One in four people will experience mental illness during their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization. This statistic is troubling, given that mental illness is a leading cause of disability, leading to severe complications, including relationship difficulties, substance abuse, and financial struggles.

Culture-Based Stigmas

The Asian American community faces additional mental health challenges, as mental illnesses are underdiagnosed and treatments like therapy are underused compared to white people. In fact, Asian Americans are 50 percent less likely to seek mental health care than other racial groups in the U.S.. Research demonstrates that this disparity largely comes from cultural stigmas that stereotype and discriminate against people experiencing mental illness.

Mental health discussions are often taboo and stigmatized in many Asian American communities. This taboo comes from a cultural emphasis on the community over the individual, often tying self-value with familial obligations. This cultural emphasis is not inherently harmful, but it can reinforce hiding mental illness to avoid shaming the community rather than seeking professional help. This attitude likely contributes to the underdiagnosis of mental illnesses in Asian American communities.

The second cultural stigma comes from parental pressure on Asian Americans to succeed academically, influenced by interdependent values and their immigrant experience. However, this can cause significant stress and contribute to the stigma around mental health issues, as Asian American youth may hesitate to seek help for their mental health challenges to avoid disappointing their parents’ high expectations. 

The “model minority” stereotype, which states that Asians have innate academic talent and are more hardworking than other racial groups, can add even more pressure to succeed for Asian Americans, potentially leading to a belief that successful people do not need mental health care. In short, familial and societal pressures to succeed can both be the cause of mental disorders and force many Asian Americans to hide their mental health struggles, contributing to the disparity in mental health treatment in the Asian American community.

Finally, language barriers between the Asian American patients and the healthcare system can act as a stigma that restricts access to mental health care. It can be challenging for those with language barriers to communicate their emotions and experiences with their healthcare providers. These language barriers can lead to feelings of embarrassment and isolation in Asian American immigrants and may make it seem as if mental healthcare isn’t made for them, becoming a stigma.

Solutions to Address Mental Health Barriers

Both policy changes and interpersonal actions play a crucial role in breaking down mental health stigma. Advocating for policy changes, which can include installing mental health education in schools and updating health care with increased language accessibility, can have significant impacts over the long term. However, we can begin to break down mental health stigma in the Asian American community today, ultimately advocating inclusive mental health care. 

Start by openly talking about mental health, as sharing your mental health struggles can encourage others to do the same and foster a more open dialogue. Acknowledging harmful stereotypes in media, such as the “model minority” myth, can also reduce stigma by promoting vulnerability about mental health. But, most importantly, promote seeking therapy or other mental health care services if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health.

It is our social responsibility to promote the idea that mental health is as important as physical health. Learn how to support mental health through the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association.