Abstract
This research paper explores the mental health experiences of first-generation South Asian women in Toronto, Canada. This research paper starts by providing a brief overview of mental health literature from a South Asian perspective. A qualitative narrative methodology is used to explore what mental health experiences are faced by first-generation South Asian women and their experience of accessing support services in Toronto. Three individual interviews were conducted. Participants were provided with an opportunity to share their experiences of what mental health and recovery mean to them, the mental health stressors they face, the different barriers they encounter when accessing mental health services, and coping strategies employed. This research contributes to a broader understanding of mental health within the South Asian communities and how mental health service providers can work towards a more inclusive and culturally responsive practice when supporting South Asian women.
Highlights
AND PURPOSE: My name is Aneesa Atta, and I am currently completing my Master of Social Work degree at Ryerson University
I would like the research to critically explore some of the strengths, limitations, barriers, and gaps in the current mental health services offered in the city for the South Asian community
While there are many women in the city who self-identify as South Asian, this study only focused on women who were born in South Asian and emigrated to Canada
Summary
Akin to all research that is conducted, there are both limitations and strengths in this study. This study presented the narratives of three South Asian women who had unique lives and yet shared commonalities on how their social location impacted their mental health and their experience of accessing mental health services. Future Research: We must continue to work towards legitimizing the knowledge of racially othered cultural groups, which can allow South Asian communities themselves to work towards addressing the mental health needs of their own people. Large scale and longitudinal research that allows for more time and support participants in sharing their experience can provide meaningful insight into how to remove barriers to accessing mental health support and change attitudes and behaviours that lead to adverse mental health for South Asian women. We all strongly felt that as others have done before us, we too have an obligation to ourselves and the generations after us to share our stories, to strive for more, and to carve a space in the world for us that will be better for us all
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
