Relate Insights provides analysis of current mental health issues in Asia and their impact on society at every level, from local community to policy development. This will be published occasionally, and is aimed at keeping decision-makers in both the public and private sectors informed; as well as scholars, laypersons and the interested public.
The movement for global mental health (MGMH) has been initiated to improve mental health care services in countries where such services are scarce. However, one of the criticisms of the MGMH is its’ overemphasis on Western mental health approaches that may not be generalized to other cultures, particularly those in developing and non-Western countries. This article aims to examine the importance of recognizing local idioms of distress, and integrating indigenous healing systems into mental health care by using Asia as a case example.