Mental health is one of the most important topics of the 21st century. The world is experiencing an epidemic of anxiety, depression, and burnout yet different countries are approaching these issues differently.
The contrast between Iceland and South Korea, two developed but culturally opposite societies, is particularly striking. While in Iceland, mental health is a matter of trust, early prevention, and national peace; Koreans perceive it to be a highly stigmatised and illusive problem, masked behind high levels of competition and perfectionism.
Iceland: Prevention, Openness, and Emotional Health as the Norm
Iceland is a country with a population of only about 380,000 people, a harsh climate and long winters. It would seem that all the conditions are ripe for depression. However, mental health indicators are stable here as the early intervention system is considered one of the best in Europe.
In 1998, Iceland launched a large scale program to prevent teenage addictions and mental disorders.
Instead of punitive measures, sports activities, psychological consultations in schools, and an open dialogue about feelings were introduced. Fast forward twenty years and the level of teenage smoking, alcohol, and drug use has decreased threefold with cases of depression stabilising.
The key to success is a culture of open discussion.
In Icelandic schools and even in the workplace, it is normal to say: “I am having a hard time” or “I feel anxious.” The national characteristic, a tendency to ‘restraint,’ does not prevent Icelanders from asking for help. There is no “shame in asking for help” here.
On the contrary, those who can recognise their feelings and turn to a specialist are considered strong, self-aware, and stable.
Iceland is a country with one of the highest availability of psychotherapists per capita and psychologists' services are included in state programs. The culture of 'prevention' is formed from childhood, both brushing teeth and working with emotions.
South Korea: Perfectionism, Pressure and Stigma
South Korea is a country that impresses with its technological achievements, levels of education, and economic growth. Yet behind this facade, there are alarming statistics: Korea has the highest global suicide rate among young people and the elderly in the OECD.
According to the WHO, depression is one of the most common causes of disability among Koreans.
The reason lies not in biology, but in culture. South Korean society is traditionally focused on collectivism, hierarchy, and the pursuit of the ideal. From childhood, children are under pressure including exams, ratings, appearance, and career success: everything must be perfect.
A mistake is deemed 'shameful.' Weakness is taboo. In this context, mental illness is often perceived as a personal failure or even a "shame" on the family.
Seeking help from a psychiatrist can lead to social rejection, a loss of work chances, or even marriage. Even in universities or corporations, students and employees prefer to keep silent about their experiences.
Although South Korea invests in the development of mental health care, seeking support itself remains rare. Only about 20% of people suffering from depression receive professional help. Many choose silence, sometimes fatal.
National Culture of Emotions
A country’s culture is not only traditions, but also the “emotional climate” in which a person grows up.
National character influences how emotions are perceived as a weakness that needs to be hidden or as a natural part of life. Iceland, with its small population and strong sense of community, offers a model of emotional resilience through acceptance and prevention. South Korea, with its striving for perfection, still struggles with internal fears of “showing weakness.”
Sure, depression happens in Iceland and mental health awareness is growing in Korea. Yet at the root of it all are different cultural attitudes.
What about Genetics?
Some researchers suggest that genetic predisposition also plays a role.
For example, people from northern countries do have more common serotonin metabolism patterns, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Yet in practice, it is the social environment and cultural norms that determine whether a person will seek help and receive support.
Iceland and South Korea show that the same disease, depression, can be perceived as a normal part of life or as a shame. It all depends on how society has taught us to think about ourselves.
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