Cultural issues in mental health

This chapter introduces you to the importance of culturally based health beliefs and practices to mental health and well-being, and to health care delivered by mental health nurses. There is a need for mental health professionals to incorporate knowledge about these beliefs and to develop the skills to work with clients from cultures other than their own if they are to care for them effectively (Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc, 2010). This chapter is heavily based on my research findings into mental health and culturally and linguistcally diverse people