Japanese society has a different perspective on coping with mental health issues, emphasizing the connection between cultural practices and the Japanese approach in mental health. Based on mental health studies, comparative psychology, and psychiatry, research shows that culture significantly influences individual problems. In Japan, traditional approaches often prioritize community and social harmony, which contribute to effective strategies for coping with life’s challenges and stress. Each culture has its unique methods, and in Japan, these practices are integral to fostering resilience and overall well-being.
Values and traditions shape cultural influences. Community health, psychological, and spiritual care play crucial roles in supporting members. Messages conveyed in the media and the support provided by community members can also impact well-being. The Japanese approach in mental health highlights the importance of these communal connections, especially in family relationships, friendships, and interactions with professionals.
Cultural Influences on Emotional Well-Being
Cultural influences continue to shape our values and traditions. The psychological and spiritual care available to community members affects how individuals feel. The Japanese approach in mental health emphasizes the interconnectedness of social support, demonstrating that community dynamics play a vital role in emotional resilience.
Defining Mental Health Disorders Across Cultures
Mental health disorders receive different definitions depending on the culture. For example, in Western countries, discussions about “depression” have become more common in recent years. However, in Japan, when someone shows similar symptoms, others often refer to their condition as “melancholy.” This reflects the Japanese approach in mental health, which prioritizes cultural context in understanding emotional states.
In the West, it is interesting that there are “medicalized” states of sadness (more or less severe). Others can experience a serious state of sadness that is more than others.
When sadness is prolonged, the Japanese name it jibyōthat (jibyō). A possible meaning is “to carry an ailment,” which does not refer to a sense of an illness but causes an ailment. Jibyō can not only cause melancholy or sadness but also other effects.
This state is not limited to physical symptoms such as headaches, stiffness in the shoulders, constipation, hip pains, vertigo, fatigue, sleep problems, drowsiness, and nervousness. According to the Japanese, a vulnerable person will have jibyō. This is when feeling low, having a difficult time, having economic problems, or being sentimental.
Western (vs Japanese) Society’s Approach in mental health
Each society has its way of relating to others. The Japanese approach in mental health tends to be more collectivist than Westerners. It is important in Western culture to value individual self. In this environment, the ” self ” is understood as someone distinct from others. In non-Western cultures, an individual belongs to a group.
Thus, in Western individuals, negative feelings are associated with low self-esteem or negative beliefs about oneself. On the contrary, in non-Western societies, it is usually interpreted as a lack of adjustment of the individual to a specific group.
Different Perspectives on Depression
In the West, cognitive and motivational deficits attributed to depressive states create ideas of despair or suicide in individuals. The person with depression can appear as isolated, distinct, and unique. A depressive person makes their assessments of each experience or situation.
For this reason, Western psychology tends to focus on the individual in contrats to the Japanese approach in mental health. They also look for ways to change their mental schemes, their anxiety level, or how they relate to each other.
Group Dynamics in Japanese Mental Health
The Japanese interpretation is different. Individuals make sense of their actions in terms of interactions in each situation. As part of the group dynamics, each individual understands where they belong.
However, for the Japanese, being thin or overweight is understood through the lens of the Japanese approach to mental health, which emphasizes knowing the group to which the individual belongs. Therefore, whenever these problems appear, it is considered a dysfunctional relationship within the group (or the society to which the individual belongs) that causes this eating disorder. The focus is not so much on the person but the context in which they develop their actions.
Exploring Morita Therapy
In another post (Morita therapy to treat mental health problems in Japan), we will discuss how to understand mental health problems differently. It is possible to develop different therapies used in the West.
Information source
Llewelyn, S., & Shimoyama, H. (2012). Working with CBT across Cultures in Clinical Psychology with Particular Reference to Japanese Clinical Psychology. Japanese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 12(3), 415-421.
