When it comes to talking about mental health concerns, the Asian community faces many cultural barriers that prevent this open and much needed discussion. One strong cultural force is the idea of “saving face”. The term “face” is associated with honor, dignity and reputation in the eyes of others. Thus the term “saving face” essentially means to preserve the respect of others, or the community at large.

Asian culture is one rooted in the collective, or interdependence versus the more Western practice of independence. There is a great sense of pride in achievement for the family as a whole—when one person is doing well, it looks good for the whole family and vice versa.

“Saving face” is a deeply traditional concept that holds how one is viewed in very high esteem. Unfortunately, the value that this holds in the community mentality fuels many negative attitudes towards seeking and receiving “outside” help. A common solution for Asian families needing any kind of support is to seek help from within the family system. For example, Aunties or Uncles can often serve as sources of information so that families don’t need to seek help from outside sources. The trouble with this mentality is that it perpetuates the need for secrecy and builds a potent sense of shame when more acute help is needed. My own experience with facing mental illness within my own extended Asian family system has resulted in the loss of not being able to know about or build relationships with multiple members of my own family. Growing up, there was a strongly reinforced façade that recognition of mental illness was not able to penetrate.