Over 4.3 million South Asians live in the United States. The South Asian community in the United States comprises of individuals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and the South Asian Diaspora (including the West Indies and Africa)(SAALT). South Asians are not only diverse in terms of national origin, but is also comprised of individuals who practice distinct religions, possess a variety of ethnic background, and speak different languages. In addition, the majority of South Asians who live in the United States are foreign-born, with over 75% of the population born outside of the United States (SAALT).
Now that we have a better sense of the South Asian community in America, let’s dig deep into what is causing south asian american from seeking help in regards to mental heath. There are many factors as to why mental health is stigmatized in the South Asian culture and more difficult for those who are both growing up in the western culture and south asian culture. …show more content…
Experiencing stigma because of a mental health problem is also common, with 9 out of 10 people who have a mental health problem experiencing it in some form (time to change). However, when it comes to understanding how and why stigma occurs, attitudes and behaviours vary widely across different communities. Mental illness in the south asian community is stigmatized to a point where a person who needs help avoids seeking for help. Mental health is not a topic that you would often hear in the South Asian Community. There are some specific attitudes towards mental illness in the South Asian community shows that mental illness is a taboo
Now that we have a better sense of the South Asian community in America, let’s dig deep into what is causing south asian american from seeking help in regards to mental heath. There are many factors as to why mental health is stigmatized in the South Asian culture and more difficult for those who are both growing up in the western culture and south asian culture. …show more content…
Experiencing stigma because of a mental health problem is also common, with 9 out of 10 people who have a mental health problem experiencing it in some form (time to change). However, when it comes to understanding how and why stigma occurs, attitudes and behaviours vary widely across different communities. Mental illness in the south asian community is stigmatized to a point where a person who needs help avoids seeking for help. Mental health is not a topic that you would often hear in the South Asian Community. There are some specific attitudes towards mental illness in the South Asian community shows that mental illness is a taboo