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

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. Literature ReviewIn 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).South Asia is made up of several countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and parts of Afghanistan.South Asia is home to diverse cultures and societies.However, many of these cultures are rooted in festivals and celebrations as well as social norms related to family respect, traditional gender roles, and religion.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 taboo that comes with them tend to lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.Aspects of South Asian community that can positively impact mental well being include having strong relationships, intergenerational support, a strong sense of collective identity, and deep rooted cultural traditions.Strong community support within these communities can allow people to feel more understood when sharing their feelings due to the shared cultural experiences.A member of the ASAC Editorial Team (2022) mentioned how having an understanding community can improve mental well being.The author talked about how a South Asian individual found greater success in therapy after switching to a psychologist with shared cultural experiences.The article states, "For example, thanks to her understanding of Indian culture, the new psychologist asked thoughtful and relevant questions, which encouraged my friend to engage more deeply with her experiences and by doing so, she was able to better articulate her thoughts and feelings" (ASAC Editorial Team, 2022, para.8).The psychologist's ability to frame questions from a cultural perspective shows how understanding and having relatable support within a community can help people process their feelings better.Additionally, as members of these communities open up about their experiences, it strengthens their connections to one another.An article that has a focus on South Asian communities brings up information from the World Economic Forum that South Asian cultures are among the regions that place a high value on community support.The article argues that "When people have deep and meaningful relationships with other people in their communities, it enhances their emotional state and puts them in a better condition to collaborate with and support fellow community members to achieve more than any one of them could achieve alone (Kaneriya, 2017, para.14).This demonstrates how in South Asian cultures, strong relationships are encouraged that strengthen community support.When people come together to achieve things, it helps them feel more comfortable and understood, making them feel better overall.Shared traditions in South Asian communities can help bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and support that can improve mental well being.Shared cultural practices, like the celebration of Diwali.The Hindu holiday is centered around the idea of hope and renewal.It helps create a sense of belonging and community, which in turn supports a positive mental well being for many.An article mentions how these traditions can help people feel connected to their heritage and provide opportunities to share these experiences with others.The author, Srilekha states, "I've had the opportunity to spread this tradition to all sorts of people [] take the time to be an ally to the community by learning about the deeper meaning of it" (C, 2023, para.4).By introducing these traditions to others, individuals can strengthen their sense