Breaking Cultural Barriers: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Among Young South Asian Women

The conflict created by traditional cultural expectations and modern aspirations has created an invisible crisis among young South Asian women in Western countries. Behind closed doors, countless young women navigate the complex terrain of dual identities, family honour and personal identity, often at significant cost to their mental wellbeing.

The Weight of Cultural Expectations

For many young women in South Asian communities, the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles begins early. These expectations often manifest in restricted social interactions, limited educational opportunities and the looming prospect of arranged marriages. The impact on mental health can be severe, with many young women experiencing depression, anxiety and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

Girls’ Education & Distinguished Voices in Literature

The practice of removing girls from education, although less common in 2025, continues to affect young women in some conservative immigrant households. This educational disruption often occurs during crucial developmental years, creating lasting impact on career prospects and financial independence.

Anita Desai, born in Mussoorie, India, is a renowned author of numerous novels and short stories. She has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize on three occasions: in 1980, 1984, and 1999, marking her as one of the most distinguished voices in contemporary literature.

An absolutely remarkable well accomplished writer, Anita Desai, shares a complex family drama and “examines the different ways in which two cultures assuage human hungers, desires and appetites.”

In his critique for the British Council of Literature, Luca Prono observed that Anita Desai frequently portrays the home not merely as a domestic setting but as a symbolic space of confinement for women—particularly within traditional Indian society, where cultural norms often prescribe a woman’s role as one of self-sacrifice, domesticity, and obedience.

This symbolic use of the home becomes a powerful commentary on how cultural expectations shape, and often limit, individual agency. Desai’s work explores how these expectations are passed down through generations, creating tension between the older and younger characters who interpret duty, identity, and freedom in fundamentally different ways.

In Fasting, Feasting, Prono notes, Desai captures this dynamic through the lives of siblings Uma, Aruna, and Arun. Each character wrestles with the burden of fulfilling their parents’ rigid ideals—ideals rooted in social customs, gender roles, and family honor. Uma, as the unmarried daughter, is trapped in a life of service and submission, denied education and autonomy because of the cultural expectation that a woman’s place is in the home.

Aruna, though seemingly more successful in conforming to societal standards through marriage, ultimately lives a life shaped by appearances and quiet discontent. Arun, the son, experiences a different kind of pressure: to achieve, succeed abroad, and uphold the family’s prestige. Yet even in America, he remains bound by the emotional and cultural weight of expectations that prevent him from forging a sense of self.

Desai’s nuanced exploration suggests that cultural expectations are not simply rules imposed from the outside—they are internalized, perpetuated, and suffered by both women and men across generations. The novel questions whether personal liberation is possible within a framework so tightly woven into identity, family, and tradition.

The Marriage Mandate

In many traditional South Asian families, marriage remains a primary focus for young women. The pressure to enter arranged marriages, sometimes as early as 16 years old, can create significant psychological distress. This practice often intersects with other controlling behaviours, including restricted movement, constant surveillance and emotional manipulation.

Breaking the Silence

A growing movement of South Asian women is challenging these deeply entrenched cultural norms. Support networks and mental health organisations are increasingly recognising the specific challenges faced by young women in these situations. These resources provide crucial support for those seeking to balance cultural identity with personal autonomy.

Signs of Progress

Progressive South Asian families are beginning to question traditional gender roles and arranged marriage practices. This shift represents a significant change in community attitudes, though challenges persist. Mental health awareness within South Asian communities has improved, with more families acknowledging the importance of emotional wellbeing alongside cultural traditions.

Looking Forward

The journey toward cultural change is gradual but meaningful. Young South Asian women are increasingly finding their voice and challenging oppressive traditions while maintaining connections to their cultural heritage. This evolution suggests a future where cultural identity and personal autonomy can coexist harmoniously.

As awareness grows and support systems strengthen, more young women are finding the courage to speak out and seek help. Their stories of resilience and recovery offer hope to others facing similar challenges, highlighting the possibility of maintaining cultural connections while pursuing individual aspirations.

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