HAVE YOU HEARD OF MRS BIBI SYNDROME? NO, IT’S NOT A MEDICAL CONDITION

In the UK, there’s a particularly disturbing stereotype within the health system that specifically marginalises and, ultimately, harms South Asian women.

Mrs Bibi or Mrs Begum syndrome is a medical cliche that exists within British hospitals. Usually geared towards older South Asian women, it implies that members of this cultural group tend to exaggerate their symptoms. The name Bibi or Begum comes from the fact that many South Asians, specifically Pakistani and Bangladeshi, share that surname.

Studies have shown time and time again that Brown and Black women often aren’t taken seriously when it comes to their physical and mental health concerns. In a recent study on the aftermath of COVID, it was shown that the mortality rate of South Asians was 20% higher once hospitalised.

The very existence of this stereotype underscores the importance of cultural awareness in therapy when it comes to dealing with various marginalised groups. From dealing with generational traumas to battling minority stress, both of which can take a physical toll on the body, culturally competent care is crucial.

“No one using this term has ever intended to understand the health needs of this population in order to improve their public health,” says NHS doctor Dr Harun Khan in an article for Media Diversified. “And the attempt to justifiably frame an ill-intentioned term, used solely to undermine the health complaints of minority women, in a positive light is orientalist at best.”

Feeling like you may be battling ill health is already emotionally taxing enough. Now imagine the additional mental health stress you have to endure when medical professionals you’re meant to trust don’t take you seriously.

In an article for MyLondon by editor Unzela Khan, she explores Mrs Begum Syndrome in depth. According to Khan, “South Asian women suffer due to racist 'Mrs Begum' stereotype from being laughed at by GP for trying to speak English to nearly dying of sepsis,” simply because their medical practitioners don’t take them seriously. In the same article, Dr Rima Saini, a lecturer in sociology at Middlesex University further explains that the persistence of the Bibi/Begum stereotype and its reproduction (consciously or unconsciously) by South Asian doctors highlights the complexity of institutional discrimination in the NHS.

At Tala Thrive, cultural sensitivity in mental health and inclusive cross-cultural therapy is what we’re all about. Our platform matches you to experts who understand your culture, language and/or religion, and can provide culturally competent care and support. We also address the needs of this specific demographic as well - South Asian women - and our therapists can provide you with the tools and language you need to confidently advocate for yourself the next time you pay your doctor a visit.

So sign up at Tala Thrive and let us connect you with the right therapist!

Remember, we want you to thrive - mentally, physically, and emotionally - so you can start living the life you truly deserve.