Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / ACC-Mental Health-Cultural Identity-What is cultural identity and why does it matter? Q1-Susan

Transcript

ACC-Mental Health-Cultural Identity-What is cultural identity and why does it matter? Q1-Susan · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: What is cultural identity and why does it matter?
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging.
• 0:08
  SPEAKER_00: It is part of who you are that comes from the cultures you belong to or are connected with.
• 0:15
  SPEAKER_00: For example, ethnicity or heritage, languages, religion or spiritual beliefs, traditions, music, expression and more.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: This is not fixed, and you can have multiple cultural identities and they can shift over time depending on where you live, who you're around, and how you see yourself.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: This all matters because it shapes how you see the world.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: Your cultural background influences what you consider normal, how you communicate your beliefs.
• 0:51
  SPEAKER_00: Understanding your own cultural identity can make it easier to recognise different without judgment.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: Two people can experience the same situation very differently because of cultural context.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: It also influences how others treat you.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: It isn't just internal, it is also socially recognized, and this means it can affect opportunities and how institutions respond to you.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: This is where it overlaps with ideas like intersectionality because different parts of identity interact with systems of power.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: This all plays a role in your well-being.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: Having a strong supported cultural identity is often linked to higher self-esteem, resilience, and a clearer sense of self.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: But note that tension can arise if parts of your identity clash or you feel pressure to hide aspects of yourself.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: Cultural identity isn't just about what you belong to, but how you interpret those influences, what you choose to keep, adapt or reject.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking of harming yourself or feel unsafe, please call your local emergency number or crisis line.