Exploring Mental Health in Japan: A Closer Look into the Culture and Impact on Society
Mental health is a complex topic that has gained more attention in recent years. However, across different cultures, mental health is viewed differently. Japan, in particular, has a unique perspective on mental health, which has influenced how individuals approach and receive treatment. In this article, we’ll explore the cultural factors that have contributed to mental health in Japan and how it has impacted the society.
The Cultural Factors that Impact Mental Health in Japan
One of the prominent factors that contribute to mental health is the collectivist culture in Japan. Japanese people share strong values of harmony and conformity to group norms. As such, there’s a social pressure to conform to the society’s expectations. This pressure can cause individuals to suppress their feelings and not seek help when they’re feeling overwhelmed, leading to untreated mental health conditions.
Additionally, the concept of “honne” and “tatemae” in Japan plays a role in mental health. Honne refers to a person’s true feelings, while Tatemae means a person’s stated feelings. Japanese individuals often wear a mask in public and express their tatemae, putting on a front that everything is perfect in their lives. This creates a disconnect between the internal struggles of an individual and the way they present themselves in society, which can lead to further mental health challenges.
The Impact of Mental Health on Society in Japan
Mental health conditions in Japan have a significant impact on society. A study revealed that around 20% of Japanese people are dealing with depression-related symptoms. Depression and other mental illnesses often result in social withdrawal, which leads to anti-social behaviours such as hikikomori, where individuals become reclusive in their homes for extended periods.
Additionally, mental health conditions have had a rising impact on suicide rates in Japan. Suicide is a major social issue, as it typically stems from a wide range of challenges such as social isolation, academic pressure, and stress from work.
Treating Mental Health in Japan
Japan has a unique approach to treating mental health. Therapy is relatively new in Japan, and it’s often viewed negatively as it goes against the cultural values of “saving face” and “not complaining.” Additionally, people suffering from mental illnesses are often stigmatized and discriminated against. Therefore, there’s a lack of understanding and awareness of mental health conditions, which makes it harder to treat and diagnose.
Instead, a popular approach is to use medication. Japan has one of the highest usage rates of psychoactive drugs like antidepressants. While medication can help treat symptoms, it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. Psychiatric hospitals and clinics are also available, but they can be expensive and inaccessible to many.
Conclusion
Mental health remains a topic that needs more attention and awareness in Japan. Cultural values such as collectivism and putting on a front make it harder for individuals to seek help for mental health challenges. This can lead to social withdrawal, anti-social behaviours, and an impact on suicide rates in Japan. While medication can help treat symptoms, it’s important to address the root cause of the problem through therapy and increased awareness of mental health issues in society.
