The Stigma Behind Mental Health in Asians

Article by: Owen Ni / Graphic by: Jillian Hartshorne

Across the wide expanse of America, mental health is one of the most important issues in many households. At least, most households that are not Asian. Among Asian Americans, mental health and the treatment of mental health has been long overshadowed by the cultural ideas of resilience and silence. As a result, millions struggle with untreated mental health issues. The topic seems almost taboo with many Asian households. COVID-19 did its part to worsen the issue as well. Something needs to change, and light needs to be shed on the issue of Asians ignoring mental health and not treating it.

In America, the leading causes of death are heart disease and cancer, with both taking the lives of over 600,000 people a year. For Asian Americans specifically however, the leading cause is suicide. Over the course of two decades, the suicide rate for Asian American youth has risen by 140%. In a study done about Asian American mental health, the CDC found that 2 in every 5 students feel sad or hopeless persistently. For non-hispanic Americans, the suicide rate rose by 57% across the same time period. Everyone shares the same problems, but the percentage increase is much different, almost 90%. The factor that makes the rates so different is willingness and access to mental health treatment.

The truth is that Asian Americans are less likely to receive mental health care compared to other groups in America. In 2021, 52% of white Americans with mental health issues received treatment. For blacks and Hispanics, the number was 39 and 36%. For Asians, the percentage was at an alarmingly low 25%. This is likely due to the cultural stigma, stereotypes, and language barriers. In many Asian cultures, it is important to uphold family honor and not embarrass the family. It is very possible that many see getting mental health treatment as embarrassing. Avoiding shame is another big part of these cultures. The stereotype behind Asians, as everyone knows, is that they are meant to be successful, smart, and basically be the perfect person. The “want” to live up to this model makes many feel embarrassed or shameful to receive mental support. Language barriers can be another issue. Many Asian Americans might not be able to speak English fluently, leading their problems to be left untreated. The idea of discussing mental health is even considered taboo in many households.

COVID-19 helped worsen this issue further. Comparing 2019 to 2020, the amount of hate crimes against Asians rose by 77%, from 158 to 279. In 2021, this number rose even further, spiking all the way up to 746. Not only did the number of hate crimes rise, the bias against Asian Americans also rose. Because COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China, many people were quick to blame Asian people for the virus. I personally have experienced my own fair share of name-calling and finger-pointing during this time in middle school. From 2019 to 2020, Asian Americans saw a 104% increase in probability of a diagnosis of depression. This number was 97% for anxiety. COVID-19 forever changed the bias around Asian Americans, and not for the good. The violence and hate during this time affected the mental health of many people, and since most are unwilling or not able to find care, they still carry that with them today.

Ultimately, something needs to change. I hope I am able to shed light on this issue and more people can realize the huge issue at hand here. Having mental health issues does not mean weakness. It means that you are human. Being human and getting treatment for these issues does not constitute weakness or embarrassment. It may be difficult to change an entire culture, but it always starts with one person. If you are reading this, for example, and have mental health issues of your own, make sure to speak up. Someone will be there to help you, almost always.

Works Cited

“2020 FBI Hate Crimes Statistics.” Justice.gov, 17 Nov. 2021, www.justice.gov/archives/crs/highlights/2020-hate-crimes-statistics.

“Asian American / Pacific Islander Communities and Mental Health | Mental Health America.” Mental Health America, 2025, mhanational.org/position-statements/asian-american-pacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health/.

“Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Adults Less Likely to Receive Mental Health Services despite Growing Need.” Www.heart.org, www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/25/asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-adults-less-likely-to-receive-mental-health.

CDC. “Leading Causes of Death.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 June 2025, www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm.

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Han, Sungil, et al. “Anti-Asian American Hate Crimes Spike during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 38, no. 3-4, June 2022, https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221107056.

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Lee, Jusung, and Jeffrey T. Howard. “Increased Self-Reported Mental Health Problems among Asian-Americans during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Database.” Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, vol. 10, Sept. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-022-01414-3.

“QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Suicide Rates* for Males and Females, by Race† and Ethnicity — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2000–2020.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 71, no. 8, Feb. 2022, p. 326, https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7108a7.

Reyes, Miles P., et al. “Breaking the Silence: An Epidemiological Report on Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth Mental Health and Suicide (1999–2021).” Child and Adolescent Mental Health, vol. 29, no. 2, Wiley-Blackwell, Mar. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12708.