Asians Secretive On Mental Health Issues - Study

South Asian people are more secretive about their mental health issues, says a recent study forcing them to resort to suicidal measures. Many hesitate to agree that they or their relatives are mentally-ill, for the fear of racism or social stigma attached to it. Keeping it under covers for a long period can make matters worse and medical help in later stages can be less or not useful at all.

The chairman of one NHS Trust blames "institutional racism" for the "lack of engagement" with the South Asian community. Lord Kamlesh Patel from Mental Health Act Commission warned against the spread of this "hidden plague" if the problem is not dealt with immediately.

Chief executive of Leicestershire NHS Trust, Antony Sheehan expressed displeasure on the failed attempts of the government to improve mental health care services for the Asian community.

He also said: "We really should acknowledge the impact of institutional racism in mental health and wider health and social care services, in the same way as it is recognized in the criminal justice system. The real issue is just how we've chosen not to connect with these communities."

Lord Patel said he wanted to avoid the mistakes made with black ethnic minorities repeated with the Asians. Researchers found that people from some black ethnic groups were 18 times more affected compared to the rest.

Ignoring the warning might lead Asians to suffer in the similar manner in mental Institutions in the coming decade. It has been observed that revelation of mental illness does not come easily from the minority sections of the society as, some plainly relate mental sickness with ending up in an asylum.

Worst affected are the women who keep their thoughts to themselves while being deeply engulfed in household and family affairs. Though many NGO’s are also working towards the mental health care, aid and counseling made easily accessible to them, but accepting at the same time that a mental illness still remains a taboo in the Asian community and not much improvement is seen there. Many fear social stigma, resentment, racial differentiation and withdrawal from relatives and friends.

Insensitive attitude of the society is holding Asians from coming forward with their problems. Expressing shame and embarrassment in putting forth their mental ailments, people are driven to harm themselves or even harm others too. This issue needs special focus and concern for patients; befriending them and making them comfortable to talk it out; providing them with adequate medical help and counseling in time are some of the necessary steps to be taken.