Overcoming the mental health stigma in South Asian communities

From our food to our music and the words that we use, South Asian culture has a huge influence on life in the UK. In 2019, South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which runs from 18th July to 17th August, was set up to recognise the contributions that these communities continue to make to Britain. This year, the organisers have chosen the theme Free To Be Me, encouraging South Asian people to celebrate simply being themselves.

To truly be yourself, you have to accept all parts of yourself, including your mental health. However, research by Mind shows that many people from South Asian communities in the UK are prevented from accessing mental health support due to stigma, shame and embarrassment. The study found that women tended to worry that disclosing mental illness may lead to them being seen as an unfit mother, wife or daughter-in-law, whereas men tended to think that their role as a breadwinner or protector could come into question.  

Another issue that South Asian people may face is a lack of awareness when it comes to what mental health services are available. And, sometimes when people do seek help, they’re met with cultural or language barriers, so the services don’t meet their needs. These setbacks mean that people in South Asian communities are concealing their emotions, suffering in silence and delaying treatment, which can cause mental illnesses to become more severe.  

No matter what your background or ethnicity, it’s important to remember that you are not weak or less-than for experiencing a mental health issue. Everyone deserves to live with good mental health and have access to quality mental health care. The more open we are about mental health and the more that we’re able to talk about it, the more people will feel free to be themselves.  

Getting help with your mental health

If you’re struggling with your mental health, your local GP can help. They’ll be able to help you understand more about what you’re going through and talk you through treatment options, letting you know which services are free to access through the NHS.

If you feel uncomfortable accessing support through your GP for any reason, there are culturally sensitive organisations set up to support South Asian communities in the UK. The South East & East Asian Centre have a mental health directory that’s useful, or you may want to look into these groups:

• Rethink Mental Illness - Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) mental health

• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network

• Diya South Asian Group in Harrow

One of the possible treatment paths that a mental health professional may suggest is talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT can help you to manage your problems by changing the way that you think and behave.  

At ieso, we offer typed CBT for a range of mental health issues. Typed therapy is where the patient and therapist speak by typing back and forward via an online platform. Our service is unbiased, confidential and non-judgemental, and you do not need to be concerned about spelling mistakes or having to type fast. It’s also flexible as the sessions can take place from the comfort of your home, or anywhere that you can access the internet. ieso therapy is free for some NHS patients - you can find out if you’re eligible here.

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