Breaking the silence: Why South Asians rely on medical doctors

Breaking the silence: Why South Asians rely on medical doctors for mental health support - and why it’s time to rethink this approach.

Mental health awareness has grown worldwide, yet South Asian communities often approach mental health concerns through a lens heavily influenced by cultural norms, taboos and misconceptions. Among these, a prevailing reliance on medical doctors for mental health support stands out - a trend rooted in historical, cultural and systemic factors. However, while general practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in our healthcare, this singular approach presents significant challenges when dealing with mental health issues.

The cultural preference for medical doctors

Research has shown that South Asians are more likely to consult medical doctors for mental health concerns, seeking biomedical solutions for symptoms like anxiety, depression or stress-related physical concerns. There are named preferences that these stem from and I will cover them for your information below.

Cultural stigma around mental health

Mental health issues are often misunderstood or dismissed within South Asian communities, leading individuals to seek solutions that feel "legitimate" and socially acceptable, such as consulting a GP.

Trust in biomedical expertise

Medical doctors are perceived highly as authoritative figures with the expertise to diagnose and treat all health concerns, including mental health issues. This trust often overshadows the role of psychotherapists, who may be viewed with scepticism due to limited awareness of their clinical experiences, qualifications and practices.

Taboos surrounding psychotherapy

Many South Asians associate psychotherapy with weakness, personal failure, or an unnecessary “Western” intervention, further reinforcing the reliance on GPs for all health concerns.

The challenges of relying on GPs for mental health support

While GPs are invaluable in diagnosing and treating physical health conditions, their training and resources for addressing mental health issues are limited. I have provided the reasons why this approach can fall short below.

Minimal mental health training

Most medical doctors receive only a few weeks of mental health training during their medical education. This means they may lack the specialised skills and knowledge needed to address complex emotional and psychological concerns.

Time constraints in GP appointments

NHS GPs are often under immense pressure, with appointments lasting only 10 minutes and where patients are only ever allowed to bring one health concern into their appointment. To think of your body and mind as ever having one concern when you truly know yourself to be a complex network of tissue and blood cells, could be said to be unfair.

This time frame leaves little room for in-depth discussions about your mental health, making it difficult for patients to feel truly heard, seen or supported. GPs are human beings who have trained to be medical experts within their field, and this means they are fallible just like the rest of us.

Overreliance on medication

Due to systemic constraints, GPs may default to prescribing medication as a quick fix for mental health symptoms, rather than exploring therapeutic approaches that can address the root causes. While medication can be helpful for some, it is rarely sufficient on its own. Psychological distress can be worked through in psychotherapy sessions without medication. 

Risk of negative experiences

Many individuals report feeling dismissed or misunderstood during GP appointments for mental health concerns. These negative experiences can discourage people from seeking further support, leaving their mental health issues unaddressed.

Why psychotherapy is the right choice for mental health

Psychotherapists, particularly those accredited with organisations like the UKCP, undergo rigorous and extensive training to specialise in mental health. A good psychotherapist means they have completed their training at a high level (e.g. masters level seven in education) in a minimum time of four years. Psychotherapists have to continuously learn and develop throughout their careers just like GPs. Unlike GPs, they dedicate years to learning how to provide emotional support, coping strategies and psychological insights into the neurobiology of your mental health. Psychotherapists have the capability and competency to help and support you in the best way for you.

Specialised expertise

Psychotherapists are trained to help clients understand and manage their emotions, process trauma and develop personalised coping and self-soothing strategies for your resilience. This expertise goes far beyond what most GPs can provide.

Time to explore your concerns

Psychotherapy sessions typically last between 50-60 minutes, providing a safe and supportive space to delve into your mental health concerns. This extended time allows for a deeper understanding and more meaningful progress whilst developing an intimate, trustworthy, valuable therapeutic relationship with you.

A holistic approach to your well-being

A skilled psychotherapist can help bridge the connection between your mind, body and soul, nurturing your self-awareness and empowering you to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.

Navigating GP appointments for your mental health support

While psychotherapy is an ideal resource for your mental health, GPs remain an essential part of the healthcare system. Here are strategies to make the most of your GP appointments:

Prepare in advance

Write down your symptoms, concerns and questions to ensure you can communicate effectively within the limited appointment time.

Advocate for yourself

Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals to mental health specialists, such as psychotherapists or counsellors, if you feel your GP cannot fully address your needs.

Follow up

If you have a negative experience, seek a second opinion or consider switching to a GP who is more understanding of your mental health concerns.

A balanced approach: Choosing the right professional

It’s crucial to consult the right healthcare professional for your needs. Just as you trust a medical doctor to address physical health concerns, you can trust a psychotherapist to guide you through your mental health challenges. By working with a psychotherapist who has extensive training in both psychological theories and has medical-related knowledge (if this is what you would prefer), you gain access to the following:

Neurobiological insights

Understand how your brain and body system responds to stress, anxiety or trauma, and learn how to regulate these responses.

Coping mechanisms and self-soothing strategies

Develop practical tools to manage emotional challenges, improve relationships and enhance your overall well-being.

Empathy and cultural sensitivity

Many psychotherapists today are equipped to navigate cultural nuances, ensuring that therapy aligns with your values and lived experiences. If this is not what you experience, you have the power to vocalise what you are not getting from your psychotherapist to get your needs met.

The path forward: Prioritising your mental health

Without your mental health, every other aspect of your life - relationships, work and your physical health – all suffers. If you trust medical doctors to prescribe medication for all your physical symptoms, why not trust psychotherapists to guide you toward emotional and psychological healing?

Breaking the cycle of relying solely on GPs for your mental health starts with you and acknowledging the value of psychotherapy. By choosing the right support, you can build a healthier, more resilient connection between your mind, body and soul - an essential foundation for your mental health and well-being.