Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Mental health stigma in the BAME community

by MITA MISTRY

I recently read a study in the British Medical Journal on the barriers to accessing mental health services in the BAME community and felt compelled to write this.


People from ethnic minorities are less likely to contact their GP about mental health, take antidepressants or receive specialist care than their white British counterparts. And the prevalence of anxiety and depression in south Asian women is higher than white women (63.5 per cent compared with 28.5 per cent). Sadly, the BAME community are more likely to have poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancy.

It’s unclear whether the disparities in access to mental health services reflect the diverse BAME mental health needs or are the result of institutional, cultural or socioeconomic exclusion factors.

According to this study, there are some key barriers to accessing mental health services. For example, some people feel uncomfortable talking to doctors or healthcare professionals because they do not ‘get’ their cultural needs. There is also an issue where language is concerned as it can be hard to articulate feelings and thoughts when English is not your first language. Equally, it’s harder for doctors to make a diagnosis.

Many people are unaware of the services available or how to access them, so rely on the community and social networks in times of a crisis. But if these social networks don’t exist, say for recent immigrants or those living alone, there is a feeling of sheer isolation.

Sometimes the community acts as an alternative to professional help, which is not always enough for people. Recently, a mother told me that her bereaved son had not cried at all since the passing of his wife and was struggling to process his grief. I asked if they had considered counselling to which she replied, “no, he will be fine, we don’t need that.”

It shows a cultural stigma towards mental health is still a problem within Asian communities where the expectation is to be strong and deal with what life throws at you.

And some fear a mental health diagnosis could stigmatise the entire family or see it as a failure, thus affecting their respect in the community. But the problem with stigma towards mental health and ‘culturally unacceptable’ behaviours associated with common problems like anxiety, depression and addictions mean people are reluctant to openly address their symptoms and get the help they truly need.

So what can we do about it? First, the importance of tackling these barriers is paramount. And the good news is The National Service Framework for Mental Health has plans for healthcare providers to deliver culturally sensitive care. But as a community, we need to accelerate shifting attitudes towards mental health and take it more seriously. Opening up is a start, but we also need to be informed of the conditions, symptoms, personal wellbeing and services that can help.

There is no shame in seeking professional help if you are struggling with your emotions and thoughts. Mental health issues do not make you weak; they mean you are human. Nobody should be made to feel alone or suffer in silence and every single person deserves to heal.

www.mitamistry.co.uk & www.twitter.com/MitaMistry

More For You

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

AN ASIAN doctor said she wants children to feel excited and empowered about their bodies when they read her new book.

Published last month, Dr Punam Krishan’s You & Your Body helps children and families understand the human body and make positive choices about well-being, the author said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Obesity drug
Boxes of Wegovy are seen at a pharmacy in London. (Photo: Reuters)

GPhC tightens rules for online obesity drug prescriptions

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which oversees UK pharmacies, has introduced stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing obesity drugs. The regulator said the changes aim to prevent individuals from receiving medicines that could pose health risks.

The new guidance, updated for the first time in three years, follows concerns about how some online pharmacies dispense weight-loss drugs.

Keep ReadingShow less
12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Building habits gradually can lead to sustainable, long-term change

12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Anjali Mehta

WHETHER it’s eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or any number of goals, millions of people around the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

Yet, by February, most of these well-intentioned plans are abandoned. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – remember that it’s never too late to turn things around or set new goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

THE pressure to get fitter often discourages people from starting or causes them to give up soon after beginning. However, there are simple steps that can help navigate this challenging path toward better health through exercise.

With that in mind, Eastern Eye asked London-based fitness expert and personal trainer Bijan Azarmi to share his top tips for starting a physical health journey and staying motivated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Helpful hints for sticking with new year health goals

Build strength and confidence with consistent effort and support

Helpful hints for sticking with new year health goals

Jayeeta Dutta and Nesreen G

MANY adults aim to achieve a fitter version of themselves by the end of each year, yet studies show that almost two-thirds abandon their resolutions within the first month.

Sticking to a fitness routine can be challenging, especially for beginners, as distractions, easy alternatives, and daily life often get in the way.

Keep ReadingShow less