Friday, September 01, 2006

My Uncle's 'Accident' -- Pride and Shame Hide Taboo Topics in California's 'Little Kabul'

Suicide is a sin in Islam, and mental illness is taboo in Afghan culture. Often, those who have mental disorders are frowned upon. They are called "daywana," a foul word for insane. Antidepressants are considered pills that Western doctors give patients to make them crazy. Anxiety attacks are defined as occurrences where evil Jin -- spirits -- take over the body.

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