Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in South Asian Communities

What does it really mean to be “okay,” and how often do we allow ourselves to answer that question honestly?

For many South Asian students, conversations about emotional well-being are rare, even though mental health has become a growing topic on college campuses. Within our families and communities, values like academic excellence and self-discipline are deeply rooted. While these strengths uplift us, they also create pressure to hide stress, anxiety, or depression rather than openly discussing them.

One of the biggest challenges is the stigma around mental health. Many South Asian households didn’t grow up with accessible mental health education, leading to misconceptions such as seeing mental health struggles as personal weakness or believing our emotions should be suppressed. Students feel compelled to “keep it together” even when they’re overwhelmed. The silence can be especially heavy when balancing schoolwork, cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and the everyday realities of college life. Understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health is a crucial step. Conditions like anxiety and depression are common and highly treatable, especially when recognized early.

For sangat members, caring for mental well-being can involve many pathways: talking to a trusted friend, practicing mindfulness or meditation, journaling, setting healthy boundaries, or reaching out to professional services. By starting conversations and supporting one another, we can create an environment where South Asian students feel seen, safe, and valued. Prioritizing mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful act of strength and community care.

Written by: Ravneet Kaur