focus on Asian women

by Sally Burningham

A lot of concern has been expressed about the incidence of mental distress among Asian women. One study published in 1996 reported that, in Britain, suicide among Asian women aged between 15 and 35 is almost twice the national average for all young women of that age.

© C4/intuitis

Research has also indicated that young Asian women are at high risk of self-harm and eating disorders. Finally, there are worries that Asian women with depression and other mental health problems are not receiving appropriate help.

The Asian women referred to here are those whose families originally came from South Asia – that is, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. However, South Asians in Britain come from a wide range of communities with different religions, languages, cultures and beliefs. And within each community, people will vary as to their social, financial and educational background and their aims and attitudes.

Despite this rich diversity, non-Asians often have a stereotyped view of what Asians believe and how they behave. This means that many mentally distressed Asian women are failing to get adequate help because there is so little understanding of their particular backgrounds and individual needs.

particular stresses

Apart from all the usual stresses that can contribute to mental health problems, some Asian women experience additional ones. These can depend on a range of factors such as their own personalities, where they live and their family circumstances. Specific stresses can include:

• racial harassment
• conflict between the expectations of family or community and those of friends, school, work, the media
• isolation, particularly if the woman has difficulty with the English language
• a forced or unhappy marriage
• an inability to adapt to Western culture
• poor housing
• problems finding employment.

In addition, someone who is mentally distressed from a different culture may find it particularly hard to find out where to go for help or who to ask. And even when she finds the right mental health services, difficulties can still occur. It has been reported that many mental health problems among South Asian women are misdiagnosed and that inappropriate treatment is offered. This seems to be because many medical professionals think of Asian women as all the same, unaware that they come from a variety of very different backgrounds.

finding appropriate help

It is important to persuade someone who is mentally distressed to seek help as soon as possible. The earlier that problems are tackled, the easier they are to deal with.

The first port of call for anyone with mental health problems is the GP who also acts as gateways to the mental health services. If you feel that your doctor does not understand your situation, you can ask to see someone else within the practice.

Alternatively, you could discuss your situation with someone from an appropriate voluntary organisation (see help and info below). Voluntary organisations are important sources of help, providing information and support or pointing people in the right direction.

The woman's own community can also be a valuable resource. There may be an individual or a self-help group within it with whom she can talk in confidence.

offering support

If you are offering support to an Asian woman friend or colleague from a different background from your own:

• Don't make assumptions based on what you may have heard of a particular Asian community or one or two Asian families.
• Listen to what the person says is troubling her and try to understand her own particular values and where she is coming from. This is often one of the most helpful things you can do.
• Be open-minded. Don't make judgements or try to provide answers.

dealing with health professionals

If you are mentally distressed, you may find it hard to cope with health professionals, particularly if they come from a very different background. You may prefer to take a friend with you to give you support and perhaps help explain your point of view. If you are not fluent in English, ask about interpreting services and advocacy. Don't be afraid to ask questions so that you can get the best out of what is offered to you – you have a right to know.

• All professionals you meet should explain who they are, what they do and why they are seeing you. If they don't, you should ask.
• You should expect professionals to give you clear explanations of any treatment being offered and how it might help.
• Ask for explanations of anything you don't understand, whether it is a medical term or exactly how you should take your medication (if prescribed).

other approaches

Apart from conventional treatment, you may wish to consider other approaches. Depending on your beliefs and your circumstances within your community, these might include:

• faith healing
• meditation
• yoga
• Ajurvedic (ancient Indian) treatments
• women's support groups (some cater for specific cultural backgrounds and needs).

If you are mentally distressed, your self-esteem is likely to be very low. Support from friends or family can help you to feel better about yourself. Any activities that can restore some of your confidence will also help. Have a look at self-help strategies in this section for more pointers.

For more information on complementary therapies see the therapies section of our complementary medicine site.

help and info

For further information about the research into suicide among Asian women , see `Suicide Patterns and Trends in People of Indian Subcontinent and Caribbean Origin in England and Wales', published in Ethnicity and Health 1 (1), pages 55-63. The research was carried out by Dr Veena Soni-Raleigh in l996.

organisations

Asian Family Counselling Service
Suite 51
Windmill Place
2-4 Windmill Lane
Southall
Middlesex UB2 4NJ
Tel: 020 8571 3933 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
E-mail: afcs99@hotmail.com
Confidential counselling service for individuals, couples or families of Asian origin. Counselling is provided by trained counsellors in the main Asian languages. You can have counselling over the telephone or make an appointment to come in.

Confederation of Indian Organisations (UK)
5 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7XW
Tel: 020 7928 9889
Email: headoffice@cio.org.uk
Website: www.cio.org.uk
Provides information and advice, and can point you in the right direction for mental health services for South Asian communities across the UK. Also provides counselling and befriending services in certain London boroughs.

Muslim Women's Helpline
Tel: 020 8908 6715 or 020 8904 8193 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
Website: www.mwhl.org
A faith-based organisation providing confidential information, advice and telephone counselling, as well as some face-to-face counselling, where appropriate.

Samaritans
c/o Chris
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
The Samaritans exists to provide confidential emotional support to any person, irrespective of race, creed, age or status who is in emotional distress or at risk of suicide; 24 hours a day. Can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, writing, or by visiting one of over 200 local branches (details are on the website).

websites

SpeakUp!
www.speak-up.org.uk
This interactive website will enable people aged 16-25 to share their experiences of mental health services with each other as well as professionals, carers and people involved in community projects. Participants will be able to express their views openly, ask questions and exchange ideas online. It is hoped that this site will help to improve mental health provision across the UK.

(July 2001, resources updated December 2004)