What do you think of the multicultural mental health page of the main beyondblue website?

[Donte]

Hi all,

If you are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and haven't browsed through the multicultural mental health page of the main beyondblue website, please take a moment to do so.

If you have looked at it in the past, would you please visit it again and have a fresh look? Beyondblue is hoping to revamp this page with better information and user friendly tools, and are wanting to provide information on various topics such as those listed below:

-the importance of seeking support
-demystify the language by using positive mental health terms
-clarify ideas around mental health conditions to make aware that this is common and can be supported in many different ways
-use language on the site that won’t turn people off such as worry, frustrations etc rather than ‘mental health illness’

I'd like to consult with you and ask you to have a look at the site and provide feedback on this thread as to what you think would be useful and helpful to be included on there.

Let's all work together to make this site a more user-friendly for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and maximize its usage.

Please let me know what you think. Let's share ideas and discuss. 🙂

[Mod note: this post has been updated to include a link to the page being referred to]

[Chris_B]

Hi everyone,

I used to work for the Mental Health Foundation in New Zealand, and we have a programme there called Kai Xin Xing Dong aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination around mental illness in Chinese communities.

There are a lot of resources and peer stories on the website, which I've linked to below, and the website is in Mandarin and English:

Kai Xin Xing Dong

The organisation is also currently working on similar programmes for Filipino, Indian and Korean communities in New Zealand.

[Donte]

Hi Chris,

I visited the site and I like it. Perhaps beyondblue could develop something similar in various languages. I also think that providing links to community organizations who offer services for the improvement of mental health in various languages and the activities/events they run could be useful for people of non-English speaking backgrounds who may be isolated and disadvantaged. 🙂

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Chris,

Fantastic, thank you so much for the link and for sharing 🙂

It looks really good and I like how there is information on stigma as well as links to information on discrimination, employment and friends & family. Also, I like how it seems relatively easy to navigate the site.

Thank you again,

Pepper

[Donte]

Hi Pepper,

I agree. Information on stigma and the various ways it raises its ugly head and how it can affect us is important to be included as it affects both the person living with a mental illness and the family/friends etc. Stigma is one of the most difficult things to overcome and holds people back from opening up and seeking help due to the fear of being excluded or judged or categorized with some negative label.

Thank you for bringing it up

[Donte]

Hi Hayfa,

Wondering if we could incorporate lists of bilingual/bicultural doctors, psychologists, counsellors, mental health workers and support agencies. Maybe we could have a drop down box where people can type in a language and see what's available in that language. Or search by location and find out what's available in their area?

[Hayfa]

Hi Donte'

Yes that's a very good idea that will absolutely be beneficial to multicultural support.
Thank you for this suggestion and we will soon start working on pulling it altogether.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Donte’,

Thank you so much for reading my posts 🙂

Yes, stigma is definitely one of the biggest barriers to seeking help, support and inclusion.

I think you and the other Multicultural Correspondents are doing a wonderful job by the way.

Caring thoughts,

Pepper

[Donte]

Thank you Pepper.

The more we talk about things openly, the more we destigmatize them and others can relate and see that they are not alone. Starting and continuing the conversation is a big contributing factor in breaking down stigma. I believe in the power of peer supporting and mentoring as we are all in the same boat, sharing, learning and growing together.

Thank you for your valuable contribution 🙂

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Donte’ and all,

Thank you so much for your encouraging words 🙂 I really appreciate it.

I agree with you that communication can help reduce stigma within communities. Good on you for doing your part in this respect.

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

[Donte]

Hello Hayfa,

I have visited again the website and admittedly it looks very good. Was wondering if we could add some digital story telling to include Multicultural people’s experiences on living with a mental health issue and their supports. These could take place either through mini clips of interviews or scripts, but preferably quick videos. Wondering if we could provide links to organizations and groups who provide services and supports in this space. But ultimately, would be good to hear first hand the stories of people and how migration and integration has affected their mental health.

What do you think?