The challenges of multicultural living

Growing up with multiple cultures has its advantages and disadvantages. There’s the obvious pros of understanding different view points and experiencing a vast array of cultural experiences and traditions (as well as an amazing diversity of delicious food!). Some might even say that you experience two worlds apart simultaneously. Though there’s something that others may not realise - and that is… it can also be really complex having to navigate different cultures in various contexts, especially when it comes to cultural generational and family values, your own values, career goals, relationships and gender roles (just to name a few!).

As an example, having grown up in Australia and adopting a more outspoken and an independent style of living can often clash with your parents’ (or other family members’) point of view who hold strong traditional cultural values from their own culture and upbringing. This can cause a lot of tension in relationships and family dynamics and it is often not recognised or spoken about which can then impact other areas of your life such as:

• your sense of identity and social isolation

• pressure to conform and balancing adaptation in a study or work environment

• conflict between respecting differing cultures and values

• racial or intergenerational tension

• mental health and stigma

Unpacking some of these challenges can help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and how to protect your mental health so that you can become more comfortable with being your authentic self - along with developing healthier boundaries and relationships.