Cultural background influences multiple aspects of human experience, including perceptions of mental illness and symptom expression. Incidence and prevalence of mood disorders appear to differ between cultures, with higher rates reported for developing compared to developed areas, although this is limited by differences diagnostic classification, as well as methodological inconsistencies in epidemiological studies. Social constructs about the self and others, beliefs, norms, and customs may affect not only the occurrence but also shape the profile of mood disorders and the extent of help seeking. The impact of culture on illness presentation may even extend to treatment selection and service use. Culture plays an important role in treatment outcomes, with racial disparities in antidepressant efficacy and fewer talking therapy referrals for minorities being prominent examples. Access to health services may also vary between cultural groups, even within regions and countries. A personalised approach matching patients with clinicians may provide a framework for shared understanding and experiences of illness to improve provided care.