WHY MENTAL HEALTH IS UNSPOKEN OF BY MEN IN SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES IN SCOTLAND

Abstract

The taboo and negligence surrounding the issue of mental health is something of a global concern. Though there has been increased awareness in recent years, it is not enough. This research captured why mental health is unspoken of by men in South Asian communities in Scotland. Through the use of structured interviews, this research aims to examine why mental health remains a largely unspoken issue within the South Asian community in Scotland. Four themes surfaced through the use of thematic analysis which provided various findings. The findings of the study illustrated that the stigma surrounding mental health was primarily due to the cultural norms within South Asian communities, developed over decades of misunderstandings of mental health and upholding izzat. Izzat is honour and reputation often upheld by family which can be destroyed through shameful acts and behaviour of an individual (Gilbert et al 2004). South Asian Scottish men are emotionally imprisoned as they suffer in silence to avoid disregarding the construction of hegemonic gender roles, thus being considered as inferior.