Published January 15th, 2026
By Dr Valerie Oji, BCPP, FAAPP

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• Cultural Syndromes: Symptom patterns recognized as distressing within a culture, though they may not necessarily fit neatly in Western medicine diagnoses or descriptions (e.g., AU Fear/Fleeing, Koro, etc.). 

• Cultural Idioms of Distress: Descriptive terms or phrases for stress or suffering  (e.g., "nerves," “wahala", “finna lose it”,  etc.)

• Cultural Explanations of Distress: Health Beliefs regarding causes and features of illness with a cultural lens. Identifying and interpreting distress from perceived or actual trauma; also identifying misinterpretations and mindset differences cross-culturally (e.g., faith/spiritual beliefs, social factors, differing perspectives).

Why Discuss Culture and Mental Health/Wellness?

• Self-Care, Coping & Personal Growth: Can facilitate personal understanding, value, healing and purpose. 

• Avoid Misunderstanding and Misdiagnoses: Could more accurately identify significant problems, avoid unnecessary, ineffective treatments.

• Appropriate Treatments: Helps find and focus on solutions, recovery, treatments aligned with cultural strengths. 

Open to any relevant resources? Here are a few examples… (DM for more info)

• Taking mental health medications? Try a Comprehensive Medication Review/Consult 

• Considering nonpharmacological (non-medication) options? Explore Therapy, EFT, etc. 

• Faith/Spirituality personally significant? Check out Spiritual Care Resources, try Self-Care,  etc., or read Hybrid Blessings book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL2XGTFP

Read the original article on LinkedIn by clicking here.