Afghan beliefs about mental health are influenced by collectivism, prioritizing family and community well-being over individual needs. Because mental health issues are often attributed to social or familial disharmony, they may affect perceptions of family honor. Religious beliefs play a central role, with many attributing mental illnesses to supernatural forces like jinn (spirits), the evil eye, or divine punishment. Furthermore, decades of war have normalized trauma and impacted their resilience and endurance. As a result, this may impact Afghans’ perspectives on their symptoms and contribute to low rates of seeking mental health care. 

STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health issues are often highly stigmatized in Afghan culture. Fear of community judgment or ostracization leads many individuals to keep mental health concerns private and avoid seeking help outside the family. Unfortunately, terms like “crazy” are often used to describe those with severe conditions, such as schizophrenia. People with milder conditions like depression may go untreated because of fear of being labeled in this way. Additionally, many Afghan newcomers may have had limited exposure to or negative experiences with mental health services.