First Generation American & Mental Health
The experience of being a first-generation American can be challenging as individuals are often raised with two distinct cultural backgrounds. This unique upbringing can lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress. In this blog, we will explore some of the mental health challenges faced by first-generation Americans and the importance of seeking help.
First-generation Americans may feel isolated due to cultural differences between their upbringing and the broader society in which they live. The pressure to assimilate into Western culture and meet their family's expectations of academic and financial success can also lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Some of the specific challenges faced by first-generation Americans include:
Cultural identity: First-generation Americans may struggle to balance their parents' cultural traditions and expectations with the new culture they are growing up in. This struggle can lead to pressure to assimilate and conform to American cultural norms, or feeling ashamed for wanting to participate in their cultural traditions. This internal battle typically occurs across the lifespan and can impact one's own personal feeling of identity.
Language barriers: Children of immigrants may face language barriers in school and social situations, especially if their parents' native language is not English. They may also become translators for their loved ones, which can impact their social interactions and emotional well-being. With this also comes judgement from other's and lack of understanding which can be frustrating.
Discrimination and prejudice: First-generation Americans may face discrimination and prejudice based on their ethnic or cultural background, which can lead to feelings of isolation and not belonging. A common place one may see this is in social circles, school, and employment.
Financial hardships: Economic challenges faced by many first-generation American families can impact their children's access to resources and opportunities, leading to pressure to succeed to take care of their loved ones. Often times people come to "live the American Dream" which is very much based on monetization of success and access to resources.
Educational disparities and expectations: Children of immigrants may face educational disparities, such as lower graduation rates or access to advanced coursework, due to language barriers or other factors. They may also feel pressure to perform at high levels of achievement, impacting their emotional well-being. Parent's may not know how to navigate primary and higher education settings which is a challenge.
Family pressures and stress: The stress of adapting to a new country and culture can put strain on family relationships. Children of immigrants may struggle with strict upbringings and expectations surrounding friendships, romantic relationships, and their role in the family. This ideal mixed with experiencing how other families function can be confusing to a child raised in a first-generation household.
Despite these challenges, first-generation Americans may be hesitant to seek help for mental health concerns due to cultural stigma. Mental illness may be viewed as a weakness or source of shame in some cultures, leading to further feelings of isolation and shame. Additionally, one may not know the full extent of the benefit of mental health services or what those entails.
However, seeking professional help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength and can improve well-being. Finding mental health professionals who understand and relate to their unique cultural experiences can provide tailored, culturally sensitive care to address these challenges. Not to mention, counseling is completely confidential and it may be important to know this when looking for services.
