The Asian American Struggle with Depression
What is depression, and why is it so difficult for Asian Americans to seek mental health services? This a message for those who are afraid to seek help and those who would like to understand the nuances of being a minority.
By: Eunice Ahn
Quoted from Johns Hopkins Medicine, "depression is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Other factors also play a role. It also tends to run in families. Life events or certain illnesses can trigger depression. It can also develop without a clear trigger." And to the American Psychiatric Association, researchers have found three general categories of stigma. Public stigma includes negative or discriminatory attitudes that others may have towards someone or a group of people. Self-stigma has internalized negative attitudes one has toward themselves. Lastly, institutional stigma consists of government policies or organizations that deliberately or accidentally limit opportunities for those belonging to specific groups. Stigma typically goes hand-in-hand with prejudice and discrimination as well.
What is the difference between Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the one that most people tend to think about or reference when they say that they are depressed. Although the symptoms may vary from person to person, common symptoms of MDD are:
prolonged sadness/anxiousness
loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
decrease or increase in appetite and rapid weight changes
changes in sleeping pattern, insomnia, or sleeping too much
increased irritability and restlessness
having low energy almost every day
feelings of worthlessness and/or feelings of guilt
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
reoccurring thoughts of suicide, attempts of suicide (immediate attention required)
One may be diagnosed with MDD if five or more symptoms persist for at least two weeks. As for persistent depressive disorder (PDD), it is relatively less known, but it is a continuous long-term depression. PDD is not as severe as MDD, but one is consistently in a mild, moderate, or severe depressed mood constantly. It is also possible to have both MDD and PDD simultaneously as MDD are episodes and PDD is a consistent mood. The intensity of PDD can vary depending on time, and certain symptoms may come and go. However, to be diagnosed with PDD, one must have a depressed mood for most of the day for at least years. Along with that, two of the following symptoms must be present for more than two months at a time:
poor appetite or overeating
insomnia or hypersomnia
low energy or fatigue
low self-esteem
poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
feelings of hopelessness
How do stigma and culture affect Asian Americans seeking out mental health services?
What is mental health stigma? Mental health stigma is unfair, inaccurate ideas or beliefs that people are often told to isolate and discriminate against certain groups. Mental health stigma can negatively affect people with mental illness, their loved ones, and their caregivers. Research states that Asian Americans are the least likely racial group to seek mental health services in the United States.
Researchers discovered that due to immense pressure to have a successful academic/work life, many Asian Americans ignore their symptoms to strive towards their goals (whether the pressure is from societal expectations or their parents). For example, there is the stigma that Asians are the model minority (an intelligent and a fully-integrated group that has overcome racial bias). To keep up that standard, many Asians refuse to acknowledge any possible "weaknesses" that could let the community down.
Mental Health Is Perceived as a Taboo in Many Asian Countries
Also, mental health is taboo in many Asian countries, and they do not believe or understand the idea of "taking care of your mental health." Another cultural aspect is that Asian culture emphasizes interdependence over the individual, so your value as a person depends on your ability to take care of your family/community, and that family/community can accommodate all of a person's needs. Hence, for example, if someone in the community heard about a neighbor's daughter or son seeking therapy, they would think that the parents did an inadequate job raising the family properly and heavily criticize the parents. In addition, this message would mean that the person seeking therapy is unstable (dramatized to being forever unstable) and cannot raise their own family. The mindset of "seeking help" would be social suicide in the eyes of Asian families.
Generational Influence on the Younger Asian Population
Further, Asian Americans are often told that what they are currently struggling through is nothing compared to what previous generations had to endure. Often, they will be told that previous generations had to emigrate and suffer worse trauma and circumstances from society. It is seen as shameful that young adults would share their struggles in front of older generations when previous generations tolerated so many more troubles. Due to this, many Asian Americans adopt the mindset that they should be grateful for their circumstances and appreciate all the sacrifices made for them.
The Lack of Resources for the Asian American Community
Not only do Asian Americans struggle with cultural boundaries and stigma, but there is also a lack of mental health resources for this community. As there are not many Asians seeking mental help, there is a lack of mental health education in the community. They may believe that mental illness is due to a genetic flaw passed down generations and avoid seeking help, so they are not labeled as defective. Many healthcare professionals do not specialize in addressing the different cultural experiences and values. Research also states that out of all the ethnic and racial groups, Asian Americans struggle the most with the language barrier in healthcare services. As a result of all of this, there is a very small community of Asian Americans who would be able to relate with each other.
How We Can Help
In the past ten years, we have been working with our clients, embracing cultural differences, teaching them to move past stigma, and seeing mental health treatment as no different from a visit to the doctor and, most importantly, not a weakness but a strength. Remember, we cannot make any meaningful change in life unless we muster the courage to face the areas that require a different approach, an approach that might require the help of a professional. Call us today for a free consultation.
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