29. The intersection of culture and mental health
Interlocked hands
Introduction
My identity is a complex tapestry woven from the rich cultural influences of Congo, Uganda, and Canada. However, another significant thread in this tapestry is my experience with mental illness. Navigating life with mental illness has profoundly impacted how I perceive myself and how I relate to my cultural heritage. This blog is a reflection on how my journey with mental health intersects with my cultural identity, shaping the person I am today.
Congo: The foundation of strength and resilience
In Kinigi, Congo, where I was born, the community was my first source of strength. The traditions of Kinigi, with their emphasis on unity, celebration, and music, provided a sense of belonging and support that I carried with me as I moved through life. However, when mental illness began to affect me, I found myself disconnected from these cultural roots. The vibrant celebrations and communal gatherings that once brought me joy now felt overwhelming, and the strength I had always drawn from my heritage seemed distant.
But even as I struggled, the lessons from Kinigi remained with me. The resilience I saw in my community, the way people came together to support one another in times of need, reminded me that I was not alone. These cultural values became a lifeline, helping me to navigate the challenges of mental illness. They taught me that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of the community bonds that Kinigi had instilled in me.
Uganda: faith and understanding in the face of adversity
My time in Uganda added another layer to my identity, one deeply rooted in faith. Kampala’s dynamic environment, with its blend of modernity and spirituality, shaped my understanding of the world and my place within it. However, as mental illness began to take hold, my faith was both a source of comfort and a source of conflict.
On one hand, the religious teachings and practices I embraced in Uganda provided solace during some of my darkest moments. Prayer and reflection became tools for coping with the anxiety and confusion that often accompanied my mental health struggles. On the other hand, I found myself questioning why I was experiencing such challenges despite my faith. This internal conflict made it difficult to reconcile my religious beliefs with the reality of my mental health.
Yet, over time, I realized that faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about finding strength in the face of uncertainty. My Ugandan experience taught me to lean on my faith, not as a cure-all, but as a source of resilience and hope. It helped me to accept that mental illness is a part of my journey, one that requires both spiritual and practical approaches to healing.
Canada: navigating mental health in a new cultural context
Canada, where I now reside, has provided a different perspective on mental health. The emphasis on mental health awareness, community support, and access to resources has been invaluable in my journey toward recovery. However, integrating these new perspectives with my Congolese and Ugandan cultural values has been a complex process.
In Canada, I’ve learned to approach mental health with a more open mind, embracing the idea that seeking professional help is not only acceptable but necessary. The support I received here—from healthcare professionals, community organizations, and new friends—has played a crucial role in my healing process. These experiences have taught me that mental health is not just an individual issue; it’s a community concern, one that requires collective effort and understanding.
At the same time, I’ve had to reconcile these new approaches with the values I grew up with. My Congolese roots emphasize resilience and communal support, while my Ugandan experience highlights the importance of faith. In Canada, I’ve found a way to blend these values with a more holistic approach to mental health, one that honors my cultural heritage while embracing new methods of care and understanding.
Conclusion: a journey of identity and healing
My identity is shaped by the cultures of Congo, Uganda, and Canada, but it is also profoundly influenced by my experience with mental illness. Navigating this intersection has been challenging, but it has also been a journey of growth and self-discovery. By embracing the strengths of my cultural heritage and integrating new perspectives on mental health, I’ve been able to forge a path toward healing that honors all aspects of who I am.
As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that mental health is not separate from cultural identity; it is intertwined with it. My experiences have taught me that healing is not just about overcoming challenges—it’s about understanding how these challenges shape who we are and finding ways to live in harmony with them.
The reference artwork
