Arab Americans
Arab Americans make up the Arab community within the U.S. They hail from the 22 Arab-speaking countries that range from the Middle East to North Africa. As of 2024, there are an estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans in the United States. While a majority of the Arab Americans are American-born, the amount of Arab immigrants coming to the U.S. is rapidly growing. Approximately 25% of Arab Americans practice Islam and 63-77% practice Christianity. Due to Arabs not being classified as a distinct ethnic group under the U.S. census, they have been underrepresented in mental health resources, services, and research.
What is mental illness?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, "mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can be associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities".
Mental illness is not restrictive and can affect people of all different genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, religions, socioeconomic statuses, etc. Mental illness has many different causes including childhood trauma, stressful life events, chronic illnesses, drug use, discrimination, poverty, genetics, environmental factors, etc. Mental illness is very common in the U.S. with 1 in 5 adults having a reported condition.
Mental illness is treatable, and most people return to normal functioning with the right intervention. However, most people are ashamed of mental illness due to the present stigma in society and often avoid getting treatment.
What is a stigma?
“A set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.”
– Merriam Webster
Stigma prevents 40% of people with anxiety and depression from seeking medical help. Stigma causes exclusion, discrimination, and negative feelings towards people who are considered different. On a small-scale, stigma can affect individuals and their close relationships, but on a large-scale, stigma can affect entire communities and society as a whole. Stigma can cause individuals to isolate themselves, have lower self-esteem, and feel ashamed. It is for these reasons that stigmatized individuals often encounter barriers when it comes to education, employment, housing, and especially health.
The stigma around mental health has posed a major obstacle to seeking treatment due to fear of being judged or shamed by one’s community. Stigmas around mental health are often rooted in misinformation such as the belief that individuals with mental illnesses are dangerous. Stigmas are reinforced by cultural and religious beliefs which make them more difficult to overcome.
How to reduce stigma?
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Educate yourself and others. There are many misconceptions about mental health. Educating yourself on the different mental health topics allows you to discern the truth from the lies. It is also important for powerful and influential individuals such as religious and community leaders to educate themselves and promote mental health awareness to their supporters.
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Show compassion, understanding, and support. People with mental illnesses are going through a lot, and the last thing they need is to be judged into isolation and concealing their distress. Practice compassion, understanding, and support when talking about mental health.
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Be honest about medical intervention. Do not discourage people from seeking out medical treatment. Just like physical illness, mental illness is a ailment that requires medical intervention to get better. It is important to explore the treatment options as different treatments will work for different people.
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Empowerment over shame. Mental illness is not something to be shamed over. Rather, people should feel empowered to share their stories to help and encourage other people in similar situations.
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Inclusion over exclusion. People with mental illnesses tend to exclude themselves. It is important to include and interact with them to prevent them from socially isolating themselves. They are no different from anyone else and should not be treated as outcasts.
Why focus on mental health in the Arab community?
Focusing on mental health in the Arab American community is essential for many reasons, with each one reflecting the cultural, social, and historical contexts of Arab Americans:
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Cultural Stigma and Misunderstanding
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Stigmatization: In many Arab cultures, mental illness is often stigmatized, perceived as a personal failing or a sign of weakness. This stigma can lead to social isolation, shame, and reluctance to seek professional help. Highlighting mental health promotes understanding and challenges these damaging perceptions, creating an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help without fear of judgment.
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Education and Awareness: The concept of mental health in the Arab community is built upon misinformation produced by stigmas. These stigmas often immigrate with families to the U.S. and propagate throughout the community. By providing education about mental health, the community can address misconceptions that equate mental illness with moral or spiritual failings, thus fostering a more informed and compassionate response.
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Impact of Acculturation Stress
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Navigating New Norms: Arab immigrants often face significant stress when adapting to new social norms in Western countries. This acculturation stress can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. By focusing on mental health, community resources can better support individuals and families in navigating these challenges, helping them adjust without compromising their cultural identity.
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Mental Health Resources: Establishing culturally relevant mental health resources can help alleviate the pressures of integration and provide coping strategies tailored to the specific experiences of Arab Americans.
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Generational Differences and Shifting Perspectives
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Cultural Continuity vs. Change: First-generation Arab Americans may hold traditional views that discourage seeking mental health treatment. In contrast, younger generations often embrace more progressive attitudes. Focusing on mental health can help bridge this generational divide, fostering dialogue and understanding about mental health issues.
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Empowerment through Education: Younger Arabs, who are often more educated and exposed to different perspectives, are crucial in challenging stigma and advocating for mental health. Programs aimed at this demographic can empower them to be agents of change within their families and communities.
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Holistic Understanding of Mental Health
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Interplay of Religion and Mental Health: In the Arab community, religious beliefs play a significant role in how mental health is perceived. While Islam, Christianity, and Judaism recognize mental illness as a medical condition, spiritual interpretations can complicate this understanding. Focusing on mental health allows for the integration of spiritual and medical perspectives, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive care that respects their beliefs.
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Culturally Competent Care: Training mental health professionals in cultural competence can help them better address the unique needs of Arab Americans, leading to more effective treatment options that respect cultural and religious beliefs.
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Increasing Mental Health Needs
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Underrepresentation: There are not many studies conducted on the health of Arab Americans. This is due to Arab Americans not being classified as a distinct ethnic group under the U.S. census. As a result, few studies are available that give insight into their physical or mental health. This has led to an inability to provide proper mental health care that is tailored to the Arab community. After years of scrutiny towards the U.S. Census Bureau for this incompetence, the 2030 census will include "Middle Eastern or North African" as an option.
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Growing Awareness: There is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health across communities, including Arab Americans. By prioritizing mental health, the community can address increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders exacerbated by social and political pressures, such as discrimination and xenophobia.
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Access to Services: Focusing on mental health can lead to improved access to culturally appropriate services. This includes increasing the number of mental health professionals who are familiar with Arab culture and can provide support that resonates with individuals' experiences.
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Community and Family Support
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Role of Family: In Arab culture, family plays a crucial role in decision-making and support. By focusing on mental health, initiatives can engage families, emphasizing their role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. This approach not only aids the individual but strengthens family bonds and communal ties. Since the family is the sole source of support to many Arab Americans, it is important that they are educated on how to provide mental health support to loved ones.
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Community Initiatives: Building community support systems that address mental health can reduce isolation and create a network of understanding and help. This includes community workshops, support groups, and educational campaigns tailored to Arab Americans.
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Overall Well-Being
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Interconnectedness of Health: Mental health significantly impacts physical health and overall quality of life. Addressing mental health issues can lead to improvements in physical health, better social functioning, and enhanced educational and professional outcomes.
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Preventative Measures: A focus on mental health can encourage preventative measures, reducing the long-term impacts of untreated mental illness, such as chronic health conditions, substance abuse, and social dysfunction.
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Prioritizing mental health in the Arab American community is vital for the overall health and prosperity of future generations within the U.S. By addressing cultural stigmas, promoting understanding, and providing resources that respect cultural values, the community can foster a healthier, more supportive environment. This focus can lead to improved mental health outcomes, greater community cohesion, and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health, culture, and identity. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to seek help, support one another, and thrive both individually and collectively.
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