BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW

In recent years, mental health has become a matter of public conversation, breaking the silence that once surrounded it. While awareness and openness have grown compared to the past, many barriers to accessing mental health support remain. The aim of this literature review is to synthesize existing research on how global mental health beliefs are affected by cultural variables, including one’s reli-gion, personal demographics, and cultural stigmas, often inhibiting access to medically supported mental health practices and treatment. Cultural barriers can have a significant impact on perceptions of mental health. Religion, often deeply ingrained in one’s culture, has a significant impact on how one views mental health. Studies show that some sects of Confucianism, Islam, and even Christianity have perceived stigma toward medical intervention in terms of mental health. In addition to religious barriers, studies have shown that American minority groups often have misconceptions of mental health, fear of burdening loved ones, cultural pressures of conformity, and limited knowledge of mental health interventions. While many prevention and treatment options for mental health are readily available, they are not often utilized due to negative stigma perpetuated by cultural norms. This review describes the growing importance of open dialogue and understanding around mental health. It emphasizes that religious and cultural communities play an important role in establishing barriers to mental health knowledge and treatment, and it high-lights the importance of these communities embracing good mental health as part of their values system. This knowledge will help create supportive environments that strengthen the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.