Question

What cultural factors might contribute to the rate of anxiety disorders found in a culture? How might the experience of anxiety differ among people of different cultures? What role does social media play?

Answer 1

1.Culture affects the way we express our thoughts, behaviors and emotions. It is therefore not surprising that there are cultural differences in the way anxiety and depression is manifested and treated. Cultural differences in social anxiety are known to exist. Research tells us that how social anxiety disorder presents itself can vary depending on where you live and the culture in which you are raised.This makes sense because different cultures have different social rules and expectations. What is considered "okay" behavior in the United States might be frowned upon in Japan, and vice versa. These disorders are strongly influenced by ethnic, racial, and cultural factors. For example is that societal factors that can influence the development of social anxiety include growing up in a culture with a strong collectivistic orientation, such as Japan or Korea. Ethnopsychology/ethnophysiology and contextual factors that contribute to the cultural variations in the experience and expression of anxiety.The perception of racial discrimination also associated with the endorsement of various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder.

2.One of the main differences seen across cultures is the way anxiety is expressed. Someone from a culture where it is common to know psychological terms, could easily describe anxiety and depression using those specific words.In some other cultures, anxiety and depression might not even be expressed in words. It can take the form of physical symptoms, such as headaches, backaches or stomach discomfort. Sadness, fear and preoccupation can be channeled through physical symptoms. These feelings are sometimes even better explained by religious or spiritual beliefs. If this is the case, instead of seeking help from a mental health professional, this person will probably look for counsel with their spiritual guide.  Although culture can affect both the way anxiety is expressed and how treatment is accessed, there is no evidence that the treatment for these conditions does not work in all cultures and ethnicities. There are several different forms of effective treatments, from medications to talk therapies, but also exercises and mindfulness practices. In cultures that might use other language or concepts to express their pain or discomfort, lower knowledge about how the established health systems work can limit their communication with health professionals and even affect when they choose to seek treatment.

3.Anxiety has linked to the use of social media in both negative and positive ways. The idea that anxious people tend to gravitate to social media as a form of escape from their worries has some evidence to support it. The nature of social media makes such social comparisons highly likely. The usage of ‘likes’, and ‘followers’ is set up to drive such comparisons, with the clocking up of these numbers serving as a powerful reinforce.  Several recent studies have suggested that social media use is associated with anxiety and this anxiety comes in many forms. We found that routine social media use—for example, using social media as part of everyday routine and responding to content that others share is positively associated with health outcomes. Another important factor for the positive influence in social media is that the communication about the syndrome or anxiety. Many of the people living in differenr culture do not the concept of anxiety or they refer it to as some other words. For example someone from a culture where it is common to know psychological terms, could easily describe anxiety and depression using those specific words.This can be shared and seen by the all over the world. The idea of anxiety and the disorder related to mental health is shared or known all over the world and get help from social media it self. It is a helpful part of social media so any people doesn't know as positive.