Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide. However, Chinese immigrants, regardless of age, who face language and cultural barriers may be at a higher risk for depression, which is a major factor in suicide.
By Jui Ting Yu
04/23/10
The Chinese cultural stance on depression deters Chinese people from seeking help; this is especially serious for Chinese immigrants in the U.S. who face cultural and language barriers, said George Hsu, professor of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine.
A 2002 World Health Organization report showed the depression rate as high as 15 percent in some countries, while in China it is only two percent. Yet the suicide rate in China was around three times that of other countries with similar economic situations.
"It's not because Chinese people are more likely not to have depression, it's because they don't admit they are suffering," Hsu said.
Hsu said that in Chinese culture, "depression" is seen as a serious disease and depression sufferers are not supposed to get married because of their unstable mental state. Mental illness is a symbol of abnormality and danger, and sufferers are even seen as harmful to other people. Chinese depression sufferers don't want to be labeled by negative terms and do not want to accept psychiatric therapy. Hsu said that as a result, Chinese people tend to bury their mental problems, unless depression symptoms have become very serious and have affected their daily lives severely. "It's a vicious cycle," Hsu said.
Hsu said that research indicated that during the winter, daylight is shorter and negative emotions are more likely to be triggered and cause depression. Boston is further north than Guangdong, where many Chinese immigrants are from, and less daylight affects them more.
Albert Yueng, co-medical director at the Behavioral Health of South Cove Community Health Center in Chinatown (SCCHC) said in a meeting that discussed depression among Chinese people that "mentally not feeling good" is not a reason for Chinese people to see a doctor for mental illness. When they have symptoms of depression, such as headaches, distractions and poor sleep, Chinese people prefer to see a physician rather than a psychiatrist.
Yueng said that a report conducted by SCCHC indicated that the 19 percent of all patients in SCCHC have been diagnosed with depression symptoms, while only 6.3 percent of Chinatown residents feel that they suffer from depression.
Chinese immigrants and international students also face language and cultural barriers, which may put them at a higher risk of depression. Hsu said it is not easy for young Chinese people to start a new life in the U.S, making them more susceptible to bouts of depression.
Tiger Tsoi, 21, a Chinese immigrant who is in the 11th grade at Charlestown High School, said he is experiencing discrimination in his new home. Students from other racial groups "cursed us and threw fries at us," Tsoi said.
"I could not fight them back because my English is so poor and this is not my country." He said his feelings were hurt and he felt worthless and helpless.
Negative attitudes towards language issues and social isolation can cause depression. However, Tsoi did not seek any outlet for help, not even from his parents. "I just don't want to complain about anything. I don't want to share negative emotions with others. I'm worried about how people think about me."
Elderly Chinese immigrants are also a group of people with a higher risk for depression.
Elderly Chinese, many of whom are suffering from chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure, often have feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, which are the symptoms of depression, said Iris Fong, a nurse at the Midtown Home Health Service.
Hsu said that the primary factors for depression are stressful life events, including unemployment, failure of love, loss of family members, illness and accidents. In addition, poor self-esteem and lack of social ability and discrimination are other factors that may cause depression.
"Social support by family and friends is the key." Hsu said that depression sufferers are experiencing loneliness and a lack of confidence. "They (depression sufferers) need help from people who are familiar with them, simply as an outlet for them to express negative emotions."
Hsu urged Chinese people who have any symptoms of depression not to hide their negative feelings. "Talk to people, seek help" is the way to get rid of depression, he said. In addition, family members should pay more attention to each other's lives. Offering positive bonding and support could decrease the chance of experiencing depression.
"Both sufferers and family or friends can make things different," Hsu said.
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