Mental Health in Asian cultures

Across the Asian continent, there are some things that tie us together; some beliefs, practices, attitudes. Unfortunately, one such attitude is the dismissal and lack of awareness about mental health. Through this article, I am hoping to discuss the damaging ideologies Asian cultures hold that stigmatize talking about mental health and hence, stops any form of healing. The major belief that prevents Asians from being empathetic towards youngsters who are trying to open up about their problems is their own past. How our Asian parents have been raised is to be ‘tough’ and never show pain, they had to fight for basic needs. In countries that have been through struggle in recent generations, mental health issues are generally a subject of novelty which has risen from the comparative privilege we are brought up in. In short, generation difference in this context means different problems define the lives of the different generations. 

Historically, several prevalent religions in Asian American countries promote the idea that mental illness is associated with weakness, demonic possession or being less than. Many Asian Americans also have strong family obligations that center around traditional and cultural values. Ancient Asian philosophical traditions strongly identify someone’s self-value with their ability to care for their family and community. These notions encourage the idea that people with mental illness, who may not live up to these stereotypes, obligations, and values have no identity or purpose. These negative ideas can also discourage people from seeking treatment to avoid shaming themselves, their family, or their community. Getting outside help may also conflict with the Asian American cultural value of interdependence, which stresses that family or community can meet all a person’s needs. As an Asian myself, any mental health struggles I bring up are retorted with “But we have given you everything, how can you be depressed?” Contrastingly, families are very often the source of mental distress in asian households, particularly how normalized it is to hit children. Physical abuse in turn affects mental health, personality and interpersonal relations. 

Generation Z are increasingly seeking therapy and professional help, making for a more safe inclusive space promoting vulnerable conversations. Today’s youngsters are trying to heal generations of patterns, trauma, practices and replace them with positive behaviours and thinking patterns. While this is a step in the right direction, there’s still a long way to go destigmatizing mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please speak up and reach out.

Breaking generational patterns