An Australian’s Perspective on Mental Health in Vietnam
As ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ gently filled the air of a quiet bar, I found myself alone, my face hidden from the only other patron. Uncontrollable sobs racked my body, and I couldn’t understand why my emotions had brought me to such a breaking point.
My thoughts were chaotic and irrational. I yearned to disappear into the earth, yet simultaneously, I longed for an angelic figure to appear with words of comfort.
It was 2014, and I was in the depths of severe depression during my second year of living in Ho Chi Minh City. Looking back, I realize that moment was a turning point, inspiring me to address men’s mental health, especially among expats in Vietnam. While expats of all genders experience mental health challenges, this narrative is specifically directed at male expats in the country.
Anxiety, depression, and a host of other mental health issues are universal concerns, affecting individuals across all societies. A March 2023 WHO report highlighted the prevalence of depression, affecting approximately 3.8% of the global population, with slightly higher rates among adult women than men. However, the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s 2021 report revealed a stark gender disparity in suicide rates, with men experiencing rates more than double those of women.
In 2014, my situation compelled me to seek professional help, and I encountered limited options in Ho Chi Minh City. Fortunately, that landscape has transformed, and now a range of services are readily accessible to all community members.
Despite Vietnam’s allure as a captivating and beautiful country, expats face unique challenges that underscore the significance of mental health discussions. This narrative is not exclusive to Vietnam but resonates with expats worldwide, as countless individuals grapple with similar struggles.
Mental health issues are deeply personal and diverse, defying simplistic explanations. Each person’s journey is distinct, and attempting to condense this intricate topic would be insensitive. For me, mental illness meant that the pain of enduring each day overshadowed any hope for tomorrow.
Conversations in the local bars of Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau revealed common threads in the mental health experiences of expat men in Vietnam. Chief among them is a profound sense of isolation, exacerbated by language barriers, changes in work circumstances, and limited opportunities for social interaction. Being distant from family further compounds this loneliness.
The sense of isolation is heightened by a lack of recreational activities outside of work. While some expats thrive in their new surroundings, others grapple with the absence of familiar hobbies. Discovering new pastimes can be challenging, often hindered by language barriers, which further alienates individuals from both expat and local communities.
Simple pleasures we took for granted in our home countries may no longer be accessible. As an Australian, I used to relish road trips to the coast, spending days driving through the countryside. Those weekends of freedom in the Australian outback were therapeutic.Â
Another intriguing aspect mentioned by expats is the loss of functionality. Back home, we were used to fixing cars, building things, and even mowing lawns for neighbors. This sense of usefulness is essential for many men, and its absence can contribute to feelings of worthlessness.
Consequently, men often seek solace in bars, which provide invaluable connections but also present challenges, such as increased consumption of food and alcohol. This coping mechanism can have unintended consequences for overall health and well-being.
Career and jobs play a pivotal role in the mental health maze within our community. Whether it’s a burdensome workload, unemployment, or unfulfilling work, career-related stress significantly influences men’s mental health.
Every nation and culture approaches mental health differently. Expats may struggle with the unfamiliarity of local services and support systems, even something as simple as talking to a stranger. This disconnect can exacerbate the problem for some.
However, there is a silver lining. In recent years, mental health support services for English-speaking expats in Vietnam have witnessed significant improvements. International clinics now provide resources that were once scarce in the country.
Additionally, the pandemic has expanded cybersupport options, offering many expats access to online support from the comfort of their homes.
Mental health is a topic often shrouded in silence, especially among men. Yet, it is imperative for us men to break this silence, support one another, and be there when a fellow man needs a listening ear.
Over the past decade, I’ve experienced periods of isolation and times when medical support was my lifeline to weather the storm. But the sun always returned, bringing brighter days ahead.
From my personal journey with mental health issues, I’ve learned that there are no magic words that instantly heal. My recovery was a process of making the right connections, choosing wisely, and receiving appropriate medical care. Vietnam continues to make strides in this area, benefiting both locals and expats alike.
Life in Vietnam presents extraordinary and transformative experiences, but there are also moments when the darkness looms. When those dark days become a constant companion, it’s crucial to reach out for help.
To my fellow expats in Vietnam who have walked this path or are currently in its midst, know that you are not alone. Brighter days await, and with them, the promise of renewed hope and joy.
My ‘Path to Healing’ plan: reach out and talk, make choices that nurture your well-being, and focus on small, achievable goals each day.
For those around us, let’s remember to ask our friends, “Are you okay?” Sometimes, that simple question can be a lifeline.
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