Mental Health Care and Services in Asian Communities

By Manahil Sahar, Editor-in-chief

The evolution of Mental Health Care in Asian communities:

Mental Health care within Asian communities has undergone significant changes over the years. From the gloom of stigma to the light of understanding and acceptance, we have certainly come a long way and are constantly headed in the right direction. Albeit slow and steady, the walls of stigma and ignorance surrounding mental health issues have gradually begun to dissolve. 


For centuries mental health problems are often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Traditional beliefs sometimes may even attribute them to spiritual or moral failings, leading to reluctance to discuss and subsequently address these issues openly. Conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia have often been misunderstood and linked to personal weaknesses or supernatural influences. Hence it is no surprise that individuals and families often feel ostracized and grapple with their challenges in isolation, with limited access to supportive resources and professional help. However, research has shown that this perspective is slowly changing, with a growing recognition of mental health’s importance and its indispensable impacts on our lives. 


Current State: 

Presently, the landscape of mental health services is diverse and increasingly culturally sensitive. There is an acknowledgment and understanding of the unique challenges faced by these populations including discrimination, language barriers and cultural stigmas. This is a crucial step towards eradicating these problems and fostering a society where mental health is valued and discussed openly. Particularly, in recent years, there has been a slight shift towards greater awareness and acceptance of mental health issues within Asian communities which is reflected in the increased availability of culturally tailored mental health services including counseling, therapy, and other support groups. Organizations and healthcare providers are realizing the importance of offering services in multiple languages and employing staff who understand the cultural nuances of their clients’ backgrounds.   


Barriers to Access: 

Despite this progress, the journey towards complete annihilation of the stigma around this matter is arduous as barriers still remain and many individuals find themselves shackled to their inner turmoils, shunned by their communities, deep in the abyss of despair and loneliness. 

Farha Abbasi, a cultural psychiatrist and assistant professor at MIchigan State University, highlights the critical issue to stigma in accessing care:”Stigma surrounding mental illnesses remains the biggest barrier in the access of timely care…We have a disproportionate increase in disease burden, but the utilization rates of resources are the lowest in Asian communities.”


Looking ahead: 

Innovative approaches to mental health care are emerging, such as culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CaCBT), which has shown to be more effective for South Asian populations experiencing depression and anxiety. This adaptation considers cultural nuances, ensuring that treatment aligns with patients' beliefs and contexts. Moreover, the importance of culturally sensitive interventions is also finally being acknowledged. These interventions may include incorporating traditional healing practices and family involvement in therapy sessions. 


Collaborations between mental health professionals, community leaders and policymakers are key to creating inclusive systems that cater to the needs of diverse populations. As we look to the future, it is essential to continue advocating for mental health and promoting culturally competent care and organizations like Asian Together play a vital role in this endeavor. Asian Together is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and bringing about a positive change through constant education and awareness - a change that may demand considerable time and effort, but is certainly possible with dedication and focus.

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

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Depression in Asian Communities