Importance of Mental Health Awareness in the South Asian Community
Prisha Chellappan, 16, South Carolina
In recent years, mental health has been more widely recognized in several communities. Resources are more readily available, people are ready to support, and many are willing to break the silence to talk about mental health. In turn, people are more likely to have their conditions diagnosed and receive better treatment. However, some communities still need to make their youth feel comfortable discussing mental health.
South Asian youth struggle with the judgment surrounding mental illness in their culture. They commonly view mental health as a disapproved topic because of how little it is mentioned in their community. This leads us to deny, reject, or overlook mental health symptoms and not get the help we need. However, recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for South Asian youth, who strive to be hard workers and high achievers.
South Asians are often raised in a culture that places a strong emphasis on hard work and achievement. This cultural foundation leads to high expectations for children, both from their parents and the general community. In fear of disappointing those around them, South Asian children work persistently to meet or exceed these high expectations. Unfortunately, many encounter obstacles with their mental health while working hard under pressure to succeed. Many kids do not feel confident enough to talk to their parents or close family members about how they are feeling, fearing they may be looked down upon. However, recognizing and addressing mental health early is essential, especially for kids striving to meet high expectations and constantly pushing themselves to do well.
As a South Asian kid myself, I also felt the pressures of these high expectations. Throughout high school, I was pressured to achieve academically while also participating in extracurricular activities. Rather than discussing these pressures, I learned ways to cope with my mental health through activities such as exercising, practicing music, and ensuring I got enough rest. While these self-care practices were supportive for me, some kids are still struggling with the pressure and haven’t found ways to cope. For this reason, having more openness in our community to address these struggles and share coping strategies would make a significant difference for the mental health of our youth.
By promoting a safe space to openly share feelings and experiences, we can engage in honest conversations about mental health without fear of judgment. This openness would encourage understanding and empathy, making us realize that we are not alone in our struggles. We can learn from one another’s journeys and share self-care techniques or resources that have worked for us.
By normalizing simple discussions about mental health, we can encourage a culture where seeking support is seen as a strength rather than a weakness. Not only would this affect individuals, but it would ultimately strengthen our entire community, fostering a healthier and more understanding environment for future generations. As hard workers and high achievers, we South Asians must support one another to break the judgment and reach our full potential. Together, let’s create a positive space where we can openly discuss and address mental health issues.
This work was inspired by the silence I’ve seen surrounding mental health in South Asian communities. I wanted to challenge the idea that speaking up is a sign of weakness and show that vulnerability can be powerful. While creating this work, I struggled with organizing my thoughts clearly and making sure my message came across the right way. It was also hard to talk about something people usually avoid. This piece is a call for compassion over criticism, and for conversation over silence. It’s a reflection of my hope that future generations can feel seen, supported, and unafraid to ask for help.
