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Chris_B Welcome to the Multicultural Experiences section
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, Welcome to the Multicultural Experiences section, a sub-forum within the wider beyondblue forum community. beyondblue acknowledges and respects the diversity of communities across Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islande... View more

Hi everyone, Welcome to the Multicultural Experiences section, a sub-forum within the wider beyondblue forum community. beyondblue acknowledges and respects the diversity of communities across Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Australians. beyondblue also recognises the complexities of identity and that people may identify with more than one community. Depression, anxiety and suicide can affect any of us at any time – regardless of our culture or background. We also know that a range of factors can make it harder for people in some communities to seek and access support. This section is for members born overseas, are the children of parents born overseas, have a language other than English as your primary language, or come from a family with mixed cultural heritage. Please be aware that posts in this forum may contain discussions of suicide, self-harm and/or traumatic life events. As per our community rules, please be mindful when posting about the level of detail you share on these topics as it can be upsetting for other members. We look forward to hearing your stories. Become a Multicultural Correspondent Are you from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background? Are you interested in being a regular contributor to this section? We are seeking members who will actively participate in discussions and start up new threads on topics of interest to CALD communities (6-10 quality posts per week). Please get in touch with our team to discuss.

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Donte Dead or Alive
  • replies: 2

People have various beliefs and views about death and dying and the responses to the end of life vary from individual to individual. Even within the same cultural and religious groups not everyone views death the same. Not two people grieve in the sa... View more

People have various beliefs and views about death and dying and the responses to the end of life vary from individual to individual. Even within the same cultural and religious groups not everyone views death the same. Not two people grieve in the same way. Death is and has always been a mystery in every culture and era throughout history. From the day we become aware of ourselves and the world around us we realize that everything comes to an end. Plants, animals, day, night, seasons and people are not exempt from this natural order. Religions, philosophies, literature, art, music etc has tried to encapsulate this experience and provide answers to the human condition. Death is feared by many and celebrated by others. Some view it as the end, others as another beginning. No matter what our belief is, one thing is for sure, on the day we die a lot of things will happen. Nothing will remain the same. The world won't stand still of course. But we won't be attending any of the important appointments and arrangements we made. The many ideas, dreams and plans we had yet to complete will remain forever undone. We won't need the calendar or diary or smartphone anymore to dictate and remind us our next move. Clothes, money, property, furniture, cars etc and whatever we worked hard for will swap hands. We won't care anymore about the criticisms and judgements that people put on us. We won't be answering any messages and texts. Calls will go unanswered. Nothing will be urgent anymore. We won't worry about our waistline or hairline or frown lines or our image, and reputation. All the anxieties, the pain and depression, the panic attacks and suffering that stole sleep from us will be rendered powerless. But, above all, on the day that we die, the few people who really know and truly love us will grieve deeply. They will feel a void. A part of them will died as well. I know this from those I love and grieve over. So I try to remember that my time is finite and I do my best not to waste a second of it. I don't want to be robbed of the joy of living NOW with those who love me and want only to share it with me. I don’t want to miss the chance to laugh, sing, dance with them, while I can. Yes, we all going to die one day. But before that day comes let us live, every day, every moment. Mental anxiety, depression and sadness, fear, stress, emotional pain can steal our joy and peace and make us truly unhappy and miserable. Let's not let them steal our life away.

Donte What's suicide in your language?
  • replies: 19

Many people from various cultural groups do not talk about suicide. It is commonly believed that if we mention the word suicide we will give ideas to people who may be vulnerable and they may start considering taking their own lives. Many religious f... View more

Many people from various cultural groups do not talk about suicide. It is commonly believed that if we mention the word suicide we will give ideas to people who may be vulnerable and they may start considering taking their own lives. Many religious families and groups won't disclose when a member commits suicide out of shame, guilt, fear and embarrassment as many religions claims that taking one's life is sinful and the person who commits suicide will go to eternal damnation. In many cultures, priests and religious leaders refuse to bury people inside the cemetery walls if the deceased had taken their own life. Many grow up in a culture of stigma perpetuated by religious dogma. So how do we start this difficult conversation with people to help them with managing negative feelings, and initiate steps to making positive changes? Especially when no one community is the same and there is great diversity within each culture and their subcultures and groups within them.Before starting the conversation we would need to understand the risks factors and vulnerabilities to suicide, fear and stigma associated with mental health problems, varying traditions when discussing sensitive subjects and concerns around confidentiality.The migration process can be challenging for many as it involves considerable changes to physical, social, cultural and economic environments. If someone has escaped war, or being a victim of trauma or torture, their levels of stress may be higher and may greatly impact on the development of suicidal behavior. The process of change experienced when living in a new country has been linked to stress and emotional problems including anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, alienation and low self-esteem. Additionally, experiencing racism and discrimination upon arrival to a new country may lead to further isolation and withdrawal which could exacerbate mental health issues. Many things can stop people from seeking help including language barriers, limited knowledge about available services and resources and how to navigate these, stigma, religious beliefs and concerns about confidentiality, especially in certain communities when everyone knows everybody. So what's suicide in your language? How do you start this difficult chat with someone? And where do you go for help? Would the same things that applied back in your country at the time of your migration be relevant here? Let's talk suicide, shall we?

Stompy Dysthymia not treated over ten or more years.
  • replies: 5

Dysthymia destroyed my life. I recently had an IQ test and all other tests you could come up with, showed no physical or intellectual impairments within me. In fact, my IQ is higher than 100 (just average, I know) despite the 5 hours of sleep before ... View more

Dysthymia destroyed my life. I recently had an IQ test and all other tests you could come up with, showed no physical or intellectual impairments within me. In fact, my IQ is higher than 100 (just average, I know) despite the 5 hours of sleep before the day. The psychologist who conducted the test said my intelligence shouldn't have been an issue to finish the university degree (in Mathematics and Economics). I still could not accept the fact that Depression was an hindrance to completion of the degree. My dysthymia, or prolonged mild depression turned into a serious clinical depression since last year, and I turned 30 this year. I was first diagnosed with Depression by GP ten or more years ago. Back then I was an international student and the medical fees were ridiculously expensive, though I had an oversees student health cover. I originally came from South Korea and my parents were both physically and verbally abusive and I was never diagnosed or treated before the first visit to this Australian GP. I was also badly abandoned and neglected by my home-stay families in Australia. She put me on medication and I thought that was the only solution I could have. I didn't have options to seek psychologists or psychiatrists due to limited amount of money sent by my father. I knew either of my insomnia, anxiety, agoraphobia or low level of concentration was not fixed but at least it kept me going without suicidal thoughts. I went to the university without any motivation and let the years flow... my whole ten years or more were just wasted. The GP asked a question like "how are you?" and I came up with "not bad", or "my concentration is still bad"... She was satisfied with my answer and didn't initiate further treatment over ten, goddamn years. I couldn't go back to Korea to get treated. My parents were frightening and Korea was never a place to people with depression. Just like university studies, I couldn't be committed to any kind of job or work. A few months was the longest I could handle. I don't have any referee or job experience as a result of that. I got married this year to a man I have always loved since high school. I now could afford new medications and doctors but I think it's too late to start all over... I am tired. If I fail again this time, I don't know what would happen to me. I just want a normal life, having a stable job and talking about it with my friends. Is this too much to ask? I wish, I was never born.

Donte Religious or Spiritual?
  • replies: 10

The World Health Organization defined health in its broader sense in its 1948 constitution as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." And mental health as “a state of well-bein... View more

The World Health Organization defined health in its broader sense in its 1948 constitution as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." And mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.” Many view spirituality as inextricably linked to mental health and quality of life founded on the principle that spiritual needs are intrinsic to humanity. Meaningful living is linked to a sense of purpose and is at the heart of quality of life for all people. Everyone has spiritual needs regardless of faith, beliefs and religion or the lack of. Unmet spiritual needs may manifest themselves in a range of ways such as depression, anxiety, hopelessness, challenging behaviors and ongoing dissatisfaction. Being spiritually healthy is associated with increased learning, creativity and productivity, more pro-social behavior and positive social relationships, and with improved physical health and life expectancy! Mental health is about being cognitively, emotionally and socially healthy – the way we think, feel and develop relationships. Each individual defines and express the universal idea of spirituality within the context of their culture and society. But is there a way to measure the benefits of spirituality on mental health? Could spirituality contribute to the prevention of mental health conditions, and/or support people who have experienced these conditions to get as well as they can and lead full and contributing lives? Having social connections, good personal relationships and being part of a community are vital to maintaining good mental health and contribute to people's recovery, should they become unwell. However, spiritual care is often conflated with religious and pastoral care. This has caused many people to avoid spirituality altogether, leaving spiritual needs unmet, especially if they are from a culturally or linguistically diverse background. Spirituality could positively contribute to well being if it is inclusive of activities that focus on meaning, purpose and connection as well as overall resilience building. What's your experience of spirituality and how, if, it relates to your mental health?

Donte Who You Gonna Call?
  • replies: 4

Navigating the mental health system is complex for most Australians but there are additional challenges for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds which add to the complexity. How can one find comprehensive information in their... View more

Navigating the mental health system is complex for most Australians but there are additional challenges for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds which add to the complexity. How can one find comprehensive information in their native tongue for example? What happens to populations who do not have access to computers or the internet or are not computer literate and smart phone savvy? How many psychiatrists or other mental health professionals are bilingual and bi cultural? How does indirect discrimination restricts multicultural people from having full and equitable access to services? How often do mental health services consult with ethnic communities? How do we effectively engage culturally and linguistically diverse populations? How do we work with minorities within minorities e.g. people or groups who do not identify with the mainstream aspect of an ethnic culture or the dominant religion in that culture? People of diverse cultures, languages or religions may have difficulty with or cannot receive the benefits of mental health services and supports. Additionally, when family members interpret there could be breaches in privacy and confidentiality and a conflict of interest. A person-centre approach to service provision and care is pivotal to meet the diverse complex needs of various multicultural people and break stereotypes and a false sense of knowledge about a cultural group. So who you gonna call?

Donte Do you speak Gay? That's so Gay!
  • replies: 2

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer+ (LGBTIQ+) people experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, and are at greater risk of suicide, than the broader community. Same-sex attracted Australians are 3 times more likely to experi... View more

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer+ (LGBTIQ+) people experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, and are at greater risk of suicide, than the broader community. Same-sex attracted Australians are 3 times more likely to experience depression, and twice as likely to experience an anxiety condition, than heterosexual Australians. 1 in 6 LGBTIQ+ young people in Australia has attempted suicide. This number is much higher and often undocumented in culturally and linguistically diverse communities as many do not disclose their sexual orientation and keep their sexual identity hidden due to fear of persecution, stigma, shame and guilt perpetuated by cultural or religious notions. LGBTIQ+ people from non-English speaking communities or newly-arrived migrants may face additional challenges, discrimination, marginalization, taboo based on cultural or religious prejudices and be more vulnerable and disadvantaged than the mainstream LGBTIQ+ Australians. This is especially true if they belong in a collectivist culture. People from these communities may feel more pressure to fit in with conventional ideas of being male or female. Many in religious communities feel pressured or are forced to marry a person of the opposite sex. Those who don't fit the mold can be subjected to ridicule, intimidation and even physical abuse and violence. This affects the mental health of not only the victim but also the rest of the family and people around that person. Today, there is an increasing acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people in society and greater visibility in the media and public life, and the recent same-sex marriage results and subsequent change of law in Australia indicates clearly that fact, however, many LGBTIQ+ people still experience discrimination, harassment and violence at work, school, church, temple, mosque, in their home and in social situations and various settings. Many LGBTIQ+ people and their families feel shame, fear, and the impact of stigma, not only in the countries were they migrated from, where they could had been persecuted, especially if homosexuality is still criminalized there, and is punished (in many cases by imprisonment or death penalty), but, also in their local communities here in Australia. If you, or someone you know experiences mental distress due to their sexual identity or are a family member or friend needing support and information please call the beyondblue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.

J_M_12345 Introduction Thread
  • replies: 12

Hey everyone! My name is Josette. I live in Sydney and will be starting university early next year! I have dealt with mental illness most my life but was only diagnosed a year ago. Within the time frame of a year though I have learnt so much about my... View more

Hey everyone! My name is Josette. I live in Sydney and will be starting university early next year! I have dealt with mental illness most my life but was only diagnosed a year ago. Within the time frame of a year though I have learnt so much about my diagnoses, the best strategies to manage my condition, and heaps of self-care methods which go a long way in aiding meds to give the best possible result. Therefore I'm a strong believer in recovery, and I have so much faith that everyone with any mental illness can lead a full and fulfilling life, making a difference to the people and world around them! beyondblue was a very crucial part of my recovery, and therefore I am honoured to be part of the forums and beyondblue community. Other than beyondblue though, my interests range from reading, science, medicine and health, running and Christmas!! I live with my parents and two brothers who I love so much, and who play such a massive role in my life and my wellbeing. Can't wait to "meet" more new people via the forums, so that we share our experiences - the good times, the tough times, but most importantly, the hope that we all share as we navigate our way to lead a happy and peaceful life! xx Josette

Whattodonext Recently married but in love with my friend
  • replies: 7

I have recently married my partner of nearly 8 years and love her. We have had great times together however my relationship hasn’t been what it once was and I feel that I’m only still in it because it’s what I know and feel comfortable at this point.... View more

I have recently married my partner of nearly 8 years and love her. We have had great times together however my relationship hasn’t been what it once was and I feel that I’m only still in it because it’s what I know and feel comfortable at this point. I met a co-worker (female) a year ago and we have become really close friends inside and outside of work. We talk often and she has helped me when I had issues and felt anxious about work. In recent months we have both admitted to liking each other more than friends however we both agreed that I have a commitment and need to stick with it as I’ve only been married a few months and if we don’t end up working out then I would have left my wife and also lost a great friend. I can’t stop thinking about what life would be like with my friend and how happy we are when we are together, we have discussed what it would be like as well. She is a different culture (Muslim) to me and I would have to change somethings but I would make them changes to be with her. We have also tried to spend less time together outside of work, however this makes me feel upset and worried. I feel that I will lose a great friendship. She is single however her family are eager for her to find someone and settle down. We have tried to spend less time together to help fight urges and also to allow my friend to live her life and not worry about me and not to think about being with me. I know this doesn’t really make sense but I’m finding it hard to write down. Thank you for your help.

Hawraa Struggling for cultural sensitivity
  • replies: 5

Hey guys! My name's Hawraa (pronounced, how-rah), and mental health is something I take very personally and am very passionate about. I've had a general anxiety disorder (GAD) most of my life with memories as early as 9yrs old, I've also experienced ... View more

Hey guys! My name's Hawraa (pronounced, how-rah), and mental health is something I take very personally and am very passionate about. I've had a general anxiety disorder (GAD) most of my life with memories as early as 9yrs old, I've also experienced bouts of depression in my adult years. I have family members that have suffered with their mental health and unfortunatley the thing we all have in common is we suffered silently and ignorantly for far too long before understanding what we were experiencing and feeling. On top of that, finding the support with the cultural and religious sensitivity to help us navigate through these experiences was incredibly difficult. Personally, I've seen a great deal of mental health advocacy, and I think it's incredible. It's becoming more of a conversation and moving in the right direction. However, I fail to see much diversity in representation when mental health is indiscriminatory. I sort counselling on a few occassions and found that most of my time was explaining my culture and faith and why seemingly social norms would be triggers of shame, guilt, and anxiety. This is why this multicultural experiences forum is something I'm excited to be a part of and look forward to engaging with people on their experiences and be able to relate through the lived experiences that come with our heritege. Empathetically, Hawraa

Hayfa Is resilience a factor in positive mental health?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I know that this line may cause uncomfortable reading for some but I really think it is worth pondering being that this topic may hold true for many communities especially around the world. Literature and empirical evidence suggests that... View more

Hi everyone, I know that this line may cause uncomfortable reading for some but I really think it is worth pondering being that this topic may hold true for many communities especially around the world. Literature and empirical evidence suggests that some communities develop a characteristic resilience due to the environment they live and they adapt to that life and for most, resulting in strong mental health. This may be a product of military occupation, conflict and difficult conditions in their home countries, people have been born into these circumstances so they know no other form of living and from this one and only experience they are conditioned to live as they best they can. Of course such living conditions may go two ways in a person's health and wellbeing but generally most develop good, strong mental health from these difficult conditions and in many circumstances become active to bring about a change in circumstances. I think mental health is more likely to be compromised if one lives relatively comfortably but some type of negative circumstances or changes occur which then impact their mental health causing anxiety or depression. In my work I have spoken to many people from CALD backgrounds that have had some horrendous experiences but their mental health is strong and they keep pushing on positively. Sometimes we think that people from multicultural communities deny or stigmatise mental health but is it possible that in reality they don't have much awareness of MI because in the circumstances of their lives they haven't really encountered it? What are your thoughts?