Therapy!

The most commonly used word in the modern eras. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help when necessary. Thanks to COVID. Therapy helps us to improve the mental health and well-being and to overcome problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.

Though it is popular, mental health concerns are often not encouraged in Asian households and viewed as a personal failing or a result of moral weakness. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining the social status, which makes it very hard to admit the struggles with mental health or to seek out help. There are significant differences in the perception and treatment of mental health issues between Asian and Western cultures, despite the use of similar terms like ‘therapy’ and ‘healing’. Some of them are

1. Stigma: There is still stigma that is attached to the mental illness and therapy in many Asian countries. As discussed above, it make it hard for open up with their parents and peers.
2. Focus/Values: Collectivism, harmony with family, social responsibility, and interdependence are more valued than individualism, self-expression, self-actualization, personal growth, and independence as in Western countries.
3. Methods: Mediation, mindfulness, Ayurveda, herbal medicines, yoga in Asian countries and cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, hypnosis, etc.
4. Accessibility: Due to issues like a lack of mental health resources and cultural stigma, and access to therapy may be more restricted in Asian nations. In contrast, therapy is typically easier to access in Western nations, though some people may still have financial hardships.
5. Approach: In Western nations, mental illness is frequently seen as a condition that can be handled through therapy and medication. In contrast, mental health issues may be viewed more holistically in many Asian nations, with a focus on the mind-body connection and conventional healing methods.

There are more differences in communication style, emphasis on dealing with emotions, and the role of the therapist. I won’t deny the fact that yoga and meditation are great tools, but their importance is lacking.

One more thing that I realized when I watched movies from different countries I understand that movies can’t relate to all the differences, yet they portray reality. I was fascinated by the roles of Dr. Stan Lipschitz, Dr. Paula Agard (Suits), and Dr. Jehangir (Dear Zindagi), though it is scripted. Very few movies and television series in Asian languages have scenes of therapy, healing, or mental health and some of them are Tamasha, Dear Zindagi, The Great Hypnotist, Kill me, Heal me, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, It’s Okay, That’s Love.

Leaving movies behind, there are ted talks and podcasts of renowned psychiatrists that help us understand the importance of having a healthy and emotional relationship with oneself and others. For sure, that isn’t equivalent to therapy sessions but its good start. I have been following and listening to talks by Gabor Mate, Nicole LePera, Jordan, and a few other regional psychologists on various platforms lately.

Despite the difference, there has been a rise in awareness of the significance of mental health in recent years, and numerous Asian nations are making efforts to lessen stigma and increase access to mental health services. Social media are playing crucial in this. There are ongoing efforts to improve public education about mental health and lessen stigma following COVID, and more mental health professionals are promoting open and supportive attitudes toward mental health.

Cheers!