Overcoming Stigmas: Starting the Conversation about South Asian Mental Health
- Mental health stigma is especially strong in South Asian communities, leading to reluctance in seeking help.
- Labels like “crazy” or “weak” discourage open discussion and treatment for stress, addiction, and other issues.
- Starting honest conversations and raising awareness are crucial for breaking down barriers.
Dr. Sonia Parikh initiates the conversation about the mental health issues rampant in the South Asian community and the stigma attached to them.
Stress and addiction are common complaints among South Asians in the U.S. But people are reluctant to seek medical support because of the tags like ‘crazy’, ‘mad’, or ‘weak.’ They don’t want to be labeled as crazy or mad.
Published in: www.indiawest.com
Authored By
Shebna N Osanmoh is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience across the mental health spectrum. Holding a Master’s in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from Walden University, Shebna provides compassionate, culturally sensitive care for a wide range of mental health conditions, emphasizing holistic and individualized treatment approaches to support patients in their wellness journey.