The vibrant and kaleidoscopic South Asian community in the UK, which includes the lives of individuals hailing from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan (to name a few), is a rich mixture of traditions. Amidst the exuberant celebrations such as Diwali and Eid and the comforting embrace of close-knit familial bonds, there lies a less discussed yet profoundly important issue - mental health. Within the community, mental health is often cloaked in stigma and ignominy, making it a Herculean task for individuals to speak openly about their struggles. This pervasive silence perpetuates untreated mental health issues, creating an insidious cycle of suffering that impacts not just people, but entire households. Environmental factors can further be a magnetic force and an overall influence of stress and questionable mental clarity.
To better understand mental health as a whole, within the South Asian community residing in the UK, research, according to the South Asian Health Foundation (SAHF), illuminates that approximately 1 in 4 South Asians in the UK will experience a mental health disorder at some juncture in their lives. Further exacerbating the issue, South Asian women report higher levels of psychological distress compared to their male counterparts. Cultural norms often place additional pressures on women, who are expected to fulfil multiple roles as caregivers, homemakers, and professionals. The unspeakable burden of these expectations can lead to heightened anxiety. A commendable study by Masood et al. (2009) underscores that South Asians in the UK face significant disparities in the prevalence and treatment of severe mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. South Asian communities are at a heightened risk for these conditions, yet they are less likely to receive appropriate care. The issue becomes worse when these same groups are exposed to poorer environmental factors, such as toxic fumes from living near manufacturing factories and being surrounded by traffic congestion, negatively gifting the population with over-the-top noise pollution. In England, those which do not have access to fresh air, or green spaces, are far more likely to be on a wobbly playing field regarding mental health. Moreover, living in areas with high crime rates, poverty, and limited resources can be burdensome.
Moreover, South Asian cultures in the UK, despite their environment, place an exalted value on collectivism, kin cohesion, and social harmony. While these values foster robust support networks, they can also create an environment where individual mental health needs are overshadowed by the overarching needs of the group. The relentless pressure to maintain family honour and avoid shame can make it arduous for individuals to seek help. This is particularly true for women, who may feel compelled to uphold an image of resilience and self-sacrifice.
In a similar light, language can be a formidable barrier to accessing mental health services. Many South Asians in the UK, particularly older generations and recent immigrants, have limited proficiency in English, particularly in environmentally-lonesome or rural locations where there is not as much diaspora. This can make it challenging to communicate their needs to healthcare providers, comprehend treatment options, and adhere to prescribed therapies. Mental health terminology may not even exist in some South Asian languages, making it a Sisyphean task to describe their experiences accurately.
As mental health services in the UK are often not tailored to the specific cultural needs of South Asians, this can lead to feelings of isolation and mistrust towards healthcare providers. For instance, traditional Western approaches to mental health, which emphasise individualism and personal autonomy, may clash with the collectivist values of South Asian cultures. Without culturally sensitive care, many South Asians may feel that their experiences and backgrounds are not understood or respected. Environment and hierarchy plays a significant role within this as well - those who live fall into a lower-class socioeconomic background for example, may be less likely to pay for counselling or external services, while unfortunately, the majority of the time, these are the same individuals who also live in rougher environmental conditions. Cases include blocks of flats where mould (which has scientifically been shown to increase lung problems) is prevalent, or tight spaces where there is emphasised crowding, or lastly, being further away from public parks. In short, there are lower living costs but weaker naturally-occurring environmental provisions, leading to worse mental health.
From a social standpoint, integrating traditional South Asian practices with modern mental health treatments can enhance the efficacy of care. For example, mindfulness and meditation, which have roots in South Asian cultures, can be incorporated into therapeutic practices. These approaches can help bridge the chasm between traditional beliefs and contemporary mental health care.
Advocating for policies as a whole that support mental health care for ethnic minorities is crucial as well. This includes funding for culturally sensitive mental health services, training programs for healthcare providers, and research on the mental health needs of South Asian communities. Policymakers should be encouraged to prioritise mental health and to create inclusive healthcare systems. Not only this, but incorporating mental health education into school curriculums can help normalise the conversation from a young age. Schools can provide a safe environment for children and adolescents to learn about mental health, develop coping skills, and seek help if needed.
