Health-seeking patterns

Pre Course Reading for CALD 9

eCALD Supplementary Resources

Less acculturated migrants often perceive their health problems in relation to their own health belief model. As a result they may communicate their understanding of their health issues in a manner that does not coincide with modern Western scientific history gathering. Depression or anxiety disorders are not seen as mental health issues and therefore they can  be somatised as not sleeping well, feeling lethargic or having increasing heart palpitations etc.  Less acculturated migrants may seek help from traditional health practitioners for these symptoms. 

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image health seeking patterns 

It is important to ask your CALD client for their explanation of their illness as this is strongly influenced by their cultural values and beliefs.