Exploring Cultural Stigma and Mental Health in Asian Communities

Did you know Asians are three times less likely to seek treatment or help compared to other racial groups in the U.S.? Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there. In 2019, suicide became the leading cause of death among Asian and Pacific islanders. (Mental and Behavioral Health - Asian Americans, n.d.)

These are some alarming numbers, so it's important to think about what brought us to this point. Let’s discuss the cultural background, parenting style, and factors that contribute to social stigma when it comes to mental health in the Asian community. 

Understanding the Cultural Background 

In Western society, the authoritarian parenting style is a thing of the past. But, it still lingers in major parts of Asian and Chinese cultures. It is often considered a high-control parenting technique with little to no warmth and emotional support. Studies have suggested that due to collectivism (placing someone/society's interest before yours), emotional self-control and teaching kids unconditional obedience to their elders have resulted in a social stigma regarding their mental health. (Yim, E. P,2022 (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905093/full)).

Traditionally, Asians have strong roles and responsibilities in their families. Which, in return, makes it a stigma to talk about their own problem. Their parenting style, societal expectations, and cultural norms put pressure on Asian teenagers to ignore their symptoms or don't talk about them openly. As a result, Asian-American peers are three times less likely to go to therapy. (Huizen, 2021) (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asian-american-mental-health#why-is-there-a-stigma)

The Role of Stigma in Mental Health 

In layman's terms, devaluing or discrediting a person on the basis of a character they possess is called stigma. So, if we are relating stigma to mental health, then it becomes a major concern as people think their mental illness is their fault and they should not talk or treat it openly. It causes them to break out of therapy or not even opt in in the first place. 

This stigma can be characterized by three different types: social, self, and structural stigma.

Social is placed by expectations and norms set by society and people around you, while self-stigma is devaluing your own traits and an internalized shame you can feel about the illness. In comparison, structural stigma can be referred to as difficult access, no recommendations, or research centers related to mental illness. (Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People With Mental Illness, n.d.) (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination)

Factors Contributing to Stigma

In Asian communities, collectivism, where the needs of the group outweigh those of the individual, often leads to stigma surrounding mental health. There's pressure to maintain harmony within the community, which can discourage individuals from seeking help for fear of disrupting social cohesion.

Sociocultural and religious/spiritual beliefs strongly influence perceptions of mental health in

Asian cultures. Stigmatization may stem from cultural norms and values that view mental illness as a moral failing or divine punishment. Additionally, beliefs about karma or fate can lead to

fatalistic attitudes toward mental health issues, further exacerbating stigma. (Mohan Kumar, Rakshitha,2023)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cultural background significantly influences the stigma surrounding mental health in Asian communities. The lingering effects of authoritarian parenting styles, societal expectations, and cultural norms contribute to the reluctance of individuals to seek help for mental health issues.

It's vital to remember that your past circumstances don't have to define your future. If you're struggling, seeking support for your mental health can be a positive step towards improving your life and well-being. There's always room for growth and change, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

References

Huizen, J. (2021, January 29). Asian American mental health stigma: Why does it exist?https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asian-american-mental-health#why-is-there-a-stigma (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asian-american-mental-health#why-is-there-a-stigma)

Mohankumar, Rakshitha, "The Influence of Cultural Stigma on Perceptions of Mental Illness" (2022). Master's Theses. 5268.

Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

Subu, M. A., Wati, D. F., Netrida, N., Priscilla, V., Dias, J. M., Abraham, M. S., Slewa‐Younan, S., & Al‐Yateem, N. (2021). Types of stigma experienced by patients with mental illness and mental health nurses in Indonesia: a qualitative content analysis.

International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-021-00502-x

Yim, E. P. (2022). Effects of Asian cultural values on parenting style and young children’s perceived competence: A cross-sectional study.

Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905093