Growing up, men in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as in many parts of the world, are frequently scolded with phrases like “stop crying like a girl”, as if the very human act of experiencing and expressing sadness or fear somehow inherently undermines their masculinity.

From a young age, we are taught that it is our duty to protect our families and to serve as unwavering pillars of strength for others to rely on. Unfortunately, these beliefs foster an environment where seeking support is often wrongly associated with weakness.

For men who grew up in South (India and Pakistan) and Southeast (Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand) Asia, this cultural pressure can lead to basing their worth solely by how much they can provide for others. These rigid structures can weigh heavily on a guy, leaving him feeling responsible for his entire family’s quality of life.

The narrow confines of more traditional and outdated social prescriptions of masculinity leave little room for us to process our emotions, and many of us never learn how to do so in healthy ways.

Men’s Mental Health Statistics in South & Southeast Asia

Across South and Southeast Asia, the need for mental health support remains largely unmet.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the South-East Asia Region alone accounts for 27% of global depression cases and 23% of anxiety^[1]
• South Asia: Suicide rates varied widely. Despite this variation, the average suicide rate across studies was notably high compared to the global average.^[2]
• Southeast Asia: Average suicide rates for men are approximately 12% higher than global averages for men. ^[3]

For comprehensive global statistics on male suicide, explore our detailed report: Stats on Suicide in Men.

Acknowledging the struggles in accessing support

Many men in South and Southeast Asia grapple with mental health challenges, often navigating them without fully understanding the severity of their concerns or the possibility of recovery.

Even among those who acknowledge that they are struggling, the prospect of seeking help can seem daunting. Making the decision to reach out is challenging enough, and finding oneself amidst the sometimes unregulated landscape of mental health services can be confusing and overwhelming. Despite the challenges, resources are available for those seeking mental health care in these regions.

Understanding the local context, regulations, various mental health professionals, and available services is crucial for those seeking therapy in South and Southeast Asia.

In this article, we’ll cover how to access mental health care, including regulations, education, licensing, and finding therapists. We’ll also discuss crisis hotlines, extra resources, and updates in mental health policies.

Finding a Therapist in South Asia

In India, approximately 1 in 7 individuals struggle with mental health disorders. In 2021, over 73,900 more men died by suicide than women, highlighting a stark gender disparity in suicide rates.

Similarly, Pakistan, home to around 200 million people, faces significant challenges in mental healthcare. With fewer than 500 psychiatrists serving this vast population, a substantial treatment gap exists, leaving over 90% of individuals with common mental disorders untreated.

In such a cultural landscape, many South Asians are raised with the pervasive influence of phrases like “log kya kahenge” or “What will people say?” These societal pressures not only shape every decision they make, but often override their own feelings and desires, prioritizing societal approval over personal well-being. This cultural backdrop is further reinforced by popular media, where characters like Kabir in “Kabir Singh” or Ranvijay Singh in “Animal” embody toxic masculinity, glorifying violence as a response to trauma and insecurity rather than exploring healthier coping skills.

Amidst these challenges, the quest for receiving qualified therapy becomes an uphill battle in a system where psychotherapy lacks proper regulation. Understanding the intricacies of mental health care regulation in South Asia and discerning the credentials that hold significance are essential steps in accessing trustworthy support.

Finding Professional Mental Health Care and Resources

Finding a Therapist in Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, the concept of saving ‘face’ remains prevalent, as openly acknowledging struggles with mental illness can result in a loss of social standing. This stigma stems from traditional values that prioritize honour, pride, and collectivism within families, often leading to the perception of mental illness as a source of shame. These traditional values, coupled with ingrained gender norms, continue to fuel the pervasive stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

SELF-GUIDED RESOURCES

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• Mindfulness
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• Managing Anger and Irritability
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Our depression screening tool can provide you with personalized guidance based on your experiences over the past two weeks.

Conclusion

The pervasive stigma surrounding men’s mental health continues to have lasting effects, especially among younger generations, who often associate mental illnesses with derogatory terms and may feel (wrongfully) embarrassed about seeking help.^[20]

Finding a therapist in South and Southeast Asia can be challenging. Thankfully, awareness about mental health issues is steadily rising. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) are actively advocating for change, and initiatives aimed at destigmatizing mental illness are gaining traction.^[21]

Governments and healthcare systems are beginning to acknowledge the importance of implementing comprehensive mental health policies and integrating these services into primary care.