Anticipating And Addressing Mental Health Challenges In Multicultural Families

Living in a multicultural family can come with a unique set of challenges, some of which may affect mental health. In a multicultural family, each parent may have different cultural values, beliefs, and practices, which can sometimes cause misunderstandings and conflicts. Or, children in multicultural families may struggle with forming their identity, leading to potential stress and anxiety. Lived experiences of discrimination also often impact mental well-being. We’ll share some strategies for addressing such mental health challenges in multicultural families below.

What mental health challenges might multicultural families face?

Mental health challenges in multicultural families may stem from a mix of cultural, social, and economic factors. While each family is unique, let’s take a closer look at some common challenges many may face.

Challenges related to cultural identity

Cultural identity conflicts can arise when family members struggle to balance their heritage with the culture they live in, or to balance the culture of one parent with the culture of another. This can lead to a sense of not fully belonging to either culture, to interpersonal conflict, or to other challenges. For instance, research suggests that multiracial individuals may be at higher risk of mental health difficulties, which can be the result of perceiving that they don’t fully belong to either culture and/or because of racism and discrimination.

As another example, children of immigrants may face pressure to fit into the local culture at school while their parents may reinforce customs from their country or culture of origin at home. Or, one parent may have certain expectations for the way the child should dress or act which may conflict with the other parent’s wishes and/or the child’s desires for themselves.

Language barriers

Language barriers may also affect mental health in multicultural families. When family members are not all fluent in the same languages, communication challenges may arise, leading to misunderstandings. 

For example, immigrant parents who don't speak the local language may find it harder to support their children's education or interact with teachers and mental health professionals. Children might take on the role of translators in such cases, which can be stressful. Or, children in multicultural families might not speak the native language(s) of their parents or grandparents, which could lead to misunderstandings or trouble connecting.

Discrimination and prejudice

Discrimination and prejudice against certain groups can significantly affect mental health as well. Experiences of racism, xenophobia, and/or ethnic stereotyping might lead to fear, anger, anxiety, a sense of helplessness, or other challenges. For example, a child who faces bullying at school due to their ethnicity could develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Parents may also experience discrimination in the workplace or out in the world, affecting their overall well-being and ability to provide for their families. Race- or ethnicity-based microaggressions can also accumulate and cause harm to an individual’s mental health over time.

Intergenerational conflicts

Intergenerational conflicts can develop when different generations within a family hold differing values and beliefs. These often occur in immigrant families, when children adopt some cultural norms of their new environment while parents may adhere to traditional values from their country of origin. They could also occur as a result of different cultural expectations held by a grandparent, a parent, and a child depending on where and when they each grew up.

For example, some parents may expect their children to follow certain career paths or roles within the family, whereas children may aspire to different goals influenced by the local culture or their generation. Or, one parent might have expectations for a child’s life path according to the norms of their culture while the other parent might disagree per the norms of their own culture. These differing expectations can lead to arguments, misunderstandings, and stress within the family.

Stress from cultural adjustments

Multicultural families may live in or move to a place that aligns with the culture of one parent or neither parent. This can mean that one or both parents and the children may need to adjust to a new culture, and doing so can be stressful. This process can include learning new languages, social norms, customs, and laws. The stress of constantly adapting and feeling isolated from people of one’s own culture can affect an individual's mental health over time.

Economic challenges

Financial struggles can affect multicultural families, too—particularly recent immigrants. Unemployment, limited work opportunities, lack of resources, and poverty can cause ongoing stress and even trauma over time, which might strain family relationships and individual mental well-being. 

For instance, a parent may work multiple low-paying jobs to support their family, leaving them little time or energy to manage their children's needs or engage in their own self-care. Financial pressure can also result in increased stress levels, which may lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Availability of culturally competent mental health services

Connecting with culturally competent mental health services can be a significant challenge for multicultural families, too. Mental health professionals without experience in this area may not understand how certain cultural factors can affect mental health, which may lead to misconceptions, ineffective treatments, and even microaggressions, judgment, and discrimination.

Cultural competence in mental health care involves understanding and being sensitive to cultural differences when treating mental health conditions and addressing related challenges. Without it, a person might not feel comfortable seeking mental health care, or they may do so but have experiences that add to their stress rather than support their mental health.

Mental health stigma

In many cultures and countries around the world, mental illness is seen as a sign of weakness or failure. As a result, some families may avoid discussing mental health openly due to fear of judgment. This type of stigma can result in delayed mental health care or a lack of it altogether as well as potentially worsening symptoms.

Tips for promoting mental health in multicultural families

Various approaches may help multicultural families manage mental health challenges. A few tips to consider are listed here.

Respect cultural traditions

Respecting all the cultural traditions held by various members of one family can be important for managing mental health. These traditions may provide emotional comfort during times of stress and can often help a person feel more connected and cared for, potentially helping the family as a whole maintain a sense of identity and belonging.

Seek culturally competent mental health providers

Finding culturally competent therapists and other care providers can be helpful in addressing mental health challenges in multicultural families. Such professionals are trained to understand and respect cultural differences and may be able to provide more effective treatment.

Build a local support system

Forging community connections may help provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation that can sometimes result from being part of a family of multiple cultures. Certain groups and organizations founded and run by individuals of the same cultural background may also offer community mental health services that align with the family's cultural beliefs.

Understand and acknowledge different parenting styles

Each culture may have differing views on topics like discipline, education, and family roles, which can sometimes clash in a multicultural family setting. Understanding and acknowledging different parenting styles in particular may help in managing conflicts that may arise in multicultural families.

It may be helpful for parents to communicate openly about their respective ideas and listen to each other's viewpoints. Finding a balance between their preferred approaches and working toward compromise when necessary may help support their children, reduce stress, and improve family relationships.

Experiencing mental health challenges?

Match with a licensed therapist online

Finding support online

Online therapy can be an effective option for individuals who are facing mental health challenges, including those that stem from family conflict or stress. A growing body of research suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may improve mental health outcomes in people with depression and anxiety, as it can provide a more convenient way to receive care. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist according to your needs and preferences as outlined in a brief questionnaire. You can then meet with them from home or anywhere you have an internet connection to address the challenges you may be facing.