Rising cultural and familial pressures are increasingly leading individuals into a cycle of stress, burnout, and anxiety. Patrick Morgan, chief executive of Empower Pacific, highlights the growing number of clients seeking assistance as they struggle to meet obligations imposed by family and cultural traditions.
Morgan notes that many clients experience significant stress linked to these expectations, which have become overwhelming for individuals feeling financially strained and lacking familial support. This situation has prompted feelings of anxiety, particularly among those unable to fulfill their cultural duties due to economic hardships.
Men appear to be the most affected demographic, often seen as the primary providers responsible for meeting family and cultural obligations. Meanwhile, women juggle “double duty,” balancing support for their partners with household and caregiving responsibilities. Young professionals, especially those hailing from prominent families, also bear the weight of expectations to support not just their immediate family but also extended family and community.
Cultural values emphasizing obligation and service can influence behavior regarding seeking help, becoming a barrier for many. Morgan points out that individuals may perceive questioning or refusing these obligations as a threat to group harmony, causing them to suppress their feelings instead of seeking support.
The fear of rejection or conflict adds to the struggle many face in establishing healthy boundaries, often resulting in emotional exhaustion and adverse mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression.
To address these issues, Morgan advocates for training community figures—like religious leaders, elders, and teachers—to provide initial support within the community. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between mental health professionals and faith-based communities to promote advocacy that acknowledges individual limitations, ultimately aiming to lessen burnout while respecting cultural values.
This approach fosters a sense of hope, showing that by working together to balance cultural obligations with individual mental health needs, communities can cultivate healthier environments for their members.
Leave a comment