Why Mental Health Is Still Taboo in Many Asian Communities
Cultural beliefs, shame, and a lack of knowledge.
We don’t air our dirty laundry out to dry.
How many of us who grew up in Asian households have heard that?
I often found that to be ironic, as gossip is common in Chinese culture, yet talking about personal struggles is not welcomed.
Cultural Stigma and "Saving Face"
In many Asian families, admitting that one is struggling with anything, especially their mental health, may be seen as a personal weakness or bring shame to the family.
Parents often encourage their children to suppress their emotions, so the family does not “lose face”.
Religious and Spiritual Beliefs
I recall attending Taoist spiritual gatherings with my mom when I was a teenager. There was an incident in which the Chinese couple asked the Taoist priest to help them have children. If not, their marriage would not survive. Looking back, going to see a medical doctor and a therapist might have been helpful.
In Asian culture, many families seek spiritual healing or religious intervention instead, as they believe that mental health issues could be due to karmic imbalance.
Lack of Mental Health Knowledge & Immigrant Mindset
I decided to put these two together because many of our ancestors, especially those who were immigrants, had to put survival first; feeding their families and tending to their mental health would have been seen as a privilege.
In the past, there was a lack of specific terms for specific mental health concerns.
The Collectivist Mindset
In a collectivist culture, family is often prioritized over personal needs. So seeking therapy can be viewed as selfish or unnecessary if it disrupts family harmony.
Access and Financial Barriers
In the past, few Asian therapists were working in the field. Hence, for many Asians, especially elders, language barriers and the lack of culturally competent care can hinder access.
In addition, mental health services can be expensive.
What Can You Do?
As an Asian person, if you are seeking care regarding your mental health, here are a few things you can do.
Talk to your peers when you are struggling if your family is not open to the idea.
Normalize mental health conversations.
Seek out Asian therapists and counsellors who can provide culturally competent care.
Reach out to your community, friends and other family members. Please do not struggle alone.
📞 If you need help navigating with your mental health, contact me today. Book a free 15-minute consultation.