Asian Together’s Month May 2024: East Asian Mental Health

By Verna Zhuo

Introduction: The history of East Asia is a bittersweet tapestry woven with cultural, political,

and societal intricacies that have shaped its current state and deeply influenced the region’s

mental health landscape. According to the Asia Society, East Asia consists of countries such as

China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. From the

ancient civilizations of China, Japan, and Korea to the colonial influences of European countries,

the region’s history is a complex interplay of triumphs, struggles, usurpations, and cultural

exchanges. Periods of political instability, such as wars, invasions, and revolutions, have caused

immense trauma and psychological distress among the inhabitants of East Asia. The legacy of

these events still affect the populations today, as individuals and communities grapple with the

long-term effects of past traumatic experiences. The cultural values and societal norms that have

evolved over time in East Asia can also influence the fostered environment. The emphasis placed

on collectivism, filial piety, and maintaining harmonious relationships can create immense

pressure and expectations on individuals, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and

burnout. However, the region is not solely defined by adversity. The region has also been a

combination of artistic, philosophical, and scientific achievements, which have contributed to a

sense of pride and resilience among its people. These cultural assets can serve as a source of

strength and support in navigating the challenges of urbanized life. Understanding the complex

history of East Asia is crucial in comprehending the region’s current mental health landscape and

working towards promoting a more optimistic environment among its diverse populations.

Understanding Mental Health: Mental health is a complex and multifaceted topic that

continues to affect every individual on a daily basis. According to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, mental health can be defined as a person’s overall psychological,

emotional, and social well-being. An individual’s cognitive state of mind can affect their actions,

thoughts, and their general health. Mental health can impact people of all diversity regardless of

race, sex, age, and any other demographic factors. Because mental health is a component of

every human being, it impacts every aspect of our lives, whether positively or negatively. Taking

care of our mental health promotes overall well-being and helps us cope with negative emotions

such as stress, challenges, anxiety, and adversity.

Current State: The current state of mental health in East Asia varies across countries and

regions, but there is an overall general trend. While there is increasing awareness and recognition

of mental health issues, stigma still remains as a significant barrier to seeking the adequate care

needed. Many East Asian countries face challenges related to limited mental health resources,

including shortages of trained professionals, and insufficient funding. Through an UCLA AAPI

survey, studies show that 33% of Korean American adults experience symptoms of depression,

while 16% of Chinese Americans experience similar symptoms. However, these survey

percentages are only estimates since Dr. Ito from UCLA Health reported that, “Asian Americans

are 50% less likely than other racial groups to seek mental health services or to even let it be

known.”

Setbacks: The biggest obstacle in fostering a healthy environment is a result of stigma in Asian

communities. Stigma surrounding mental health in Asian countries can exacerbate issues by

discouraging individuals from seeking help due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or being

shamed by their family. As a result, this can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment, worsening

conditions, increased social isolation, and possibly suicide. According to UCLA Health, mental

health challenges are viewed as an individual problem or weakness and talking openly about

sadness, disappointment, or depression is rarely encouraged. Mental health stigma can be traced

back to traditional beliefs and mindsets that are rooted in Asian cultures. The American

Psychological Association states that discussing mental health concerns is considered taboo in

many Asian cultures and as a result Asian Americans tend to dismiss, deny, or neglect their

symptoms. Furthermore, stigma can hinder the development of mental health infrastructure in

Asian countries. The reluctance to acknowledge or address mental health issues can result in

limited funding and resources allocated for mental health services. Consequently, it leads to a

scarcity in specialized facilities and trained professionals, making it difficult for individuals to

access timely and quality care. Those in need may not receive the adequate support, which

perpetuates the cycle of stigma and further marginalized individuals with mental health

conditions.

Preventions and Steps: Due to mental health being a multifaceted topic, a multifaceted

approach to resolve these obstacles are crucial. Over the last decade, China has made significant

efforts to overcome the barriers that prevent people from accessing diagnosis and care, including

the introduction of the mental health law which calls for more facilities, an increase in mental

health professionals, and more awareness. According to the National Library of Medicine, Japan

and Korea have started dealing with mental health problems in the community through public

education, raising awareness, and lobbying for better care. One of the most important prevention

steps is to educate and involve the community to encourage open discussions about mental health

within families, schools, workplaces, and other institutions to foster supportive environments.

Integrate mental health services into primary care settings to increase accessibility and reduce

stigma associated with seeking specialized mental health treatment. Additionally, it is essential to

advocate for policies that prioritize mental health funding, support, and inclusion. Because the

entire race is influenced by social factors into a negative stereotypical mindset, there needs to be

a support system that individuals can rely on and to change into a mindset where they feel safe to

reveal their true emotions. By fostering an accepting community, it shows that it’s okay to not be

okay sometimes and that seeking help is a sign of strength. Through these inclusion and

advocacy efforts, strides can be made towards building healthier, more supportive societies

where mental well-being is prioritized and stigma is minimized.

Works Cited

“About Mental Health.” Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department

of Health & Human Services, 16 April 2024.

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=What%20is%20mental%20h

ealth%3F,1. Accessed 16 May 2024.

“Asia Society.” Asia Society, 2024, https://asiasociety.org/countries-regions/east-

asia#:~:text=East%20Asia%20includes%20China%2C%20Hong,please%20use%20the%

20links%20above. Accessed 16 May 2024.

“Mental Health in China.” World Health Organization, 2024,

https://www.who.int/china/health-topics/mental-health. Accessed 17 May 2024/

Meshvara, Deva. “Mental Health and Mental Healthcare in Asia.” The World Psychiatric

Association, National Library of Medicine, 2002 June.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1489866/. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Nishi, Koko. “Mental Health Among Asian Americans.” American Psychological

Association, 2024, https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/asian-

american/article-mental-health. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Schlossberg, Jocelyn. “Confronting Mental Health Barriers in the Asian American and

Pacific Islander Community.” UCLA Health, 2024,

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/confronting-mental-health-barriers-asian-

american-and-2. Accessed 17 May 2024.