South Asians (SA) make up approximately 7.5% of the UK population (Nash, 2019). Research indicates that South Asians in the UK often do not seek mental health services (Prajapati & Liebling, 2021). Most studies have focused on SA women or the general SA population rather than specific ethnic groups (Hussain & Cochrane, 2004; Neale et al., 2009; Prajapati & Liebling, 2021). While men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues (Oliver et al., 2005), recent findings suggest that community-based interventions targeting the South Asian population often overlook the specific needs of men (Baskin et al., 2021).
British Bangladeshis face significant disadvantages, including higher rates of workless households, poor health, and living in council housing (Ali, 2006; Darko, 2021; Large & Ghosh, 2006). Traditional notions of masculinity within the Bangladeshi community discourage men from seeking support, leading to mental health challenges (Willott & Griffin, 1996). British Bangladeshi men are considered a “hard-to-reach” population who underutilize mental health services compared to white men (Darko, 2021), yet research on their perceptions of mental health and support services is limited.
This blog summarizes a recent qualitative study by Dr. Shah Alam, a British Bangladeshi Male Clinical Psychologist (2023), exploring barriers to mental health support among British Bangladeshi men who underuse mental health services in the UK.
###Methods
The study gathered personal accounts through qualitative interviews with British Bangladeshi men aged 22-59 experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 54 participants were recruited through online social media and leaflet drops and screened for mental health levels using the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 questionnaires. The qualitative data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, with data saturation reached with 12 participants.
###Results
Themes emerged, including a lack of understanding of mental health, cultural norms discouraging open discussions about emotions, traditional cultural expectations of masculinity, fear of stigma and loss, coping resources through religion, barriers to accessing support services, and the importance of community collaboration.
###Conclusions
The study highlights the stigma and barriers British Bangladeshi men face in seeking mental health support. The findings emphasize the importance of awareness, addressing language barriers, normalizing emotional expression, building trust in healthcare services, and involving the community in mental health initiatives.
###Implications for practice
The study suggests a need for increased mental health awareness in British Bangladeshi communities, with recommendations for organizing awareness programs during specific events, involving religious leaders, engaging women in outreach efforts, and implementing community outreach programs in schools, mosques, and local neighborhoods to promote access to mental health services and normalize discussions about mental health.
