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Chapter 3 – Mental Health in a Mauritian Household: Breaking Cultural Taboos

Growing up in a Mauritian family, I faced unique challenges when it came to understanding and addressing mental health issues. This post explores my journey from a culture of silence and superstition to seeking professional help and how these experiences have shaped my perspective on mental well-being.

The Mauritian Approach to Mental Health

Emotions as Taboo In traditional Mauritian culture, especially for men, expressing emotions or admitting to mental struggles is often seen as a sign of weakness. As a boy, I quickly learned that my feelings were to be suppressed or risk being laughed at.
 

“Just Snap Out of It” The prevailing attitude towards mental health issues in my community was dismissive. Common phrases included: “You’re just having a bad day.” or “You need to snap out of it.”

These simplistic solutions ignored the complexity of mental health challenges.

 

Supernatural Explanations

One of the most perplexing aspects of Mauritian culture is the belief that mental illness is caused by supernatural forces. I vividly remember my mother saying, “A lot of prayers is needed to cast out the Jinn in you.” This belief often led to seeking help from witch doctors rather than mental health professionals.

 

Personal Anecdote

The Witch Doctor Visit When I was 15 and struggling with what I now recognise as depression, my parents arranged for a local witch doctor to visit our home. The experience, filled with chants and rituals, left me feeling more confused and isolated than ever.

"A lot of prayers is needed." in order to cast out the Jinn in me.

Barriers to Professional Help

Fear of Change When I suggested seeing a therapist as a teenager, I was met with resistance. “Oh, you don’t need to speak to someone,” my aunt warned. “They’ll change your way of thinking and make you think of something you weren’t thinking of in the first place.”
 
Distractions as “Therapy” Instead of addressing the root causes of my struggles, well-meaning family members often pushed distractions:
  • Buying the latest gadgets
  • Forcing new hobbies
  • Keeping busy with activities
While these provided temporary relief, they never addressed the underlying issues.
 

My Journey to Seeking Help

Ten years ago, I took the brave step of looking for professional help, despite the cultural stigma. It wasn’t easy, and I often felt like I was betraying my upbringing. However, the benefits of therapy far outweighed the cultural taboos I had to overcome.
 

Where I Am Now

Today, I stand at a crossroads between my Mauritian heritage and my understanding of modern mental health practices. I’ve learned that:
  1. Mental health is as important as physical health
  2. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness
  3. Cultural beliefs can coexist with scientific understanding
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, especially if you come from a culture that stigmatises these challenges, know that you’re not alone. Reach out for professional help – it could be the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
 
Remember, your mental health matters, regardless of cultural expectations. It’s time we break the silence and start healing.

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