In this episode, we explore the concepts of psychological and psychiatric disorders, the stigma surrounding mental illness—especially in Asian cultures—and ways we can help reduce that stigma through open discussion, education, and mindful communication. Understanding the language around mental health is key to reducing stigma. Here are some common terms:
精神病 (jīngshén bìng) / 神经病 (shénjīng bìng) — Both are heavily stigmatized in Mandarin and often misused as insults meaning “crazy” or “insane.”
心理障碍 (xīnlǐ zhàng’ài) — Mental illness; a neutral and modern term.
精神障碍 (jīngshén zhàng’ài) — Psychiatric disorder; used in clinical settings.
精神科 (jīngshén kē) — Psychiatry; the medical department specializing in mental health care.
神经科 (shénjīng kē) — Neurology; treats brain and nervous system disorders.
病耻感 / 污名化 (bìng chǐ gǎn / wū míng huà) — Stigma or shame associated with mental illness.
1. What Is Stigma? Why Is Mental Illness So Difficult to Discuss in Asian Cultures?
Mental illness has sometimes been interpreted as spirit possession in traditional culture. However, modern science views mental disorders much like physical illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension—rooted in biological and chemical imbalances.
2. Personal Experiences with Stigma
We discussed our own experiences with stigma in Chinese and Asian American communities, including:
Being told not to share mental health struggles outside the family.
Depression symptoms being dismissed as temporary or physical issues.
Family members offering well-intentioned but dismissive advice like “don’t overthink it” or “remember that other people have it worse.”
3. How Can We Reduce Stigma?
Science-Based Media: As more celebrities and influencers speak openly about mental illness, public awareness and understanding have improved. Younger people are more willing to seek help, and even older generations are learning more through traditional media.
Community Outreach: In China, initiatives like the Shanghai Mental Health Center’s cultural-creative product line (based on their address at 600 Wanping South Road) have helped make psychiatry more visible and approachable.
Renaming Clinics: Because going to a psychiatry clinic still carries stigma, some hospitals have rebranded them with names like “counseling clinic,” “emotion clinic,” or “sleep clinic” to make them more accessible.
Responsible Journalism: In the U.S., psychiatrists have collaborated with journalists to provide best practices for reporting on mental illness and suicide, aiming to prevent harmful effects like “copycat suicides.”
4. What Can Listeners Do to Help?
Start Conversations: Talk about mental health openly with loved ones and those in your community. Lead by example!
Normalize Therapy: Mental health care is a part of overall wellness—it doesn’t need to be reserved for crises.
Engage in Community Dialogues: Participate in or organize events, workshops, or discussions to raise awareness.
Promote Accurate Information: Share trustworthy, science-backed content online. Speak out against harmful posts, jokes, or misinformation when you see them.
本集我们将讨论心理障碍与精神障碍的基本概念、心理健康在社会中的污名化现象，以及我们可以如何减少这种病耻感。了解心理健康相关的用语是减少污名化的重要一步。
1. 什么是污名化？为什么心理疾病在亚洲文化中难以启齿？
在传统观念中，心理问题有时被视为“中邪”或“鬼附身”，但现代科学认为精神疾病与高血压、糖尿病类似，属于人体调节系统出现问题所导致的疾病。
2. 我们亲身经历过哪些污名化现象？
我们分享了在华人和亚裔美国人社区中经历污名化的亲身故事，包括：
家庭中常被告诫“家丑不可外扬”，不愿让外人知道自己有心理问题。
抑郁症状被误解为短暂的不适或身体疾病。
家人可能出于好意而轻描淡写地建议“想想开”“别人比你更惨”。
3. 如何减少心理疾病的污名化？
科学媒体传播：随着越来越多明星与网红公开自己的精神疾病经历，公众对心理健康的认识逐渐提高。年轻人更愿意主动求助，老年人也通过电视和广播等方式获得相关知识。
社区科普推广：例如，上海市精神卫生中心推出以“宛平南路600号”为灵感的一系列文创产品，成为网红打卡地，也有效推广了精神健康知识。
门诊名称改造：由于“去精神科看病”仍然让人心理负担很重，一些医院将“精神科”改名为“心理咨询门诊”“情绪门诊”“睡眠门诊”等，更易于被患者接受。
负责任的新闻报道：在美国，精神科医生与媒体合作，为记者制定了关于如何报道心理疾病与自杀的指导方针，以避免“模仿性自杀”或“自杀群聚”等现象。
4. 听众可以如何参与减少污名？
主动开展对话：鼓励与家人和社区成员坦诚地谈论心理健康，用自身行动带动他人。
淡化“看心理医生”的标签： 心理咨询不只是危机时刻的救急措施，而是维持健康的重要途径。
参与公共对话：组织或参加心理健康相关的活动、讲座或讨论会，提高社区认知。
Mental Health in Mandarin is a podcast that explores mental health topics through the lens of Chinese language and culture. Each episode features conversations that break down stigma, share personal stories, and provide accessible education in Mandarin.
《心理话》是一档通过中文语言和文化视角探讨心理健康话题的播客节目。每集通过对话打破污名、分享真实经历，并用浅显易懂的方式传递心理健康知识。