Mental Health in South Asian Communities

Shame. Weakness. Taboo.

These are some of the words that are commonly associated with the topic of mental health in South Asian families and communities. We are constantly told that “it’s all in our heads”, “depression isn’t real”, and that we need “to get over it.” Serious mental health disorders are silenced, covered up, or simply ignored. This is the daily reality of many South Asians, especially those surrounded by families who constantly stigmatize and invalidate their mental health concerns.

In several South Asian societies, mental health was and still is considered to be a taboo subject. If you claim to experience mental illness, you are dismissed as being weak, playing victim, or acting hysteric. Reaching out for help or therapy is shamed. Several people thought that medication was only necessary when experiencing large amounts of physical pain, and should otherwise be avoided. In addition, it was seen as normal for family members to make comments on things like weight, acne, and appearance, assuming that this would have no effect on our mental health.

I remember having this conversation several times with my South Asian friends, and I was shocked to hear some of them tell me that their parents simply didn’t believe in mental health. I thought to myself, if our mothers were going to use haldi to cure our physical ailments, how could they deny that we also needed something to cure our mental ailments?

In a culture that values outward perceptions of strength and perfection, all while constantly seeking to maintain a good familial appearance to others, mental health is deeply disregarded. However, the constant criticism, comparison and judgement many South Asians face has contributed to the worsening of mental health issues.

So how do we change this? We need to focus on having open and respectful conversation with our family, community and friends. We need to put openness and acceptance above silence and normalize talking about mental health in South Asian communities.

Sometimes, it only takes one voice to inspire others to follow and share their stories. Our health and well being are more important than our reputation. We are not alone, and our voices only make us stronger.