Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the South Asian Community

In many South Asian communities, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety remain taboo subjects. These challenges are often dismissed or ignored, with the belief that they simply do not exist. This stems from a lack of education around mental health, particularly among immigrant parents, who may not have had the opportunity to learn about these issues in their home countries. Mental health was never openly discussed and was often shunned.

As a result, emotions and mental struggles were internalized, often leading to harmful outcomes. Mental health was viewed as something "not real" or simply "in your head," and this belief fostered a stigma around mental health. Sadly, these ideals have often been passed down through generations, creating a cycle that many in the South Asian community still grapple with today. Growing up, many of us were told to “stop overthinking,” “just get over it,” or “you’re fine, stop crying.” South Asians were conditioned to suppress emotions, internalize pain, and simply move on—never acknowledging the importance of mental well-being.

However, one encouraging development is the growing global movement to destigmatize mental health, a shift that is also happening locally in South Asian communities. The more we engage in psychoeducation, raise awareness, and have uncomfortable but necessary conversations, the more the topic of mental health is being recognized as critical. Slowly but surely, the history surrounding mental health is changing for the better. South Asians are starting to feel empowered to speak up, be vulnerable, and prioritize their mental well-being.

Intergenerational trauma, which can stem from genetics, loneliness, academic pressures, cultural expectations, and perfectionism, continues to affect many South Asian families. Unfortunately, this issue is still widely suppressed within our community. Parents, who have faced immense struggles and sacrifices, often encourage their children to push through their pain, believing that societal hardships elsewhere are even worse. While we can acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices our parents made when they immigrated, this does not mean we should feel guilty for experiencing pain ourselves. It also doesn’t mean we should feel weak for seeking help or challenging traditional values.

It’s time for the South Asian community to support one another and recognize that it's okay to deviate from the norm. Mental health is just as important as academic success, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. If you resonate with what I’ve shared and feel uncertain or scared to reach out for help, I want to reassure you that you’re not alone. Change is possible, and it starts with breaking the silence. I offer a safe space where you can talk, share your experiences, and receive the support you deserve. Let’s start the conversation today.

-          Nave Nijjar

Registered Psychotherapist