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Inside This Special Issue . . .
Consumer Corner . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . 2
Celebrating the Season . . . . ... . . . . . . . .. . .2
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
You speak… What? . . . .
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RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY, AND MENTAL HEALTH Many times in clinical practice with severely emotionally disturbed or seriously mentally ill
consumers,
the notion of religion is avoided, particularly if the consumer presents with religiosity. Some
clinicians simply feel more comfortable avoiding such a "hot topic". Recent research has
demonstrated
a number of factors to keep in mind when working with mental health consumers.
According to Michael Nielson, PhD. (Georgia Southern University), it is the clinicians job to try
and understand how religion affects people, not to advocate one religion over another, which is what
most of us shy away from. The field of Psychology of Religion is a rich one that is beginning
to focus on research and collaboration in the field as a whole.
A number of interesting studies lay merit to the idea of assessing the degree to
which organized religion and spirituality apply to consumers (and their
families)
lives.
A study done in Granada, Spain, entitled Families, Religion and Depressive Symptoms in
Caregivers of the Disabled Elderly (Zunzunegui, Beland, Liacer and Keller, J Epidimiol
Community
Health, 1999 Jun; 53( 6): 364-9) focused on the issue of impact of religion in a typical mental
health capacity. An assessment was done of 194 caregivers of the disabled elderly (65+), to assess
for depressive symptoms, and evaluate the role of family and religiosity on the mental health
consequences
of caregiving in Spain. The results are not startling. Predictably, religiosity and emotional sup-port
play an important factor in positive mental health functioning.
A study on Authentic Religious Experience or Insanity? (Sanderson, Vandenberg and
Paese) from
the University of Missouri, St Louis, focused on how clinicians make judgments regarding
religious
authenticity and the mental health of behavior motivated by religious ideation. Participants
were presented with written vignettes of religiously motivated behavior and three levels of
conventionality.
A determining factor was the degree with which the experience deviated from conventional
religious beliefs and practices. The more unconventional the behavior, the less religiously
authentic
and mentally healthy it was deemed to be. In this instance, the degree of cultural
competency
of the clinician would be important to note, as a clinicians with
an insensitivity to a variety of religious practices, or lack of knowledge
in this area would be susceptible to such negative judgments.
Another recent study out of John Hopkins University examined the relationship
between
maternal church attendance and adolescent mental health and social functioning. Again, the
results demonstrate that moms who attended religious services at least one time a week had in-creased
satisfaction with their lives, more family involvement, better skills in solving health-related
problems. It was also associated with the youths' outcome in overall satisfaction with mental health
and perceived social supports from friends. Religious involvement was as important as or more
important than associations involving traditional demographic variables, with the exception of
family
income level.
A study by Razali, Hasanah, Aminah and Subramaniam, from Universiti Sains Malaysia, as
printed in the Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 1998, Dec; 32 (6): 867-72, demonstrates the need for more
sensitivity to religious-sociocultural issues in the field of mental health. The study addressed the
diagnoses
of anxiety and depression and established that incorporating a religious and socio-cultural
component in the treatment program rapidly improved anxiety and depressive symptoms
in-patients
with strong religious and cultural back-grounds.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill California, has recently taken the lead in this area,
focusing
on the utilization of the pastoral community as a positive resource and support for both
consumers and family members of mental health services. The studies abound. The point to
remember
is that religion and, the place that spirituality takes in the consumer's life are important demo-graphics
that are often over-looked, or deemed in-appropriate to assess. This could not be further from
the truth.
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Special Edition 1999
There are many different ways people all around the world celebrate the holidays. Learning about
them helps us get a glimpse of the diversity in tra-ditions families have practiced for centuries. It's
fascinating how this season has been embraced and modified by each nation throughout the earth .
For the Christian community, Christmas commemorates the birth of Christ, their savior. It's a
season of merriment, a time of giving and sharing. Most countries in Europe, Southern and Northern
Americas, and even Asia celebrate Christmas deco-rating a tree, having company over for dinner,
Christmas carols, an array of lights, exchanging of gifts and services at their respective churches. In
England, the tree tradition is greater than 180 years old. Before then, it was almost completely a Ger-man
tradition. Legend says, when Christ was born, all the trees in the forest, despite the fact that it was
midwinter, bloomed and bore fruit. The Christmas tree lights represent the starry heaven from which
Christ descended to save mankind. In some in-stances, families have a star on top of their tree,
this symbolizes the star the three kings followed to find the manger where Jesus was born.
However, Christmas is not celebrated by everyone. The Jewish community gets together on the
end of the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month of the Jewish calendar for Hanukkah. Hanukkah is
the observance of the rebellion of the Jews against the Syrians in the Maccabean War of 162 B. C. But
the focus of the celebration is really the survival of Judaism. After the Jews' victory, they cleansed and
rededicated the Temple then relit the Menorah (or the Perpetual Lamp) hence one of the other names
for this celebration is the Feast of Dedication. The story states that although there was only enough
consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day, and it would take eight days to get more, the
small bottle of oil surprisingly lasted for the entire eight days. For this reason Hanukkah is also known
as the Feast of Lights.
Jewish families today spend the holidays by lighting a special Hanukkah Menorah (a candelabrum
with holders for eight candles, one for each day of celebration, plus a ninth, the Shammash or 'server',
used to light the others). One candle is lit the first night, two the second, three the third, and so on
until the eighth night when all candles are lit. A special prayer is recited during the lighting, and
while the candles burn it is a time for songs and games, including the four-sided toy called dreidel.
Other customs include the giving of gifts, especially to children, and decorating the home.
Kwanza (Quansa) is celebrated by many Afri-can Americans. It is observe December 26 thru
January 1. Originally developed by Dr. Karenga in 1966, Kwanza was meant to encourage people to
CONSUMER CORNER:Celebrating the Season
Stephen Secord ,37, suffers with Schizo-affective Disorder and is dually diagnosed (in recovery).
He has received services from the County for 7 years in addition to a number of years from other
facilities. But Stephen has come a long way from his initial diagnosis. He was appointed to the
County Mental Health Board, Chairs the Adult Ser-vices Sub-Committee, is a Board member of the
South Coast chapter of NAMIOC, a member of Project Together and is instrumental in the
development
of a new organization, Clients of Orange County. Stephen is quick to point out that although
he has accomplished a lot, things haven't always been easy, particularly around the holidays.
"A portion of my illness is due to being light-affected, and there is less sunlight during the
winter
holidays. There is the stress of having to buy presents for everyone and meeting family
members
that you don't always see. There are a lot of expectations from family members that you don't
usually come across everyday, like, "How come you don't have a job yet?". And, there is a
heightened
level of agitation in Metropolitan areas during the holiday season, and that cascades down onto
the client, making things more difficult."
As Stephen pointed out, there are a number of strategies that he has personally used to combat
the stress of the holidays, which is increased due to his mental illness. "I always make sure to
schedule
a doctors appointment before the end of the year. I make sure I have some quiet time by myself
so that I can relax and not be around other people. And I follow doctor's orders."
Stephen adds that since drinking and using other drugs may come up due to social situations around
the holidays, that informing your host ahead of time about sobriety is necessary. " Make sure the host
and/ or family members are aware of your desire for sobriety and that you want something else, like
sparkling cider to drink." Another option for consumers combating extra stressors during the
holiday
season, is to join a support group, like Clients of Orange County. For more information, contact
Stephen Secord at (714) 841-5386.
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing with this news-letter,
I have been very moved by the sharing of personal experiences by employees
such as Rafael and Dave… I have found them (articles) sensitive and in-formative
and I am learning too. So of-ten I forget to say what I do like and I
wanted to make sure you knew this is one employee who really appreciates
your work.
—Carol Way, Ph D. CQI/ CPOP
Remember their African roots, as well as their present day lives.
Kwanza, which means "first
fruits", is based on African festivals.
Although, the Hindus, Buddhists and the Islamic people do not honor any religious occasion in this
season, it is not uncommon for them to join the festivities at this time of year. It does not matter
what you observe during this period. Universally, this time is marked as a time for reflecting upon
oneself. It is the great event of the year which gives us the opportunity to show how we care for others.
It is a time of bestowing blessings and good will, a time of celebration.
Letters to the Editor
Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
Cultural sensitivity? Cultural Diversity? Cultural Competency? What does it all
mean?… The questions are many. Are we sincere when we talk about… human
unity?… administration is to be applauded for… making the effort to be
culturally sensitive …They have established a Cultural Competency
department…
In this era of advanced technology and E-mail, we … live in a global
economy with global connections... Our collective technology has become the
connecting bridge to our collective consciousness… Let's make the best of it by
joining hands, to improve our… human condition.
—Richard M. Skaff, Psy D. CYS, CEGU
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Volume V, Number 2 Special Edition 1999
Cultural Events Calendar
Exhibit: November 13 -December 31, 1999
Thursdays thru Tuesdays only from 12 noon -8 pm
The Art of the Twentieth-Century Zen: Paintings and Calligraphy
by Japanese Masters
Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Arts
Information: 213-857-6000
Exhibit: November 13 -December 31, 1999
Tuesdays thru Sundays only from 11 am -5 pm
The Experimental Exercise of Freedom:
Works by Five Latin American Artists, Lygia Clark, Gego, Mathias Goeritz, Helio oiticica & Mira Schendel
Location: The Geffen Contemporary
Information: 213-626-6222
Exhibit: December 2 -31, 1999
Thursdays thru Tuesdays only from 12 noon -8 pm
Pharaohs of the Sun: Akhenaten, Nefertiti & Tutankhamen
Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Arts
Information: 213-857-6000
Exhibit: December 15 -31, 1999
Wednesdays thru Sundays only from 12 noon -8 pm
Music in the Life of Africa
Location: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History
Information: 310-825-4361
Event: December 12, 1999
Las Posadas: The Mexican Christmas celebration
Location: Bowers Museum
Information: 714-480-1522
Event: December 18, 1999
Las Posadas: A Fundraiser by MANA
Location: Bowers Museum
Ticket Price: $15.00 / person; 1 free child' s ticket for every purchased adult ticket
Information: 714-480-1522
Event: December 18, 1999
Holiday Hay Ride
Location: Clarington Park, Laguna Hills
Admission: Free
Information: 949-707-2680
Exhibit: December 19 -31, 1999
Wednesdays thru Sundays only from 10: 00 am -5: 00 pm
Miniature Chinese Ceramics: From the Ambassador' s Collections
Location: Pacific Asia Museum
Information: 626-449-2742
Exhibit December 28 -31, 1999 10: 30 am -4: 30 pm
Suiseki Exhibition: Japanese Sculptures Art
Location: Huntington Library Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
Information: 626-405-2141
Cultural Events Calendar
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Special Edition 1999
Behavioral Health / HCA Cultural Competency
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 400
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The Cultural Connection is published quarterly by the Cultural Competency Program of the County of Orange/ Health Care Agency.
If you would like to contribute an article, or have comments, ideas, or suggestions for newsletter improvement, please write to us at:
County of Orange/ Health Care Agency 405 W. 5th Street, Suite 400
Santa Ana, CA 92701 Telephone: (714) 796-0188
FAX: (714) 796-0194
Editor: Ronnie Kelley, M. S. W. Ethnic Services Coordinator
Cultural Competency
Contributing Staff: Ronnie Kelley, M. S. W Production Staff:
Maria Concepcion,
Rafael D. Canul, PhD
Take a few minutes to match the following languages with their countries of origin… Good Luck.
Language Sample saying— " Merry Christmas" Country of Origin:
1. Azeri Tezze Iliniz Yahasi Olsun
a) Sri Lanka
2. Manx Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
b) Azerbaijan
3. Pushto Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal
c) Afghanistan Mo Mobarak Sha
4. Xhosa Siniqwenelela Ikrisimesi Emnandi
d) New Zealand Nonyaka Omtsha Ozele Iintsikelelo
Namathamsanga
5. Yoruba E ku odun,
e) hu iye' dun!
e) Central/ South Africa
6. Maori Meri Kirihimete
f) Nigeria
7. Sinhalese Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth
g) Freisland Awrudhak Vewa
8. Frisian Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en
h) Island of Man Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Answers: 1-b, 2-h, 3-c, 4-e, 5-f, 6-d, 7-a, 8-g
YOU SPEAK WHAT…????
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