written statements upon interview. However, Ms. B was sent back to her country of origin despite her severe mental symptoms. Conclusion Post-traumatic disorder scales should be used by mental health professionals especially with patients who are not forthcoming about past trauma history to avoid missing this diagnosis. There is a need to inform immigration officials and lawyers about the necessity of accommodating clients’ needs to appropriately present themselves in asylum interviews.

Young Adults' Mental Illness Aesthetics on Social Media

Social media posts expressing mental illness such as depression are trending in today's society. The aesthetics of dark and depressing posts are highlighted in blogs or social media accounts of young individuals. Consequently, this study investigated why young people use mental illness as an aesthetic on social media. On top of that, this study contributes to the limited body of research on this subject. This study applied a method known as netnography, an analysis of social interactions online. Furthermore, the actor-network theory (ANT) was employed as an analytical tool to explore insights and draw conclusions. Seven mediators were identified as possible causes that prompted mental illness aesthetic use, including Tumblr, media, attention seekers, coping mechanism, victimhood, emo culture, and mental health awareness. These findings provided insights into developing interventions and systematic methods to discuss mental illness properly. This study also identified current challenges in social media research regarding mental illness detection.

Working with Cultural Mediators

While Western mental health professionals are working to provide assistance to displaced populations around the world, it is important to take a step back and consider the unique contexts in which this work is done (Nicolas et al., .International Journal of Culture and Mental Health 8:34–45, 2015).

Book Review - The Latino American: Psychodynamic Perspectives on Culture and Mental Health Issues

Understanding and working with culturally diverse populations is an important component of counseling and allied helping professions. Many professionals receive some training as a part of their graduate programs on multiculturalism, but this is only the beginning and typically scratches the surface. From this point, professionals are expected to continue their awareness and learning about the needs and issues of the people they serve; for some this includes expanding their understanding of ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse individuals. Professionals wanting to better understand the experience, perspectives, and mental health concerns of Latino Americans may find this edited book informative and of value in helping them achieve this goal. The book, The Latino American: Psychodynamic Perspectives on Culture and Mental Health Issues, is comprised of 10 chapters and topics (i.e. immigration history, child-rearing, gender roles) as explained by a number of contributors. Keywords: Latino, Latino American, Culture, Mental Health, Counseling