Understanding South Asian Mental Health

In this thought-provoking episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent welcomes Zaynab Khan to discuss the unique mental health challenges faced by South Asian communities. Together, they explore the cultural, social, and familial factors that shape mental health perceptions and support systems for individuals from these backgrounds. This conversation highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and offers insights for both practitioners and those seeking to understand the mental health needs of South Asian communities.

Guest:

• Zaynab Khan – Researcher and advocate for mental health awareness within South Asian communities.

Highlights:

• (00:00) – Introduction to the topic and guest.
• (01:02) – Overview of why South Asian communities may feel overlooked in mental and physical healthcare.
• (02:10) – Zaynab shares her experience of limited representation in psychology during her studies.
• (03:35) – Discussing the importance of demographic representation beyond broad categories like "Asian."
• (04:37) – Unique cultural perspectives on mental health within South Asian families.
• (07:08) – Challenges faced by South Asian youth bridging cultural and Western identities.
• (10:17) – Importance of research teams reflecting cultural diversity for effective outreach.
• (12:50) – How cultural sensitivities, like avoiding Friday appointments, can improve patient engagement.
• (15:04) – Utilising community spaces, such as mosques, for culturally relevant mental health support.
• (17:10) – Barriers to healthcare for communities not engaged with digital resources.
• (22:31) – Stigma surrounding mental health issues within South Asian communities and its impact on care.
• (24:53) – Addressing cultural practices, like fasting and menstruation, and their influence on mental health perceptions.
• (29:49) – Importance of professional interpreters for clear and effective communication in mental health services.
• (31:46) – Closing reflections on imposter syndrome and Zaynab’s journey into mental health advocacy.

Links:

📲Connect with Zaynab here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaynab-khan/

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