Spiritual + Cultural Beliefs
Religion and spirituality play a large role in determining aid Asian-Americans seek when treating mental illness.
What is Somatization?
​
Somatization occurs when psychological concerns are converted into physical symptoms, and is the result of the mind body connection as emotional distress creates a physical reaction (Lin, 1996).
Western culture makes a distinction between the mind and body, but many Asian cultures do not. The historical reasons for this can be traced to the teachings of Confucianism, which “discourages open displays of emotions, in order to maintain social and familial harmony or to avoid exposure of personal weakness” (Tseng, p. 237-245).
As a result, Asians express more somatic symptoms of distress than white Americans. Examples of somatization include throwing up from anxiety, broken/decreased sleep that is common with depression, and a lack of energy or listlessness (Tylee).
​
​
Spiritual Perspective
​
-
Two common beliefs amongst Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people were that the disruption in harmony of one’s emotions, or the presence of evil spirits are the cause of mental illness (Kramer et al., 2002, p. 228).
-
The belief of supernatural causes, such as the influence of God or gods, sin, spirits, destiny, yin-yang, and karma, were prevalent throughout the South, Southeast, and East Asian communities (Yasui and Pottick, 2020, p. 60).
Mental Illness as Physical Symptoms
​
-
Punjabis describe depression as a sinking heart (dil ghirda hai) and associate it with bodily symptoms of the heart and chest (Yasui and Pottick, 2020, p. 60).
-
Chinese Australian patients characterized anxiety as a restless heart or fast heartbeat (Hsin Huang), and label it as a physical ailment rather than mental (Yasui and Pottick, 2020, p. 60).
Traditional Medicine, a.k.a. CAM [Complementary Alternative Medicine]
​
-
The traditional medical practice emphasizes the connection of the mind to the body and spirit.
-
→ Portrays physical organs as the origin of mental distress (Yasui and Pottick, 2020, p. 59).
​
Examples of traditional 'Eastern' medicine include, but are not limited to acupuncture, meditation, massage therapy, physical exercises such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qi Gong, Ayurveda, and other types of herbal medicine.
​
Importantly, for those who are more hesitant to seek psychiatric treatment (medication) and psychotherapy (talk therapy that is commonly associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CAM may provide a more viable option for financial and familial reasons. Dr. Ellen Jia-ling Lin expands on this, stating:
"I'm one of the few who [incorporates a holistic approach] in my field. I incorporate acupressure points..now I'm more knowledgable in the mind+body connection...traditional perspective has been more inclusive in the connection to the psyche and the physical .."
- (Dr. Ellen Jia-Ling Lin, personal communication, July 12th 2020)
Asian Communities are often adverse to sing western medications, as it is an unfamiliar field that comes with high prices and side effects, but are often more receptive to familiar Eastern practices. Due to limitations on studies involving holistic methods of therapy, the compilation of data is limited - however, these practices have been around for thousands of years, and a reason they would survive the testimony of time would be because these methods are effective. Yet, even though this could provide a source of help for those seeking treatment, there are obstacles on the side of the practitioners as well. *See Socioeconomic Barriers page.
Confucian Values
​
-
Research on Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants and Japanese and Korean culture indicated that Confucian values were at the center of their views on mental illness.
-
→ Emphasize the suppression of emotion and exertion of self-control (Yasui and Pottick, 2020, p. 65-66).