Mental health is reported to be poorer among people with long-term conditions (LTCs) and people of South Asian (SA) origin, but little is known about their experiences. This research found that people of SA origin with LTCs describe emotional distress using non-medical terminology, even when describing suicidality. This may be related to their cultural understanding of the world. This study highlights the importance of cultural competence to prevent clinicians from being viewed as not understanding their patients and irrelevant as a possible means of support. |