Tradition and Taboo: Understanding the Role of South Asian Culture in Mental Health

Abstract

In the United States, about 59.3% of adults experience mental illness each year (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.), yet in South Asia, only an estimated 7.5  to 10 % of people are identified as suffering from mental disorders (Naveed et al., 2020).  Does this mean South Asians experience greater mental health? Not necessarily. A study done in 2020 showed that South Asians show high rates of mental issues, but they rarely seek treatment (Shah, 2022). It was hypothesized that while cultural practices like strong community support and shared traditions may offer a positive impact on the mental health of South Asian people, these traditions and the taboos that come with them also lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.  In order to test this, an online survey was completed by 53 women and men with a South Asian background. Countries represented included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and parts of Afghanistan, and the majority of the responses (36) came from an Indian background while Pakistani (14) had the second largest pool of responses.  Based on the survey responses, the data mostly supports the hypothesis. Some of the results showed the positive effects. For example, many respondents agreed that South Asian culture emphasizes academic success and family support, which they saw as helpful. However, responses were mixed when it came to emotional support and being able to talk openly about mental health. This shows that while cultural values can help people feel connected, they can also make it harder to speak up or get help when someone is struggling.  Overall, this study shows the need for more open conversations about mental health in South Asian communities and for more culturally sensitive ways to support people who are struggling.