Author: Andre Wijesekera
Shreya Kumar, an Indian-born resident of Ontario, is familiar with the challenges that South Asians encounter while seeking treatment for mental health issues (Bensadoun, 2019). She had her first significant depressive episode when she was 17 years old. But in her community, getting treatment for mental health issues was unheard of. This led to her waiting five years before seeking help. In this article, we'll delve into the factors that impede healthcare access within South Asian communities and explore actionable solutions to foster fairness and widespread availability. These communities are a vibrant tapestry woven together by various linguistic groups, ethnic origins, and cultural customs. In fact, the latest available data shows us that the South Asian population in Canada is estimated to be around 2.5 million, with significant representation from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Unfortunately, there exist obstacles that make it difficult for South Asian communities to conveniently receive mental healthcare services. For example, many individuals within these communities struggle to establish effective communication with healthcare providers due to limited English proficiency (Islam et al., 2022). This language barrier can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and incomplete communication during clinical interactions. Consequently, the quality of care may suffer, and individuals might not receive the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, or support they require. By implementing language interpretation services, offering multilingual resources, and developing communication strategies that respect diverse cultures, we can bridge gaps and empower South Asian individuals to openly share their mental health struggles and access the help they deserve.
Now, the 2011 National Health Study showed that compared to eight other ethnic groups in Canada, South Asian people who experienced a major depressive episode reported the highest percentages of unmet mental healthcare needs (48%) and perceived barriers to accessing mental healthcare (33%) (Islam et al., 2014). These findings demonstrate how cultural variations play a crucial role in influencing the acceptance of medical treatments and healthcare-seeking behaviours. Moreover, this link between cultural variations and mental healthcare is further elaborated on by a 2022 study done by McKenzie and their colleagues, where they found a trend of self-reported anxiety, stress, and identity loss that has allegedly been brought on by tensions between the first and second-generation groups of several South Asian families in Toronto (Islam et al., 2014).
Evidently, we must consider the influence of the elderly in South Asian communities, as they play a big role in health-related decision-making within households. Ethnic media becomes our ally in effectively reaching seniors with vital healthcare information and resources. Additionally, we must ensure that trusted specialists are active on social media platforms used by South Asian communities, offering accurate and culturally sensitive health content. Engaging the community in policy-making is crucial. Their unique perspectives will shape inclusive healthcare solutions, empowering us to create a healthier future for all. Together, these strategies can help us strengthen health advocacy, empower senior citizens in South Asian communities, and promote universally better healthcare outcomes and access.
References List
Bensadoun, E. (2019, August 29). Toronto mental-health hospital to develop therapy geared towards South Asians. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/toronto-mental-health-hospital-to-develop-therapy-geared-towards-south-asians-1.4569865?cache=%3FclipId%3D89531
Islam, F., Khanlou, N., & Tamim, H. (2014). South Asian populations in Canada: migration and mental health. BMC Psychiatry, 14. 10.1186/1471-244X-14-154.
Islam, F., Qasim, S., Ali, M., Hynie, M., Shakya, Y., & McKenzie, K. (2022). South Asian youth mental health in Peel Region, Canada: Service provider perspectives. Transcultural Psychiatry, 60.(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615221119384.
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