Local perceptions of mental health in Iran, Semnan Province

INTRODUCTION: Understanding local perceptions of mental health in different cultures and contexts is crucial for designing and implementing appropriate mental healthcare services. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted to investigate local perceptions of mental health in two highly populated provincial districts in Iran. Data were collected using the free list technique and interviews. A two‐phase training workshop was held with the research team at a local health center, followed by a pilot study with the participation of six subjects. All the interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed by the third and fourth authors in DEDOOSE. RESULTS: A total of 30 individuals (20 in the free list and 10 as key informants in the interviews) took part in the study. Based on the study findings and the key informants' ideas, mental health problems were categorized into three categories of depression, anxiety, and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). CONCLUSIONS: Mental health problems appear to be expressed in different ways and with different symptoms in different cultures, and there is a distinct need for examining mental disorders in each culture and nationality separately using culturally appropriate tools for disease screening.