Mental health issues among Asian Americans: Traditions, societal pressure, and additional factors
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Asian Americans face lower rates of seeking mental health services compared to other racial groups in the U.S., due to a combination of cultural factors, stigma, and systemic barriers. Below, we explore the key reasons and factors contributing to this issue.
Cultural and Stigma Factors
Mental illness is often viewed as a sign of weakness in traditional Asian cultures, leading to shame and stigma associated with seeking mental health help [2][4]. This cultural stigma, coupled with the belief that mental health is intertwined with physical health, may lead individuals to consult physicians rather than therapists, further complicating access to specialized mental health services [2].
The emphasis on family obligations and the expectation to be successful, rooted in Confucianism, prevalent in East Asian cultures, can discourage individuals from admitting to mental health struggles [4]. Additionally, some Asian American communities may view mental illness as a taboo topic, making talking about mental health a difficult conversation [5].
Systemic Barriers
Mental health services often lack cultural competency, creating mistrust among Asian Americans [2]. Healthcare providers may not fully understand or address the unique cultural and linguistic needs of this population, leading to a lack of trust in the system [2]. Implicit biases held by healthcare providers may also result in underdiagnosis or inadequate treatment of mental health conditions in Asian Americans [2].
Acculturation challenges can further complicate matters, as the process of adapting to a new culture may lead to confusion about where to seek help or how to navigate the healthcare system [2].
Statistical Evidence
Asian Americans are significantly less likely to seek therapy compared to the general population, with only 8.7% of Asian Americans accessing mental health services, compared to 17.9% of the general population [2]. Despite lower service utilization rates, Asian Americans report psychological distress at rates similar to other racial groups, and these rates have increased during the pandemic [2].
In 2019, approximately 15% of Asian Americans reported having a mental illness in the past year [6]. Shaming related to mental health is a cultural norm in some Asian American communities, and stigmas that associate mental illness with disability are the largest barrier to Asian Americans accessing mental healthcare [3].
To address these disparities, it is crucial to build trust within the community, improve cultural competency in healthcare services, and address the systemic barriers that prevent Asian Americans from seeking the mental health care they need. The 'model minority' myth, which enforces the idea that all Asian Americans are fully-integrated, intelligent, industrious, and have overcome racial bias, must also be confronted to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma within Asian American communities.
- The specific medication Paxlovid, while primarily used for treating COVID-19, has not been associated with the issue of lower mental health service seeking rates among Asian Americans, but addressing mental health care in a broader health-and-wellness context is essential for this community.
- The cultural context of traditional Asian societies and the associated stigma towards mental health play a significant role in discouraging Asian Americans from seeking help, as mental illness may be seen as a sign of weakness or taboo topic within some communities.
- In the domain of science and research, it has been demonstrated that Asian Americans experience higher psychological distress during times of crisis, such as the pandemic, yet are less likely to access mental health services compared to the general population, revealing a concerning disparity in care.
- To foster positive change, it is crucial to eradicate the 'model minority' myth and promote a more contextual understanding of mental health within Asian American communities, emphasizing the importance of breaking down cultural barriers, improving systemic equality, and strengthening trust in mental health services to ensure mental health care is accessible for all.
