Sikhs in the Bay Area face stigma when seeking mental health care, often perceived as a sign of weakness within their community.
Sikhs in the Bay Area who seek mental health care often encounter disapproval from fellow community members, who may view mental health challenges as either fabricated or indicative of personal failure. This stigma can create significant barriers for individuals seeking the help they need.
Noor Khera, a resident of Livermore, has experienced mental health struggles but was initially hesitant to seek assistance due to fears of being perceived as weak. “I have heard it multiple times: ‘Be strong,’” she shared. “One day I started wondering, why am I so weak? My husband said to me, ‘You’re not weak, you’re sick.’ It allowed me to accept what’s wrong with me and to work on that.”…