Therapy in Myanmar

“In our [Burmese] society, a man has to be tough! That’s the mentality. For a Burmese man, society has the attitude that if you’re a boy, you shouldn't cry; these kinds of messages are preventing our men from seeking help.”

Soeya Min's quote highlights the cultural attitude towards masculinity in Burmese society, which often discourages men from seeking help or showing vulnerability.

Masculinity, as a cultural construct, often places expectations on men to adhere to certain norms and behaviors, such as being tough, independent, and in control. These expectations can prevent men from accessing and expressing their feelings and seeking help when they need it. In Myanmar, Soeya Min points out that some Burmese men fear that showing vulnerability or seeking support will make them appear weak, which can result in feelings of shame and social stigma. As a result, he sees Burmese men often internalizing their emotions, leading to negative consequences for their mental health and overall wellbeing.

As a mental health professional, Soeya Min understands the importance of addressing trauma and psychological issues, particularly in the wake of the coup, which has led to an increase in depression cases. His own experiences with learning about psychology and his Buddhist meditation practice have influenced his approach to helping clients, and he has opened his own mental health service platform to freely support those in need.

However, he also expresses concern about the lack of outside support for the Burmese people at this time from mental health professionals around the world. Soeya Min's efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues demonstrate his commitment to helping his community during a challenging time.