How do the chinese view mental health?

Hal Rouse: Many, if not most, Asian or traditionally "Eastern" cultures are especially aversive in regards to mental health. Psychology and mental health is equated to working with "crazy" people and having a low class job. It is also not considered real science because there isn't a strong understanding of what mental health encompasses. A lot of traditional Asian people think that if you have a mental problem you are crazy; even if you aren't "crazy" but are verbal about your emotions and seeking outside help, that totally goes against the concept of saving face and not dishonoring your family by airing dirty laundry to people like counselors. I suggest going to a university library and asking a librarian to show you how to search for journal articles. You'll find the most recent and thorough information there....Show more

Collin Barter: Traditionally the Chinese just ignored it. It was shameful to have mental problems. It was treated like the "crazy uncle in the ! back room" sort of situaton. Everyone knows the person isn't well but they just say " she/he needs to be taken care of".Also, like many other Asian countries its trust regarded as a western disease. Asian culture isn't very open about illness and disease like the West. Should be an interesting paper.

Enriqueta Steffen: Well, I'm a Chinese and lets just say that stupid possesion thing belongs to a distant aunt who's all superstitous. That probably died out with the western form of believing that all things consist of four elements. The only one remaining is probably the Taoist belief.My aunt suffers from Schrofinia(sp sorry). Some of my relatives would go saying that perhaps something is disturbing her(yeah, ghost, boo!) and they go to this Taoist temple and get an amulet which is yellow in colour with red writtings and they burn it and mix it with water to drink. Of course I don't think it works but it probably has some mental encouragement. I'll just ask my aunt to t! ake the medicine that the doctor gave....Show more

Nicol! as Cooley: I can tell you the majority of Chinese would not view it as possession. There are definately some superstitions. It would be difficult for me to explain so i'll give you some examples and you can work it out from there.1. When I first moved to China in 2001, known homosexuals were confined to mental hospitals - they were released later that year.2. Prescription drugs for many if not all mental illnesses are illegal.3. There are very few psychologists / psychiatrists in China and most parents will not allow thier children to study it because A. They will make no money and B. It is a common belief that if you study psychology you yourself will go crazy.4. Many of the mental illnesses in China if not most are due to poor environmental conditions (mercury, lead poisoning etc..) rather than childhood abuse but that obviously still remains a factor.I would also say that in general, that mental illness in China is viewed mainly as a financial burden....Show more