“If there’s one bad apple, it affects all of us”: Filipino-Canadian men’s cultural perspectives on mental health, mental illness, and stigma
Abstract
More research is needed on the specific health and wellbeing needs of racialized newcomers, especially for mental health in the rapidly growing Filipino-Canadian diaspora. Focus groups with Filipino men in Calgary, AB discussed: Filipino immigrant men’s conceptualization of mental illness, health, and stigma; gender and intergenerational expectations as a form of mental health stigma; and motivations to join a mental health ambassador program for Asian immigrant men in Canada.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research/gaps identified
- The mental health of Filipino immigrant men in Canada is largely understudied as a whole
Key recommendations:
- Increase the understanding of service providers on Filipino (mis)understandings of mental health and mental illness
- Develop anti-stigma initiatives for Filipino immigrant men
- Create culturally-responsive mental health services for Filipino immigrant men
Location
- Calgary
- Alberta
Integration timeline
- newcomers (not defined)
Key findings:
- Misunderstandings and misconceptions of mental health and mental illness were common in the Filipino men that participated
- Stigma and ‘nahihiya’ (shame) were significant barriers to seeking help and services for mental health
- Participants wanted more information on mental health and mental illness
Key populations
- Filipino immigrant men that now live in Calgary, AB
Open access – No
