How Different Languages Address Mental Health

Mental health is approached differently depending on language, dialect, and culture. Values, traditions, and vocabulary can impact whether and how mental health is discussed, and learning how these cultural and linguistic differences can influence access to mental health care can help ensure mental health concerns are addressed in a culturally-sensitive manner.

Here, you’ll find a guide to how mental health is discussed across different languages and cultures, as well as how norms and perceptions are evolving as awareness and understanding of mental health increases globally.

Speaking of mental health: The importance of cultural sensitivity

Talking about mental health can be both challenging and extremely important. Speaking about mental health—and often about emotions in general—can be personal. Such conversations may feel uncomfortable, particularly if cultural stigma surrounds the topic of mental health. But discussing mental health can be life-changing and even lifesaving. With open discussions about mental health, we can learn more about symptoms, disorders, effective ways to treat them, and how to get help.

Why is it helpful to know how different languages address mental health and mental illness?

Views of mental health and openness about discussing it varies from culture to culture. How mental health is discussed also varies by language and dialect. Awareness of cultural and language differences may help people with mental health concerns find a culturally sensitive treatment.

Good communication about mental health has a wealth of benefits, including:

• Helping those living with mental health disorders feel understood and supported
• Empowering those living with mental health concerns to seek help
• Providing helpful information to those trying to support loved ones and friends living with mental health disorders
• Breaking down treatment barriers for mental health concerns
• Addressing taboos and stigmas surrounding mental health
• Educating society about the realities and prevalence of mental health disorders and available treatments

How different languages address mental health

There are hundreds of languages spoken globally, but the ten most spoken languages each have their own unique way of describing and discussing mental health.

English

English is the most widely spoken language in the world. There has been a recent effort to speak more sensitively and openly about mental health disorders in many English-speaking countries. Encouraging the public to use appropriate, accurate words when discussing the topic may help remove the stigma attached to mental health.

The English language is full of misused words regarding mental health. Educating people about conditions and correct, sensitive terminology may lead to a greater understanding of mental health and help reduce stigma. The list of mental health-related terms inappropriately used in the English language is a long one. For instance, calling someone “crazy” or “schizo” is emotionally charged and inaccurate, and fuels negative thoughts and feelings regarding mental health.

A person living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, for example, is not the same as a person mistakenly called “OCD” because they’re neat and organized. Similarly, calling someone “bipolar” because they’re moody is also inaccurate, as a person with mood swings is not necessarily living with bipolar disorder. Saying something is “depressing” is not the same as living with depression, and while experiencing anxious feelings from time to time is common, it does not necessarily equate to having an anxiety disorder. 

“Suffering” from a mental health disorder is no longer considered the most accurate way to describe it, as mental illness does not equate to living a life of hardship without relief. Effective treatments are available.

Talking more sensitively about mental health and using accurate language may play a positive role in how we view and understand mental health conditions. People living with mental health concerns—and the English-speaking public—can learn more about mental health disorders and may feel more empowered to seek and support treatment.

Talking more sensitively about mental health and using accurate language may play a positive role in how we view and understand mental health conditions. People living with mental health concerns—and the English-speaking public—can learn more about mental health disorders and may feel more empowered to seek and support treatment.

Mandarin

Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world. Research has shown that people are not familiar with the causes, treatments, and prevention of mental illness in many areas where Mandarin is spoken. Thus, many people may be hesitant to discuss the topic of mental health because it can be viewed as “taboo,” embarrassing, or a sign of weakness. 

There is often a strong emphasis on family within Mandarin-speaking communities, and older generations may be more apprehensive than younger ones to openly discuss mental illness—some may feel that stigma related to mental illness will negatively affect themselves and their families.

However, in recent years, China has made efforts to break down barriers that may prevent people from getting care, including introducing a mental health law calling for more mental health care and awareness.

Hindi

Hindi ranks third globally as the most common language spoken. It is one of 22 official languages spoken in India. Research shows that while speaking about mental health tends to be uncommon in Hindi-speaking areas, over fifty derogatory or demeaning terms are used to describe people living with mental health conditions. 

There are also misconceptions that people who experience mental health disorders may be untrustworthy, incompetent, or irrational. A lack of accurate terminology about mental illness may also be present in or near areas where Hindi is spoken. For instance, the words “mental health” and “depression” are not included in most of India’s twenty-two languages. 

Spanish

Spanish is the fourth most common language spoken in the world. There are several phrases in Spanish that may indicate a hesitancy in discussing mental health. For example, “La ropa sucia se lava en casa” means “The dirty laundry is washed at home.” This symbolic phrase indicates that feelings are meant to be dealt with at home, not in public. 

Another example is “Al mal tiempo, buena cara,” which means “In bad times, put on a good face” or “To put on a brave face.” There can be value in putting on a brave face and being strong or resilient; however, if a person is living with a mental health concern, knowing there is no weakness in seeking help can be a powerful step to healing. Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength and courage.

French

French is the fifth most common language spoken in the world. In many French-speaking countries, mental health is largely considered a discreet topic. However, in France, the government recently announced that itwill fund mental healthcare treatment. This movement has come amid a growing awareness, concern, and communication about mental health and an increase in people living with mental health disorders.

Arabic

Arabic is the official language of 26 countries, ranking sixth on the list of most commonly spoken languages globally. Research shows that little is known about mental health in many Arabic-speaking countries, possibly because the topic isn’t commonly discussed. Research also shows that mental health resources are usually scarce in Arabic-speaking countries. Arabic-speaking families often view the experience of having a loved one with a mental illness as a source of fear, loss, embarrassment, or disgrace. They may face the situation with feelings of isolation, secrecy, despair, or helplessness.

Bengali

Bengali is the seventh most spoken language in the world. Mental health is not often talked about in Bengali-speaking communities, meaning those living with mental illness may feel isolated and experience their mental health condition in silence. There are also some superstitions regarding mental health disorders; for instance, some Bengali superstitions attribute mental illness to evil spirits. 

Finding culturally sensitive language to explain that mental health concerns stem from biological and psychological circumstances may lead to a greater understanding.

Russian

Russian ranks number eight on the list of most spoken languages. Often, mental health disorders have been ignored in Russian-speaking communities. However, with the popularity of social media, younger generations in Russia have begun communicating online about normalizing mental health discussions and advocating for better mental wellness. 

Historically, medical doctors treated mental health disorders in in-patient settings instead of mental health professionals offering treatment in community-based settings. The idea of recovery was not widely accepted, but with culturally sensitive communication, people in Russian-speaking communities may be able to understand the effectiveness of treatment better.

Portuguese

Portuguese is the ninth most common language in the world, most of whom live in Brazil. Since 1970, there have been changes in the mental healthcare system in Brazil. For instance, there are now more community-based treatment options. There are also more trained mental health professionals. However, there is a disparity between which socioeconomic groups have mental healthcare. People in higher-income areas may know and talk more about mental health.

In contrast, those in other areas may not have information about mental health disorders and resources for treatment. In Portugal, people speak enough about mental health disorders that studies have determined that over 30% of Portuguese citizens will experience mental illness in their lifetime. However, the same research shows that primary care and community-based care do not adequately address mental health needs.

Indonesian

Number ten on the list of the world’s most spoken languages is Indonesian. In Indonesia itself, the stigma surrounding mental illness is common. “Pasung” is an Indonesian word related to treating mental health disorders. It refers to confining and restraining people who are living with mental illness. A proposed reason for the practice of pasung is to keep the patient and community safe. Research in Indonesia suggests that contact with those living with mental health disorders may help with destigmatization.

“Mental health literacy” in different languages

There are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today. Vocabulary, dialect, and cultural norms can affect talking about mental health. Language can significantly impact “mental health literacy”—or the understanding of mental health and resources for treatment. Cultural differences, including language, can affect how people perceive mental health conditions. Being culturally sensitive can improve mental health outcomes. Awareness of how different languages and cultures address mental health may help compassionately improve quality mental healthcare services.

Talking about mental health in therapy

If you or a loved one lives with a mental health concern, please reach out for help. At BetterHelp, you can connect with a culturally sensitive, licensed mental health professional who is a good fit for you. Compassionate support that considers your background is available. Through BetterHelp, you can find affordable mental health care from the safety of your home or anywhere you have a reliable internet connection. 

Research shows that online therapy can be very effective. It may even be as effective as traditional in-person therapy, offering more convenient treatment for those who might not otherwise seek it. Through BetterHelp, you can find support to achieve better mental health.