Mental Health in the South Asian Community: Breaking the Silence By Sobia Mansoor (RP, CCC)

Introduction: Why We Don’t Talk About Mental Health

In many South Asian households, conversations about mental health are wrapped in silence. Words like depression, anxiety, or therapy are often replaced by phrases like “just be grateful” or “pray more.” While faith and family are powerful sources of strength, the cultural stigma surrounding mental illness continues to keep many people suffering quietly behind closed doors.

Breaking this silence is not an act of rebellion; it’s an act of healing.

Understanding the Stigma

In South Asian cultures, mental health struggles are often mistaken for a lack of faith, willpower, or discipline. Common beliefs such as:

• “Depression is a Western concept.”

• “Therapy is for people who are crazy.”

• “Family problems shouldn’t be discussed outside the home.”

These beliefs create a wall of shame that keeps individuals from seeking professional help until their distress becomes unbearable.

Research shows that South Asians are significantly less likely to seek therapy compared to other cultural groups, often due to stigma, language barriers, and lack of culturally informed services (Arora et al., 2021).

The Hidden Toll of Silence

When mental health is not openly discussed, suffering often disguises itself as something else; chronic pain, fatigue, irritability, or sleep problems. This is known as somatization, where emotional pain is expressed through the body (Williams et al., 2024).

For immigrants and first-generation children, the pressure to excel, maintain family reputation, and fulfill multiple cultural roles adds layers of stress. The emotional cost of being the “model minority” or “perfect child” is often invisible; but deeply felt.

Culture as a Source of Healing

South Asian culture also holds the keys to healing; community connection, spirituality, and interdependence. These strengths can coexist beautifully with therapy when approached with cultural sensitivity.

A culturally attuned therapist understands that healing may involve integrating spiritual values, honoring family obligations, and addressing intergenerational trauma rather than rejecting tradition. Therapy becomes a space not just for coping—but for reclaiming identity, balance, and belonging.

How Therapy Can Help Rebuild Emotional Health

"Stigma is rampant in the medical profession. Unless we address it, it will continue to destroy and devastate lives."- Ahmed Hankir, MD, psychiatrist (WHO, 2022)

Therapy helps clients unpack emotions that have been silenced for years; fear, guilt, sadness, or resentment; without judgment.
At Clarity & Care Psychotherapy, we see therapy as a collaboration that honors your culture, faith, and lived experience. Together, we can:

• Challenge internalized stigma with compassion

• Address anxiety, depression, or trauma through culturally informed approaches

• Build emotional communication within families

• Redefine what strength and resilience mean within your cultural context

Dr. Samir Parikh (2020) emphasizes, mental health advocacy in South Asian communities begins with education and culturally grounded empathy; not confrontation.

Breaking the Silence: What You Can Do

Breaking stigma begins with small, brave steps:

1. Talk about it. Share your story or check in with a loved one.

2. Normalize therapy. Seeking support is strength, not weakness.

3. Educate with love. Help elders and peers understand mental health through familiar values; faith, compassion, community.

4. Find your therapist match. Look for someone who understands your cultural context.

5. Lead by example. When you prioritize your mental health, you open the door for others to do the same.

Conclusion: Healing Together, One Conversation at a Time

Breaking the silence around mental health in the South Asian community is not about abandoning our culture; it’s about evolving within it. Our ancestors survived through collective resilience. Today, we continue that legacy by adding emotional wellness to the story.

Let’s replace “what will people say?” with “how can we help one another heal?”

If you or someone you love is struggling, know that help is available; and healing is possible.

🪷 At Clarity & Care Psychotherapy, we provide compassionate, culturally informed therapy for South Asians and other racialized communities.
👉 Book a confidential session today to begin your journey toward healing and self-understanding.