Biography
Biography: Yamam Abuzinadah
Abstract
Mental health literacy has become a very influential topic in Australia due to the increase of mental health issues that have been reported through national research and surveys. This research explores mental health literacy in the Arabic-speaking community in Victoria, Australia, and their concepts, beliefs, perspectives and attitudes toward mental health in general. This research will also examine the impact of mental health literacy on help seeking attitudes, relationships and intra and inter- community interactions. This research is aiming to understand the mental health literacy of the Arabic community. The outcomes of this research will contribute to raising mental health awareness among the Arabic-speaking community, develop and enhance mental health service provision and explore new ideas regarding elevating mental health literacy in the Arabic community. This qualitative research employed face to face interviews and online qualitative survey for 165 men and women aged 18+ from Arabic background living in Victoria, Australia. Due to cultural sensitivity, this research used online surveys to build trust and rapport with the community, then invited them to participate in an in-depth interview. The preliminary findings shows that the concepts, beliefs, perspectives and attitudes towards mental health in the Arabic community is highly influenced by cultural and religious beliefs and practices for example: Jinn (Djinn), Seherand Rabtt: Black magic and spills (sorcery), Hassad (evil eye) Ayeb (Stigma) Rejjal (Manhood). The findings also highlight the important role the Arabic language has on expressing mental health issues, depression and/or emotional pain. And as this is a community engaged research, the findings explain the needs of the community when dealing with mental health issues or understanding and some of the culturally competent ways to raise awareness about mental health in the Arabic community.