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Beyond “Log Kya Kahenge?”: Prioritizing Mental Health Over Social Image
South Asian Mental Health • Cultural Shame • Social Pressure • Individual Healing • Generational Expectations 🧠 “They’d rather I suffer silently than bring shame to the family name.” The phrase “Log kya kahenge?” — What will people say? — is more than a rhetorical question in South Asian households. It’s a weapon of silence, a suppressor of mental health conversations, and a mask that forces many to wear a brave face while they break inside. 📊 Bar Chart: Impact of “Log Kya Kahenge?” on Mental Health Top 5 Mental Health Struggles Linked to Social Image Pressure (2024 Survey) 🔍 What Does It Mean to Prioritize Social Image? In many…
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South Asian Mental Health, Depression, Women of Color, Stigma, Hidden Struggles, Mental Health Awareness, Cultural Expectations
💬 “You don’t look depressed.” A phrase that countless South Asian women have heard — and internalized. In a culture that prides itself on strength, sacrifice, and the appearance of perfection, the pain beneath the surface often goes unseen, unheard, and unspoken. 🎭 The Mask of the “Good Daughter” From a young age, South Asian women are taught to suppress discomfort and prioritize others. We are raised to be obedient daughters, loyal wives, and nurturing mothers — roles that rarely leave room for emotional vulnerability. We smile through breakdowns. We host gatherings while battling anxiety. We perform perfection, even when we’re unraveling inside. Depression doesn’t “look” a certain way —…