Depression Among Hmong Shamans: A Qualitative Exploration of Beliefs and Experiences
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities March 10, 2026 Ya Yambao Yang, Mandy Yang, Tiffany Wing Lam Yip et al.
Hmong shamans understand and respond to depression through cultural beliefs and spiritual practices rather than biomedical frameworks. Nine of twelve shamans interviewed struggled to name depression, while eight attributed it to soul loss or spiritual imbalance. Displacement, war trauma, and poverty were identified as contributing factors by all participants. Coping strategies included family time, gardening, and healing from other shamans. Female shamans more openly shared struggles, while male shamans concealed emotions due to their household role. Only younger shamans had sought therapy; older shamans associated depression with stigma, mistrust, and fear of medication. This suggests a generational shift toward openness to mental health services.