The Cultural Diversity of Healing: Meaning, Metaphor,and Mechanism

Healing is a universal human concern, yet the ways in which we heal vary immensely across cultures. Anthropologists have documented diverse systems of healing—from village shamans and herbalists to acupuncture, energy medicine, and spiritual rituals—each offering its own theory of illness, its own patient-healer roles, and its own symbolic actions for recovery. What unites these systems is a shared structure: a defined explanation of affliction, a trusted healer, specific healing rituals, and expectations of wellness. In a world shaped by migration, digital communication, and cross-cultural interaction, these practices are no longer confined to their origins. Today’s clinicians must navigate a kaleidoscope of healing beliefs—not only among immigrants or indigenous populations, but within the broader public, where 20–40% of adults in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia regularly use complementary and alternative medicine.


At the heart of any healing practice lies the question: Does it work? But what counts as “working” is itself a culturally shaped idea. Recovery might mean symptom relief, spiritual peace, improved family dynamics, or validation of a community’s worldview. Healing often involves metaphors, transformations, and rituals—practices that may not fit neatly within biomedical definitions of effectiveness. With the global spread and commercialization of traditional healing methods, we face new ethical and practical challenges. Healers once held accountable by their communities now operate in marketplaces, where regulatory oversight may be lacking and cultural meaning can be diluted. As traditions hybridize and shift, clinicians and patients alike must grapple with what healing means in a fragmented, multicultural world.


Healing is never just physical—it is social, psychological, moral, and political. As biomedicine increasingly integrates into global health systems, its limitations in addressing the full human experience become clearer. Cultural healing practices often fill those gaps, offering hope, connection, and empowerment where clinical language falls short. Understanding these practices—not only how they work, but why they matter—helps clinicians meet the deeper needs of their patients. Disentangling cultural meanings from physiological mechanisms may help us build a more compassionate, evidence-informed model of care that values pluralism over uniformity.

Reference:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621226/

What to Do When You Want to Disappear

There are moments when life feels so overwhelming that the thought “I want to disappear” seems like the only escape. Whether it’s the crushing weight of daily obligations, relationship strain, or simply the grind of emotional exhaustion, this desire isn’t uncommon—and it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Wanting to vanish is often your mind’s way of signaling that something deeper needs attention. According to mental health counselor Rachel Gersten, this feeling can stem from shame, burnout, or emotional overload. Instead of suppressing the urge, try to observe it. What’s happening when the thought arises? Are you exhausted at work? Feeling isolated? Naming the emotion—like “shame wants me to disappear”—can shift your relationship with it. Techniques like narrative therapy, opposite action (from DBT), mindfulness, and simply taking a break can help disrupt the pattern. If the feeling becomes persistent, it’s time to seek support.

Key Facts:

  • The urge to disappear often signals emotional distress, not necessarily depression or suicidality.
  • Shame is a common underlying emotion, prompting withdrawal.
  • “Opposite action” encourages doing the reverse of what the emotion suggests—such as reaching out instead of isolating.
  • Narrative therapy helps reframe thoughts by externalizing them (e.g., “fear wants me to disappear”).
  • Even small breaks can restore clarity—nature, rest, or a microbreak from work can make a big difference.
  • If the thought is recurring, speaking to a therapist can help identify root causes and next steps.

Feeling like you want to disappear isn’t something to fear—it’s something to explore. It’s a sign that your emotional dashboard is lighting up, urging you to slow down, check in, and reconnect with what you need. Whether that’s support, space, or change, you deserve the tools and care to find your way through. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to disappear to find peace.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-when-you-want-to-disappear-5204214?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17807380-20250526&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=052625&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

26 Quotes About Letting Go

When life feels overwhelming or your heart is burdened with grief, a well-chosen inspirational quote can act as a powerful grounding force. Though often overlooked, quotes have the ability to gently interrupt toxic thought spirals and offer perspective during life’s most difficult moments. Mental health professionals like Jessi Gholami, LCSW, emphasize that these are not empty slogans, but concentrated moments of clarity that offer comfort, affirmation, and even healing. Dr. Donna Novak adds that these quotes can reroute the brain’s autopilot thinking patterns—especially helpful for neurodiverse individuals like those with ADHD or autism. Whether meditating, journaling, or decorating your space, integrating letting-go quotes into your daily routine can support emotional release and growth.


Key Facts:

  • Letting-go quotes support emotional processing, surrender, and self-compassion
  • Great for breaking negative thought loops
  • Effective for neurodiverse folks (ADHD, autism)
  • Can be used in meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and home decor
  • Not a substitute for therapy, but a helpful self-care tool


Healing doesn’t always come from grand gestures—it often begins with small, repeated reminders that you are not alone. A quote scribbled on your mirror, whispered in meditation, or tucked into a journal can become your quiet anthem of resilience. And when words aren’t enough, remember that seeking professional support is a sign of strength, not surrender.


English: Mental health is very important.
Japanese: メンタルヘルスはとても重要です。

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/quotes-about-letting-go-8678775?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17797308-20250521&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=052125&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed

When someone we love is struggling with depression, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to say—but silence or distance can unintentionally deepen their pain. Offering gentle words like “I care” or “I’m here for you” may seem small, but to someone feeling isolated, they are lifelines. Empathy doesn’t require perfect phrases—just honest presence. Listening without judgment, checking in regularly, or offering specific support like help with chores or a ride to therapy can go a long way. Remind them that they matter, that they are not weak, and that healing is possible. If you’re ever concerned about suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help. You don’t need all the answers—just being there could be enough.

Key Facts:

  • Saying something is often better than saying nothing at all.
  • Depression can cause withdrawal—keep reaching out.
  • Tangible support (rides, errands, meals) is meaningful.
  • Don’t try to “fix” them—just listen.
  • Encourage professional help, but without pressure.
  • Be aware of suicide warning signs and take them seriously.
  • Call or text 988 if someone is in crisis.


Compassion is more powerful than perfection. If you show up with patience and empathy, you remind your loved one they are not alone—and that there is hope. Keep the conversation going, keep listening, and never underestimate the strength of simply being present.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-say-when-someone-is-depressed-1067474?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17726325-20250518&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051825&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

How to Get Started With Therapy

Beginning therapy is a meaningful act of self-respect—it means you’re choosing to prioritize your mental well-being. While it can feel intimidating at first, just deciding to explore your options is already a major achievement. Therapy looks different for everyone, so think about what setting fits your lifestyle best. If you value privacy and flexibility, virtual therapy—through video or phone—might be the right fit. Whether you’re navigating daily stress or deeper emotional challenges, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The important thing is that you’ve chosen to start, and that alone is a powerful step forward.

Key Facts:

  • Online therapy offers flexibility and comfort at home
  • Health insurance directories can help locate covered providers
  • Recommendations from trusted friends and doctors are valuable
  • Therapist directories from mental health organizations (like ADAA, APA) are credible sources
  • Online platforms personalize matches based on your unique concerns

Taking the first step to seek therapy shows resilience. Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, identity, or simply seeking clarity, finding the right therapist can help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Healing begins when you choose yourself—and you’ve already begun.


自我关怀是很重要的。
Self-care is important.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/therapy-7092217#toc-how-to-get-started-with-therapy

How Do I Stop Feeling Like I’m Behind in Life?

It’s incredibly easy to feel like you’re falling behind in life—especially in a world filled with highlight reels on social media, relentless comparisons, and pressure to “keep up.” Whether it’s career milestones, relationships, financial status, or personal achievements, many people silently struggle with the belief that they’re not where they “should” be. But as experts like Dr. Carolina Casillas and leadership coach Ashley Rudolph point out, this mindset often stems from unrealistic comparisons, internalized timelines, and distorted definitions of success. What we label as jealousy or failure can actually be a window into what we truly want—and how far we’ve already come.

Key Factors:

  • Social comparison is natural but intensified by social media.
  • Feeling behind can show up in career, relationships, health, or personal growth.
  • Excessive comparison harms self-worth and can lead to anxiety, depression, or debt.
  • Jealousy can be a tool, pointing to your desires.
  • Self-compassion and goal clarity help shift focus back to your own timeline.

You are not behind—you’re just on a different path. Every journey unfolds in its own time, and your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s progress. By practicing self-compassion, examining your emotions honestly, and focusing on what truly matters to you, it becomes possible to find peace with where you are—and move forward with purpose, not pressure.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-stop-feeling-like-im-behind-in-life-11729611?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17654617-20250512&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051225&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

Exploring filial piety

Growing up outside of Asian culture but being deeply immersed in it through my journey with guzheng and East Asian traditions, I’ve come to admire—and sometimes wrestle with—the concept of filial piety. At its heart, filial piety is about honoring and respecting your elders, caring for your family, and carrying your lineage with dignity. In Confucian thought, it’s called Xiao, and it’s more than just a tradition—it’s a way of structuring your life around duty and compassion. What struck me the most when I first learned about it was how it permeates everything—from how one speaks to their parents to how families make decisions together, even across generations.

Over time, I’ve seen how filial piety shows up in different ways, especially among my Asian American friends and collaborators. Some of them talk about how their parents have strong expectations—what to study, who to become, how to live. That’s part of what’s called strict authoritarian filial piety, where elders make many of the decisions for the younger generation. Others come from families that still value obedience and respect but allow for more discussion, known as respectful obedience. I’ve had deep conversations with students and artists who feel caught in between—honoring their family’s sacrifices while longing to follow a path of their own. Honestly, that’s something I relate to, too. As a Black artist choosing to play a traditional Chinese instrument, I’ve had to walk my own unconventional road—and it wasn’t always easy getting support or understanding.

Filial piety isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a cultural framework. But like any tradition, it needs to evolve. I’ve learned that balance is key. There’s wisdom in honoring those who came before you, but there’s also strength in forging your own path. I believe parenting—whether rooted in Asian tradition, Western psychology, or a blend of both—works best when it’s rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and emotional safety. When we allow young people to honor their roots and grow their wings, we build families that don’t just survive, but thrive. That’s something I see reflected in my music, in my teaching, and in the stories I hear from young people navigating the complex beauty of bicultural identity.

Jarrelle ( jieao 杰遨 ) Barton

Reference:https://lhsepic.com/8371/in-depth/exploring-filial-piety-in-asian-cultures/

Cannabis and Lung Health

Despite popular belief, smoking cannabis is not a safer alternative to tobacco—it still poses serious risks to your lung health. Whether it’s through joints, bongs, blunts, or bowls, cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. These substances can damage lung tissue, scar small blood vessels, and increase the risk of bronchitis, chronic coughing, and excessive mucus production. Although these symptoms may improve once cannabis use is stopped, the long-term effects remain concerning. Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the links between cannabis smoking and serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, and COPD.

Key Facts:

  • Smoking cannabis can harm lung tissue and scar blood vessels.
  • Cannabis smoke contains similar toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.
  • Smoking cannabis may increase risk of bronchitis, chronic cough, and mucus buildup.
  • These symptoms often improve after quitting cannabis use.
  • More research is needed on the link between cannabis smoke and lung cancer, COPD, and emphysema.

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, it’s essential to separate fact from myth when it comes to its impact on health—especially lung health. Protecting your lungs means being aware of what you inhale, and choosing healthier ways to cope or manage stress. If you or someone you know is experiencing breathing issues and regularly smokes cannabis, it may be time to consider quitting and speak with a healthcare provider.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/lung-health.html

Menthol Tobacco Products

Menthol is a compound found naturally in peppermint and similar plants, but it can also be made synthetically. In tobacco products like cigarettes, menthol produces a cooling sensation in the throat and lungs, which reduces the harshness of the smoke and makes it easier to inhale—an effect that can increase the likelihood of addiction. Menthol is not limited to cigarettes; it’s also found in e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products. While federal law bans most flavored cigarettes, menthol remains an exception. Nearly all cigarettes sold in the U.S. contain some amount of menthol, but those labeled “menthol” typically contain higher concentrations. In 2021, menthol cigarettes made up 37% of all cigarette sales—the highest level recorded since federal reporting began in 1963.

Key Facts About Menthol in Tobacco Products:

  • Menthol masks harshness:
    Tobacco companies add menthol to make tobacco products feel smoother and more appealing, especially to young people and first-time users.
  • Menthol increases addiction risk:
    Menthol enhances nicotine’s effects on the brain, making tobacco products even more addictive. Some menthol cigarettes now contain higher levels of nicotine.
  • Menthol makes quitting harder:
    People who smoke menthol cigarettes are generally less likely to successfully quit compared to those who smoke non-menthol cigarettes.
  • Targeted marketing:
    Tobacco companies aggressively market menthol products to specific groups, particularly Black communities.
  • Disproportionate impact:
    Higher rates of menthol cigarette use are found among:
    • Young people
    • Racial and ethnic minorities
    • LGBTQ+ individuals
    • Women
    • People with low income
    • People with mental health conditions
  • Solutions for reducing menthol use:
    • Increase access to quitting resources like counseling and medications
    • Implement policies to restrict or reduce menthol tobacco product sales

As menthol continues to dominate the flavored cigarette market, public health experts warn that its smooth and cooling properties can mask the dangers of smoking, especially for new users. Understanding the role of menthol in tobacco products is essential for communities and policymakers working to reduce smoking rates and protect public health—especially among youth and communities disproportionately targeted by menthol marketing.

*Eliminating tobacco flavor serves as a vital measure to shield the youth from the dangers of smoking, curbing its appeal and dissuading the commencement of a hazardous habit.*

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/menthol-tobacco/index.html

About Youth Violence

Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it harder to manage stress and emotions over time.

The health and social effects of youth violence are deeply concerning, especially because they are not evenly distributed across all communities. Communities of color, particularly Black or African American youth, are disproportionately affected. Youth violence is linked to a range of negative outcomes including mental health struggles, substance use, obesity, risky sexual behaviors, depression, academic failure, and even suicide. It also increases the risk of future violence—both as a victim and perpetrator. On a broader level, violence strains community systems by raising healthcare costs, reducing property values, impacting school attendance, and limiting access to support services.

Every day, thousands of young people are affected by youth violence across the United States. This crisis touches every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. The impact is widespread, both in human suffering and economic cost. Below are some key facts and highlights based on U.S. data:

Key Facts & Highlights:

  • Youth violence is common
    • Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
    • It is the leading cause of death for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth.
    • Over 800 youth are treated in emergency departments each day for assault-related injuries.
  • Some youth are more at risk
    • Sexual minority teens experience more types of violence than their heterosexual peers.
    • Black or African American youth are at higher risk for severe violence, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and fights causing injuries.
  • Youth violence is costly
    • In 2020, youth homicides and assault-related injuries cost an estimated $122 billion.
    • These costs include medical care, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life—not including criminal justice expenses.
  • Impact of COVID-19
    • The economic burden of youth violence increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020.
    • 2019: $105 billion → 2020: $122 billion

Prevention is not only possible—it’s essential. Protecting youth means addressing both the individual and societal factors that increase or decrease the risk of violence. Long-standing systemic inequities, like concentrated poverty, residential segregation, and racism, must be addressed to create safer, healthier environments for all youth. Effective prevention strategies consider the full context in which young people grow up, especially for those from racial and ethnic minority communities. Tackling the root causes of violence is key to breaking cycles of harm and supporting young people in becoming healthy, thriving adults.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/index.html