Stereotypes and Mental Health–Kahaan Shah

Growing up in a South Asian household, mental health was never a topic of conversation. Given cultural upbringings, it seemed implausible to engage in discourse surrounding mental health with my parents. As immigrants, I was always aware of the difficulties that plagued my parents in this brand new country. Asking for assistance has been a challenge not just for myself, but also for many of my Asian peers. 

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Community Health found that common stressors that affect the mental health of Asian American young adults include “ pressure to meet parental expectations of high academic achievement and live up to the “model minority” stereotype; difficulty of balancing two different cultures and communicating with parents; family obligations based on the strong family values; and discrimination or isolation due to racial or cultural background” (Lee 2009). 

As I read this study, I couldn’t help but reflect on my personal experiences. I personally see the pressure to meet parental expectations of high academic achievement and live up to the “model minority” stereotype as two distinct stressors. While the model minority stereotype comes from outside our community, parental expectations characterize the internal stressors of being Asian American. The result? Asian American youth are often forced into an identity they didn’t choose for themselves due to both these external and internal pressures. 

The study further highlights how Asian American youth tend to rely on personal support networks, friends, partners, or religious communities, rather than seeking professional health for mental health related problems (Lee 2009). While I have found this to be true in my personal lived experiences, cultural norms have been a hindrance especially when trying to seek support from family members. Cultural norms in Asian communities can delegitimize mental health issues and stigmatize the act of seeking professional care (Lee 2009). While relying on personal support networks can be beneficial, it might not be an option for some. Moreover, some problems might persist and require the skills of a mental health professional.

​It is evident that dialogue around mental health is imperative. I believe productive discourse will only occur when we find a way to culturally tailor mental health conversations to particular communities. Culturally tailoring conversations also ensures that our older family members are able to truly comprehend what’s at stake.