Understanding Cultural Well-being: A Personal Perspective
Culture shapes who we are—it influences our identity, values, beliefs, and how we connect with the world around us. Cultural well-being is about feeling a sense of belonging, understanding our heritage, and embracing diversity while maintaining our mental and emotional balance. It is an essential but often overlooked aspect of overall well-being.
What is Cultural Well-being?
Cultural well-being is the ability to embrace and express one’s cultural identity while also respecting and appreciating others. It is about finding comfort in our traditions, languages, and heritage while also adapting to new environments. When cultural well-being is nurtured, it can enhance self-esteem, strengthen social connections, and provide a sense of grounding in an ever-changing world.
However, when cultural well-being is challenged—such as through discrimination, identity struggles, or the pressure to assimilate—it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even feelings of isolation. That’s why fostering a sense of cultural well-being is crucial for emotional resilience and overall mental health.
My Journey with Cultural Well-being
Moving to the UK from South India three years ago was a transformative experience for me. While I was excited about new opportunities, I also faced challenges in adapting to a different cultural environment. Language barriers, adjusting to social norms, a new climate, and even simple things like finding familiar food felt overwhelming at times. I often questioned my identity—how much of my culture should I hold onto, and how much should I change to fit in?
As a woman, this journey came with additional challenges. Navigating new social expectations, balancing cultural values with newfound independence, and ensuring my voice was heard in unfamiliar spaces made the transition both difficult and freeing. It was a constant push and pull between embracing opportunities and staying true to my roots.
Over time, I learnt that cultural well-being is not about choosing one culture over another but about integrating different aspects in a way that feels authentic. I found comfort in keeping my cultural practices alive—whether through cooking traditional meals, practising yoga, or celebrating festivals—while also embracing new experiences that expanded my perspective. One of the most empowering moments was realising that my cultural background was not a limitation but a strength that allowed me to connect with people in meaningful ways.
Why Cultural Well-being Matters in Mental Health
A strong sense of cultural identity provides a foundation for self-confidence and emotional stability. When individuals feel disconnected from their culture, they may struggle with a sense of belonging, which can impact their mental health. Conversely, when people are supported in expressing their cultural identity, they experience greater emotional balance, resilience, and social connection.
As the Cultural Well-being Ambassador for Rewellness Counselling, I want to encourage awareness about the importance of cultural identity in mental health. Whether someone is adapting to a new culture, feeling disconnected from their heritage, or simply curious about different cultural perspectives, understanding cultural well-being can help navigate life with greater ease and confidence.
Looking Ahead
This blog will be a space to explore different aspects of cultural well-being, from overcoming cultural barriers in mental health to discovering mindfulness practices rooted in different traditions. Each month, I’ll dive into a new topic, sharing insights and practical ways to nurture cultural well-being in daily life.
Stay tuned for next month’s blog, where I will explore how cultural beliefs influence mental health and well-being.
Written by,
Subashini Manivannan
Our Cultural Wellbeing Ambassador