More than half of South Asian men (51%) believe there is still a stigma around having therapy, according to our latest Public Perceptions Survey1.

This is higher than the proportion of men overall (44%). It also appears to be preventing some men from seeking support, with one in 10 South Asian men (10%) who had considered therapy but decided not to go ahead saying concerns about what others might think was one of the reasons.

A further one in 10 South Asian men (10%) said they would never ask for help with their mental or emotional health. The survey also found that one in seven (15%) describe their mental health as poor or very poor.

Couples and family counsellor Sandhya Bhattacharya and counsellor Rahi Popat explore why stigma persists, the impact it can have on South Asian men’s mental health and relationships, and what can help break down barriers to support.

“This is likely only the tip of the iceberg”

Rahi believes the findings may underestimate the true scale of the issue.

“These findings speak very loudly to the fact that a significant number of South Asian men are struggling with their mental health. I actually think this is only the tip of the iceberg.

“Mental health is still not spoken about enough in many South Asian communities, and there isn’t always enough understanding of what mental health is or permission to talk about it openly. That taboo means many men suppress their struggles rather than seek support.”

He says cultural expectations placed on men can make asking for help particularly difficult.

“Many South Asian men grow up feeling they must appear strong, protect the family name and put everyone else’s needs first. Seeking counselling can still be viewed as a weakness or something that brings shame to the family. Carrying that burden alone can have a tremendous emotional cost.”

Where stigma comes from

Sandhya says attitudes towards therapy are changing, but stigma remains deeply rooted in cultural beliefs that have developed over generations.

“Talking about mental health is becoming more accepted,” she says, “but therapy is still often seen as something you only need if there’s a serious problem that needs fixing.”

She believes a lack of understanding about psychotherapy can also prevent people from seeking support.

“People often think of therapy as a medical intervention rather than a space to understand difficult emotions and relationships. Talking about feelings such as shame, anger or sadness can feel incredibly exposing, particularly if you’ve grown up believing those emotions should remain private.”

Language can also present another barrier.

“In some South Asian languages there isn’t even a direct word for depression, making it harder for people to describe what they’re experiencing.”

The cost of staying silent

The impact of stigma can extend beyond whether someone seeks therapy. The therapists warn that avoiding support can have lasting consequences for individuals, families and relationships.

Rahi says suppressing emotions over many years can take both a psychological and physical toll.

“When feelings are continually pushed aside, people may experience anxiety, depression, physical symptoms and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Many men are trying to recover from years of being told to stay silent.”

Sandhya says she frequently works with couples where emotional struggles have gone unspoken for years.

“I’ve seen men caught between the expectations of their families of origin and those of their partners and children. Without somewhere safe to explore those pressures, some turn to unhealthy coping strategies such as addiction, while others become increasingly anxious, depressed or emotionally disconnected.”

Challenging misconceptions

Changing perceptions of therapy is key to breaking down these barriers. Rahi and Sandhya believe greater visibility of positive experiences of therapy could help challenge stigma.

Rahi says hearing from other South Asian men who have benefited from counselling can encourage others to seek support.

“We need role models who are willing to speak openly about therapy and show that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.”

Sandhya agrees that improving understanding of what therapy involves is equally important.

“A therapist isn’t there to judge or tell someone what to do. They provide a safe, confidential space to think about difficult experiences and better understand yourself and your relationships.”

Starting conversations earlier

Families and communities also have an important role to play in making it easier for men to talk about their mental health.

Rahi encourages people to create spaces where men feel able to speak openly without fear of judgement.

“Start with simple conversations. Ask how someone is really doing. Listen without trying to fix everything immediately. Let people know their feelings are valid and that support is available before they reach crisis point.”

Sandhya believes those conversations should begin in childhood.

“The more we normalise talking about emotions from childhood onwards, the easier it becomes for people to seek support later in life. Therapy shouldn’t be viewed as a last resort – it can simply be a place to reflect, understand yourself and build healthier relationships.”

“You don’t have to carry this alone”

For South Asian men who may be unsure about reaching out, Rahi has a simple message.

“You don’t have to carry this alone. Speaking to a therapist doesn’t mean you’re weak – it means you’re giving yourself the opportunity to be heard.

“You don’t have to stay with the first therapist you meet, and it’s okay to find someone who feels right for you. There is always hope, and support is available.”

Find a qualified therapist using BACP’s Therapist Directory.

References

1 About our Public Perceptions Survey

Since 2019, BACP has conducted an annual survey to measure the opinions and attitudes of the British public towards mental health.  

The survey data was collected using a self-complete, online methodology. A nationally representative sample of 5,058 adults (aged 16+) was taken from YouGov’s online research panel and results were weighted to provide a nationally representative dataset. Fieldwork for the 2026 survey was conducted between the 16th February and 6th March 2026 and is in line with fieldwork dates from previous years.