“What Happens When Media Portrays Mental Health Issues as ‘Normal’ for South Asian Women?”
Introduction:
Mental health struggles are universal, yet in South Asian communities, they have often been dismissed, minimized, or misunderstood. Over the years, media portrayals of mental health issues in South Asian women have played a significant role in either reinforcing or challenging these cultural taboos. However, when mental health is portrayed as “normal” or as something that South Asian women are simply expected to endure, it raises concerns about how these issues are perceived and handled within the community. While these portrayals can make mental health issues more relatable, they also risk normalizing distress and dismissing the need for intervention or healing.
1. The “Normalizing” of Mental Health Struggles in Media:
Media has long had a profound impact on how we view and understand mental health. When South Asian women in films or TV shows experience mental health challenges—whether it’s anxiety, depression, or trauma—the way these issues are handled can either pave the way for better understanding or, conversely, make them seem like an inevitable part of a woman’s life, especially in the context of societal pressures.
In many South Asian films and TV series, mental health struggles are portrayed as a common part of the female experience. Women are shown coping with societal expectations, family pressures, and gender roles, often at the cost of their own well-being. These portrayals sometimes suggest that mental health issues, such as burnout, depression, and anxiety, are just part of the journey for South Asian women, subtly reinforcing the idea that suffering is simply a normal part of life for them.
While this representation might make these struggles feel less isolating or stigmatized, it can also encourage the idea that mental health issues are not worth addressing. If these struggles are “normal,” they might not be perceived as serious or requiring professional help. The consequence of this can be that women feel pressured to just “push through” their challenges, rather than seeking the help they need.
2. Reinforcing Harmful Stereotypes:
Portraying mental health issues as part of the “normal” experience for South Asian women can also reinforce harmful stereotypes. These portrayals risk suggesting that all South Asian women are burdened with a certain level of emotional distress due to cultural or familial expectations. The idea that women must constantly sacrifice their own needs for the sake of family, marriage, and tradition is a stereotype that has been perpetuated in many media narratives.
Furthermore, these depictions can overlook the diversity within South Asian women’s experiences. While it is true that many women may face challenges due to cultural expectations, it’s essential not to homogenize these experiences or make it seem as though distress is a universal or inevitable part of the South Asian identity. It risks diminishing the agency of South Asian women and paints their struggles as predestined, without recognizing that mental health issues are complex and can arise from various personal, environmental, and social factors.
3. The Impact on Mental Health Awareness:
While some media portrayals can be beneficial in opening up conversations about mental health, if issues are depicted as something “normal” to endure, it can hinder mental health awareness. By normalizing mental health struggles, it may prevent women from understanding the importance of seeking professional help, which is often a critical part of recovery. If mental health is seen as simply part of the South Asian woman’s role or identity, women may feel that it’s something they must bear in silence, further contributing to isolation.
The key is not to make mental health struggles seem inevitable or trivial but to show them as something that can be addressed and managed with the right resources, support, and care. When media portrays mental health challenges as something to be worked through with understanding and treatment, it gives women the permission to prioritize their well-being without shame.
4. Creating Opportunities for Change:
Despite the risks of normalizing mental health struggles, there’s a powerful opportunity for media to contribute to positive change. Rather than simply depicting mental health as “normal” or inevitable, media can focus on stories that emphasize healing, self-care, and empowerment. Portraying South Asian women as active participants in their mental health journey—not just as passive sufferers—can help shift the narrative toward one of resilience and strength.
Films and television shows can showcase women seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, or engaging in conversations about their mental health with family and friends. These stories can send a message that it’s okay to seek help and that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. By normalizing therapy, mental health discussions, and self-care routines, the media can contribute to building a culture where seeking support is viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Empowerment Through Authentic Representation:
The key to breaking down stigma around mental health in South Asian communities lies in authentic and varied representations. Media should not just show South Asian women struggling but also highlight their journeys toward healing. This representation can be empowering, as it gives women role models who are not just battling their issues in silence but are actively seeking ways to improve their mental health and well-being.
The inclusion of real, relatable stories—whether through personal testimonies, fictional characters, or celebrity advocacy—can help foster a society where mental health is seen as a critical aspect of a woman’s overall health. When South Asian women see their experiences reflected in media in a respectful and empowering way, they are more likely to feel understood and encouraged to seek help.
6. The Role of Celebrities in Changing the Narrative:
Many South Asian celebrities have begun to use their platforms to speak openly about their mental health struggles. Celebrities like Hania Aamir, Deepika Padukone, and Shah Rukh Khan have broken the silence about mental health, encouraging others to speak up and seek help. Their openness helps to shift societal perceptions and makes it clear that mental health issues should not be ignored or minimized.
When celebrities talk about their personal experiences, they can humanize mental health struggles, making them relatable and less intimidating for fans. This can spark wider societal conversations and give South Asian women the confidence to acknowledge their own mental health challenges.
Conclusion:
While portraying mental health struggles as “normal” for South Asian women might initially reduce stigma, it also risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes and discouraging the pursuit of mental health care. Media has the potential to shape conversations about mental well-being, but it’s essential for it to do so in a way that emphasizes not just the struggles, but also the power of healing, resilience, and support. By shifting the focus from suffering to empowerment, South Asian media can encourage women to take control of their mental health and seek the care they deserve.