For many people, the hardest part of getting help is saying it out loud at home. This guide covers what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH), NAMI and SAMHSA say about stigma, family and starting the conversation, from either side of it. It is general education, not medical advice.
By the Exsura Team · October 25, 2026
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. NIMH says: “In life-threatening situations, call 911.” For help choosing between the two, see 988 vs 911: when to call which.
The CDC defines stigma as “negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold towards those who experience mental health conditions.” It says stigma “can prevent or delay people from seeking care or cause them to discontinue treatment.” The CDC describes three kinds: structural stigma (laws and policies), public stigma (negative attitudes from individuals or groups, including toward families), and self-stigma, where a person with a condition may believe they are flawed or blame themselves for it.
The CDC lists understanding, empathy and acceptance, so that no one feels the need to hide their condition, and open conversations about mental health among the ways everyone can help reduce stigma.
HHS Office of Minority Health reports from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that “Asian American adults were 45% less likely than U.S. adults overall to have received mental health treatment in the past year.” In its table, that is 12.5% of Asian adults compared with 22.9% of all U.S. adults. OMH’s data are for non-Hispanic Asian adults.
of Asian American adults received mental health treatment in the past year, compared with 22.9% of U.S. adults overall (2024)
Two cautions. First, the same OMH page reports that Asian American adults were 27% less likely to report having a mental illness in the past year (17.0% versus 23.4%), and this is our own caution, not OMH's: a lower treatment rate does not by itself show how much need is going unmet. Second, the OMH page does not say why the treatment gap exists. We are not aware of an official source with figures for South Asian families specifically, so we are not offering any.
NAMI, a nonprofit, writes about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. These are NAMI’s statements, not survey findings. It says there are “many systemic barriers to accessing mental health care and quality treatment for Asian Americans, which are exacerbated by stigma and a lack of culturally relevant and integrated care.”
On family, NAMI says family-oriented interdependence and hierarchy often mean decisions, including the decision to seek health care, are determined by the interests of the family as a whole. It says the desire to protect the family’s reputation can often discourage help-seeking until there is a crisis, and that parents may say things like “How can you be sad when I worked so hard to bring us here?” It also says ethnic and communal identity is considered a notable protective mental health factor for many AANHPIs, and that faith communities often offer a built-in social support system, though religious communities may also perpetuate stigma that can delay treatment.
As one example, NAMI says “Hindu Indian-American families may experience significant intergenerational conflict about commitment to dharma, which includes the duty and responsibilities to family.” NAMI offers this as an illustration. It is not a measured finding.
“It is okay to reach out. Your mental health matters and there is always hope.”NAMI, Expectations and Family Pressure
SAMHSA says talking to friends and family about mental health problems “can be an opportunity to provide information, support, and guidance.” It suggests leading with questions like these and listening to the response:
SAMHSA also suggests communicating in a straightforward manner, discussing the topic when and where the person feels safe and comfortable, and watching for reactions so you can slow down or back up if the person becomes confused or looks upset.
On a separate page about talking to a loved one about getting help, SAMHSA says: “Listen without judgment and speak with kindness.” It adds that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up and that “It may take many conversations before they get help.” Its other suggestions include:
SAMHSA also suggests reminding the person that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated.
Raising it at home is one route, not the only one. NIMH says that if you are a child or teen, you can talk to your parents, a school counselor, or a health care provider. NIMH adds: “If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your pediatrician or family doctor.” You can read how to find a provider and prepare for a first appointment or look at low-cost options in Dallas County.
SAMHSA lists this question among its starters: “I’m concerned about your safety. Have you thought about harming yourself or others?” The 988 Lifeline’s guidance for helping someone says to “Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide,” to be non-judgmental, and not to act shocked. It also says: “Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.” You can contact 988 at any time if a friend is struggling.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. NIMH says: “In life-threatening situations, call 911.” For help choosing between the two, see 988 vs 911: when to call which.
SAMHSA suggests leading with a caring, open question such as "I've been worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing?" and listening to the response. It also says it may take many conversations before someone gets help.
The CDC says stigma can prevent or delay people from seeking care. NAMI says that in AANHPI communities, stigma, shame and the desire to protect the family's reputation can discourage help-seeking. These are NAMI statements about a broad group, not findings about every family.
HHS Office of Minority Health reports that in 2024, 12.5% of Asian adults received mental health treatment in the past year compared with 22.9% of U.S. adults overall. The same page reports that Asian American adults were less likely to report a mental illness, and does not state why the treatment gap exists.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911. The 988 Lifeline says to be direct and non-judgmental, and not to be sworn to secrecy.
Sources last checked October 25, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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