Navigating Mental Health as an Asian International Student: Insights from OUR Personal Experiences
Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being that affects individuals from different cultures and nations. As an Asian international student, I came to the United States in order to embark on a journey to pursue my education in a foreign country. Alongside the excitement and opportunities, I soon realized that navigating mental health in this new cultural environment posed unique challenges. In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences and insights after interviewing three other Asian International students, trying to explore the cultural perspectives on mental health and help-seeking behaviors among Asian international students like us.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that mental health disorders impact millions of people worldwide. Asian populations are no exception to this global concern. Asian international students make up a significant portion of the student population in various Western countries. Being an Asian international student means dealing with a multitude of stressors, including adapting to a different cultural context, academic pressures, language barriers, and social isolation. However, the way we perceive mental health and seeking help is heavily influenced by our cultural backgrounds. One of the primary cultural barriers we face is the stigma associated with mental health. Growing up, I witnessed mental health being brushed under the rug, considered a shameful topic in my community. Seeking professional help was often viewed as a sign of weakness or an excuse to avoid responsibilities. This stigmatization has deeply rooted itself in our cultural beliefs, creating barriers to open discussions and seeking the support we need.
Moreover, stigma, attitudes toward mental health, and familial and social expectations also play a significant role in our help-seeking behaviors. Research from the APA, provided by Wang, Wang, Chuang, and Heppner in 2017, revealed that many Asian international students underutilize mental health services due to cultural barriers, concerns about confidentiality, and stigma surrounding mental health.
To gain a deeper understanding of these cultural perspectives, I conducted interviews with Asian international students like me. Through these three interviews, the diverse experiences, challenges, and help-seeking behaviors were brought to light, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of our needs.
Let me share some of the personal experiences shared by interviewees, giving you a glimpse into the varied cultural perspectives on mental health you might have never known before:
Interviewee 1 (J) - Chinese International Undergraduate Student majoring in Economics:
J initially held stigmatizing views toward mental health, considering it as an excuse to avoid schoolwork. However, through his study in sociology, he began to question this stigma. Despite his growing awareness, his parents still hold confusion and skepticism about mental health issues, which is a common sentiment in Chinese culture. The perception of mental health as a weakness creates additional barriers to open discussions and seeking help.
Interviewee 2 (S) - Singaporean International Graduate Student majoring in Social Work:
S believes that mental health is deeply interconnected with other aspects of health, emphasizing a holistic perspective. He mentioned that mental health is increasingly discussed in Singaporean society, but there is limited understanding of the nuances and mental health policy among politicians and society at large. While mental health is increasingly discussed, seeking therapy and affordable mental health support remains stigmatized, hindering accessibility for those who need it.
Interviewee 3 (A) - Vietnamese International Undergraduate Student majoring in Psychology:
A highlighted the prevalence of mental health concerns in Vietnam and the limited understanding and trust in mental health services among her family. In Vietnamese society, there is openness to discussing mental health, but proactive engagement and practical initiatives are lacking. The cultural values of competitiveness and hard work contribute to the development of mental health challenges.
These three interviews provide valuable insights into the influence of cultural, educational, and societal factors on mental health opinions and beliefs. Cultural values, beliefs, and stigma significantly shape individuals' perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behaviors. Educational experiences play a role in reshaping understanding, and societal attitudes and discourse impact the acceptance and awareness of mental health.
As an Asian international student, I also have personally experienced the challenges associated with mental health, which was mentioned in my last blog post, The Hope. The stigma, cultural expectations, and limited awareness of mental health resources create barriers to seeking help. However, through research and personal insights, we can begin to unravel these challenges and work towards a more supportive and inclusive environment for Asian international students.
My hope is that the Office of International Affairs, as well as individuals interacting with international classmates, co-workers, and friends, will actively work towards creating an inclusive and supportive environment. By embracing cultural diversity, providing necessary support, and fostering meaningful connections, we can ensure that someone who studies, works, and lives abroad can feel valued, empowered, and well-integrated. Together, let us build a community where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
Tips for Supporting International Students:
Provide patience, understanding, and support.
Avoid stereotypes and generalizations. No judgment!
Encourage connections and friendships.
Create a safe space for open discussions.
Be open-minded and respectful.
QY is a second-year graduate student at the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Qy just completed her first year internship with No Shame On U.
Wang, L., Wang, K. T., Heppner, P. P., & Chuang, C.-C. (2017). Cross-national cultural competency among Taiwanese international students. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 10(3), 271–287. https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000020