August 2022 marks 75 years since the partition of India and Pakistan. Since many are celebrating South Asian heritage month, a month long event aimed at commemorating and celebrating South Asian cultures, mental health is something which is not openly discussed amongst the South Asian communities, although many studies have shown that South Asian immigrants experience larger rates of mental health disorders than their western counterparts. What are the intergenerational reasons which may contribute to them not seeking help?
As a first generation immigrant myself I have endured many challenges associated with the burdens of navigating two different existences, while trying to fit into a western society. Self identity becomes increasingly obscure and self acceptance is often governed by the approval of family and community; on the one hand the South Asian culture is displayed as supportive and a close knit community yet, on the other hand, the pressure placed upon young people to disregard their own dreams and goals for the demands of those very families and communities becomes a cause of internal conflict.
This conflict filters through and becomes a barrier to seeking out mental health services.
My personal experience has been from not wanting a South Asian therapist for fear of judgement to being unable to go to a western trained therapist for fear of being misunderstood due to the unfamiliarity with the cultural background. There is an urgency for therapists who work with a focus on people of the South Asian diaspora who, like me, have navigated multicultural experiences. In recognising this need for people to have a therapist who truly understands their background, can we begin to create a space where individuals can seek therapy where they not only feel heard and understood but feel safe in talking about those parts of our culture which can feel shameful from a western perspective.
South Asian heritage month 2022 is celebrated from Monday 18th July to Wednesday 17th August
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