Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Asian Men: A Call to Action
There is growing evidence indicating a mental health crisis among Asian men, particularly South Asian men, that requires urgent attention from our society. This crisis not only affects the men themselves but also has profound implications for Asian women and our families. In this article, we explore the problem, how this impacts us and how we can work together to support and advocate for change, while ensuring we look after our own mental health and wellbeing in the process.
Ethnic Inequalities in accessing mental health suppprt
A landmark independent review of services provided by NHS Talking Therapies, formerly known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), has been undertaken in partnership with the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. The full report can be viewed here (1). The report found Black, Asian and minority ethnic people experience longer waiting times, and are less likely to be in recovery after treatment, when accessing NHS mental health services compared with their white counterparts. The report found poorer outcomes were most experienced by people from a south Asian background. This is an example that the current models and services provided are flawed and do not work for Asian men or women.
Current research by Busra Ozen- Dursun (2023) suggests that socio-cultural factors impact mental health and recovery processes among South Asians. Mental health services should consider improving culturally sensitive clinical practices in responding to self-harm among South Asian communities (2). Research also suggests that Asians are at a higher risk of self-harm and there are crucial differences between our white counterparts that need consideration when shaping health policies, improving access to health services and developing culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions for self-harm and suicide specific to South Asian communities in the UK (3).
We can see that Asian men are less likely to open up and talk to their family or friends about mental health issues they are having or get any professional help. If they do get professional help, their recovery chances are lower than those not from an Asian background (1).
Why is this?
Stigma and cultural factors
Cultural stigma and generational trauma: Mental health issues in Asian men are often stigmatised. There is a pervasive cultural belief that men should be stoic and strong, which discourages them from seeking help for mental health issues.
Traditional gender roles: Traditional expectations of masculinity can hinder men from expressing emotions or admitting vulnerability, leading to suppressed feelings and untreated mental health conditions.
Prevalence of mental health issues
Depression and anxiety: These are common mental health issues among Asian men. Studies indicate that men are less likely to report symptoms or seek help compared to women.
Substance abuse: There is a prevalence of substance abuse, particularly in South Asian men, often as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues.
Suicide rates: The suicide rate among South Asian men in particular is concerning. Social pressures, economic stress, and lack of mental health support contribute to higher rates of suicide.
Socioeconomic factors
Economic stress: Financial instability and job insecurity are significant stressors. The pressure to be the primary breadwinner adds to mental health burdens.
Barriers to mental health care
Lack of relevant mental health interventions: there is lack of mental health interventions available that are relevant to the Asian community taking cultural differences into account.
Disconnect with clinicians: Not trusting or feeling understood by clinicians as they do not understand the culture and stigma attached to their mental health problems.
The Impact on Asian Women and Families
When the mental health of Asian men is compromised, it ripples through families and communities. Women often bear the emotional and caregiving burdens, which can lead to increased stress and mental health challenges for families. In turn, this can negatively impact women across all our four pillars; health and wellbeing, parenting, careers and also our financial health and independence.
We also recognise the relationships between poor mental health and substance and domestic abuse within families. Domestic abuse can be verbal and/or physical. If you are affected by some of the issues raised and need professional help, please see here for some useful links.
It's crucial to recognise this interconnectedness and approach mental health as a collective issue that affects everyone.
How we can work together to support our men and advocate for change
Open conversations: Encourage conversations about mental health within families and communities. Breaking the stigma associated with mental health issues is the first step toward healing. This can be a really difficult topic to bring up and this is why at AMBER we can support each other and even rehearse these difficult conversations.
Education and awareness: Raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. Use community events, social media, and local organisations to spread this knowledge. AMBER provides a list of useful links to start you in this journey. Taraki is an example of an organisation that supports the mental health of Asian men.
Access to resources: Advocate for better mental health resources and services that are culturally sensitive and accessible. This includes therapy, support groups, and educational programs tailored to the needs of the Asian community. We can only do this by working together to put pressure on the systems in place. AMBER would like to work with the community to think creatively and explore ways we can break down barriers in our current systems.
Role models and mentorship: Promote positive role models who speak openly about their mental health journeys. Mentorship programs can also provide support and guidance to those struggling with mental health issues. AMBER will raise awareness of these throughout our community.
Do not forget to take care of your health and wellbeing
Being close to individuals with poor mental health can take a lot of our energy and have detrimental effects on our own wellbeing if we are not careful. We encourage you to take steps to put your health and wellbeing first. If you are affected by some of the issues raised and need professional help, please see here for some useful links.
Self-Care: Prioritise self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and time with loved ones. Taking care of ourselves enables us to better support others.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Therapists and counsellors can offer valuable tools and strategies to manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing.
Community Support: Build and rely on a support network of friends, family, and community members. Sharing experiences and challenges can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
Call to action
We call for increased data collection and research on ethnic inequalities in access to relevant mental health care. More comprehensive prevention policies and practices are essential to address the specific needs of the community.
AMBER advocates that the lack of relevant mental health interventions and prevention strategies for the Asian community is public health problem and needs urgent attention.
References
(1) NHS Race and Health Observatory (2023) Ethnic inequalities in improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT).
(2) Özen-Dursun, B., Panagioti, M., Alharbi, R., Giles, S., and Husain, N. (2023) 'A qualitative study on lived experience of self-harm in South Asians in the UK: From reasons to recovery', Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy.
(3) Özen-Dursun, B., Kaptan, S.K., Giles, S., Husain, N., and Panagioti, M. (2023) 'Understanding self-harm and suicidal behaviours in South Asian communities in the UK: systematic review and meta-synthesis', Cambridge University Press.