Asian American Mental Health Stigma: Why It Exists and How to Combat It

A study found stigmas that associate mental illness with disability are the largest barrier to Asian Americans accessing mental healthcare.

Cultural norms and values

Shaming related to mental health is a cultural norm in some Asian American communities.

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. This value perpetuates the idea that people should not seek professional help when relying on their family or community.

The ‘model minority’ myth

The model minority myth enforces the idea that all Asian Americans are fully-integrated, intelligent, industrious, and have overcome racial bias. This places pressure on those within this group to meet these standards or expectations.

Furthermore, it encourages people to hide their historical influences and deny the fact that their life includes frustration, let-downs, setbacks, failures, pain, and loss that everyone experiences.

Taboos

Talking about mental health is taboo in many Asian cultures, perpetuating the idea that mental illness is shameful and that people should keep these issues private.

Lack of culturally appropriate resources

Many healthcare professionals do not have the specialist training to accommodate or address different cultural needs, experiences, and values.

Some estimates claim Asian Americans also have the most trouble accessing mental healthcare due to language barriers of all ethnic and racial groups living in the U.S.

Because fewer Asian Americans seek mental healthcare than other groups, those who do may find themselves in settings without people of their race or ethnicity to whom they can relate.

Other Cultural Factors

Various mental health stigmas impact certain groups of Asian Americans differently depending on certain cultural factors.

Factors influencing stigmas in children include:

• being pressured to excel in academic life and become a highly skilled professional regardless of the emotional, social, or physical toll
• being encouraged to hide emotions to avoid being seen as “too emotional” or a complainer
• the idea that previous generations suffered worse circumstances or trauma, so it is shameful for children or young adults to share their struggles knowing that others survived “much more”
• the idea among older adults that mental illness does not exist or impacts their community
• the idea that children and young adults should be thankful or grateful because of the sacrifices made for them regardless of their experiences

A study by the National Asian Women’s Health Organization also identified the following attitudes or beliefs impacting Asian American women:

• conflicting cultural values causing a reduced sense of control over life decisions
• feeling responsible or obliged, yet unable to meet unrealistic, biased family and societal standards
• fear of stigma and stigmatization of their family
• witnessing mental illness, such as depression in family members, but being encouraged to stay silent

Some factors surrounding traditional masculine gender roles and obligations may also influence Asian American males more heavily than other groups, such as:

• intense shame and guilt for failing to be the “head” of the family and care for family members
• the idea that Asian American men are less interested in their emotional life
• fear of being labeled as easily defeated or willing to accept failure
• the idea men should not “show their cards” or express their emotions with others
• the need to “save face” by avoiding discussing issues that may bring humiliation, shame, or disgrace

How to combat the stigma

The best way to combat stigmas is to become educated about mental health facts and engage positively with people who experience mental illness.

Other ways to combat stigmas include:

• talking openly with family, friends, or using social media
• promoting the idea that physical and mental illness are equal
• avoiding the use of language that may be negative or discriminating
• telling the media when they are promoting stigmatizing content or ideas
• showing compassion and empathy for people with mental illness
• seeking treatment and being open and honest with others about it
• trying to avoid self-stigmatization and embracing empowerment over shame

Seeking Help

When choosing a healthcare provider, make sure they are culturally competent and fluent in the relevant language. Ask if a provider has:

• treated many Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders
• specialized training in how to treat Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders
• knowledge of how cultural backgrounds may influence communication about treatment
• considered how aspects of cultural identity may affect treatment

Excerpted from “Asian American mental health stigma: Why does it exist?” in MedicalNewsToday. Read the full article online.

Source: MedicalNewsToday | Asian American mental health stigma: Why does it exist?, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asian-american-mental-health | © 2024 Healthline Media UK Ltd

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