The public stigma associated with mental illness is quite high in many Asian countries, creating barriers to help-seeking behavior (Alonso et al., 2008).
Cultural norms around feelings of hopelessness and suicidality can impact one’s willingness to seek psychiatric care (Milner and De Leo, 2010).
Suicide is outlawed in several Asian countries (e.g. Tongo, India), creating an additional legal deterrent for an individual contemplating treatment; individuals might fear involvement of the legal system once providers learn of their mental state (Chen et al., 2012; Milner and De Leo, 2010).