Bi-Cultural Crisis

By: Aparna Sagaram

As children of immigrants, many of us struggle to fully assimilate with both Indian culture and American cultures. This is called the bi-cultural identity crisis, and the effects this has on mental health can be very damaging.

Many children of immigrants grow up afraid to embrace and discover all the wonderful aspects of experiencing 2 different cultures. We often feel like we have to pick one and reject the other. Some of the negative effects of experiencing bi-culturalism are:
1. Feeling like you don’t fit in anywhere
2. Trying to please your parents while discovering who you are as an individual
3. Internalizing prejudices about the minority identity you also hold
4. Feeling like you are betraying an identity if you are “too much” of the other identity

Many of these effects can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation. As bi-culturalism is becoming the new buzzword, it is important to recognize that allowing yourself to discover and embrace both cultures can be very freeing. It is helpful to recognize that both cultures offer different strengths that allow you to navigate the world as you do. Below are important reminders as you allow yourself to discover both cultures:
1. Picking and choosing what you like from each culture is completely normal and your right
2. Rejecting aspects from each culture is also completely normal and your right
3. Give yourself the freedom to navigate and discover the world as you

About the Author: Aparna Sagaram

Aparna Sagaram is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in Philadelphia, PA. Her practice focuses on working with South Asians to help them to heal and discover themselves through therapy. Her gentle approach allows clients to freely explore and understand themselves and their relationships better. Aparna offers tele-therapy for clients seeking services outside of the Philadelphia area. Whether you are looking to improve your marriage or yourself, she can work with you to help you get to a better place mentally. Visit her website or contact her directly for more information!

E-mail: aparnalmft@gmail.com
Instagram: reflectionswithaparna
Website: http://www.reflectionswithaparna.com