Treatment for Mental Illness: The Place of Culture and Religion in the Decision Making Process

EkwuemE Samson Ejikemuwa

Published on: 2021-12-06

Abstract

Health is wealth. The understanding of communities’ cultural and religious perspectives about mental illness is vital for mental health promotion. The attitudes of the public towards the mentally ill is greatly influenced by their cultural and religious belief. Culture and religion may influence the health-seeking behavior of the patients to a large extent. Mental illness and mental health are determined by physical, social, psychological, biological and spiritual factors and as such, there is need for equilibrium among all for a complete mental well- being. Culture and religion could influence the mental status depending on the approach. Many Nigerian believe that mental illnesses have only spiritual aetiologies and should be addressed likewise. However, the aetiology of mental illness could be biological, psychological, social or spiritual. Culture and religion influence the treatment of mental illness as it could lead to delay in seeking healthcare in psychiatric institutions. People showing psychiatric symptoms are usually tagged dangerous and avoided by all means. While among some religious belief, psychiatric symptoms are appreciated as a higher realm of spirituality. All these tend to influence the decision-making process in terms of time frame for the choice of treatment for the mentally ill as well as the type of treatment to go for. The way forward include through religious consideration on the course of patients' history taking; evidenced based practice and avoidance of proselytism; healthcare providers working collaboratively with various religious leaders; and treatment of patients should involve consideration of the socio-cultural background of the patients. Therefore, recommendation is made for campaigns, drama and formation of functional mental health organisations to be sustained to create awareness about the available psychiatric treatment options and reshape the perspectives of the public.