Awareness of the effect on culture was instilled during my professional PsychD training over twenty years ago. Although I will not discuss it in this post, if you are interested in learning more, I recommend reading about the concept of being other. This really informed my practice and, on a personal level, resonated with me as an Irish woman studying in a UK university. For today, I want to talk about the impact of culture on panic attacks and highlight how cultural differences can affect our emotional experiences.
Panic attacks are a universal human experience. There is no discrimination in having one; anyone can have one. However, how we perceive them or how we deal with them can differ depending on our background and culture. I shall talk to you about the cultural context of panic attacks now.
I shall also touch on how societal pressures can exacerbate the symptoms you experience during a panic attack and how cultural influences can affect their perception.
I hope to deepen your understanding of panic attacks beyond the individual level. We highlight the importance of considering cultural and societal contexts in mental health discussions.
Panic Attacks Self-help
Dr Ryan’s online self-help course for Panic Attacks
Understanding Panic Attacks and Their Cultural Significance
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort. They can occur unexpectedly or in response to specific triggers. For example, when I first started having panic attacks, it was at night, during sleep, so you could say my original attacks were in response to the trigger of going to bed.
Symptoms can include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. These symptoms can be so severe that individuals often fear they are having a heart attack or dying. Many people end up (including me) in A&E during their first panic attack.
However, the experience of panic attacks is not uniform across all cultures. Cultural context plays a significant role in how these attacks are perceived and expressed.
Cultural stigma can greatly impact whether you tell anyone about your panic attacks or seek treatment. In many societies, mental health issues are often misunderstood and stigmatized, here in Ireland and the UK we may think that there is little stigma attached to have problems with your emotional health, but as Mental Health points out stigma and discrimination can arise from society, media, friends and family. Time plays an important role. When I had my first panic attack it was during my professional training to be a psychologist, and there was not the same acceptance of mental health back then as there is now, and I did not feel comfortable telling anyone that I had panic disorder; I felt ashamed, especially as I was a trainee psychologist at the time.
Where you come from, and the value placed on success is an important factor to note. For example, in your culture, are there high expectations on people to achieve as opposed to doing their best and valuing doing what they love over expecting them to do, x.z or z?
These pressures can significantly influence the experience of panic attacks. High expectations, competition, and the constant need to conform can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
In societies that value achievement and success, individuals may internalize these pressures, leading to increased anxiety and panic. The fear of failure or rejection can be overwhelming, causing intense emotional distress.
Before I go any further, I think it is worthwhile what I mean by ‘culture.’ In this report culture is defined as a shared set of beliefs, norms and values. This means that the therapist will come from a particular culture (not just referring to their country, but also their training) that will have shared beliefs, norms and values, which may differ from the culture of their client. I am not suggesting that the clinician cannot work with the client, rather that it is important to be aware of culture, and the differences that exist.
Variations in Symptoms Across Cultures
Panic attack symptoms can vary significantly across different cultures. This variation is often due to cultural interpretations of distress and the ways in which individuals are conditioned to express their emotions.
For instance, in some cultures, panic attacks may be expressed through physical symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. In others, individuals may report more cognitive symptoms like feelings of unreality or fear of losing control.
Recognizing these variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. It also highlights the need for mental health professionals to be culturally competent and sensitive to these differences.
Gender Roles, Expectations, and Panic Attacks
Gender roles and expectations can significantly influence the experience of panic attacks. These roles often stem from societal norms and cultural beliefs about masculinity and femininity.
In many cultures, men are expected to be stoic and emotionally resilient. This expectation can lead to underreporting of panic symptoms among men, or expressing them in ways that may not be typically associated with panic attacks.
Conversely, women may be more likely to report panic symptoms due to societal acceptance of emotional expression in women. However, this can also lead to overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, further complicating the treatment process.
The Influence of Family Dynamics and Cultural Expectations
Family dynamics and cultural expectations play a crucial role in shaping the experience of panic attacks. In many cultures, family is the primary source of support and guidance, influencing how individuals perceive and manage their symptoms.
However, cultural expectations can also contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health. In cultures where mental health issues are considered a sign of weakness or a source of shame, individuals may be reluctant to disclose their symptoms or seek help.
This can exacerbate the severity of panic attacks and hinder the recovery process, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care.
Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Treatment
Culturally sensitive approaches to treatment are crucial in addressing panic attacks effectively. These approaches consider the individual’s cultural background, beliefs, and values in the therapeutic process.
Such approaches may involve integrating traditional healing practices or religious beliefs into treatment. This can enhance the relevance and acceptability of the therapy for the individual.
However, it’s important to note that cultural sensitivity should not lead to stereotyping or assumptions. Each individual’s experience with panic attacks is unique and should be treated as such.
Conclusion
`I think it’s important to be aware of the impact of culture on all mental health conditions, not just panic attacks, which was the focus of this article. This awareness has led to ‘culture’ being included in professional training programs, giving potential clients access to a wider range of therapists who may have a better understanding of their presenting problems.
In conclusion, understanding the cultural context of panic attacks is vital in mental health care. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the individual’s experience and can guide more effective treatment strategies.