Mental health disparities among Korean American elderly living in the south

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine depressive symptoms and related issues among Korean American (KA) Elderly in the south and how they use mental health services.  Method:  Qualitative interviews were conducted among 15 KA elderly at a Korean American Day Care Center in a major southeastern city in the U.S.  Results: Culture, socioeconomic status, and own health tend to lead KA elderly to vulnerability in terms of mental health care. Especially, there is a stigma and shame towards mental illness in Korean culture, which hinders the elderly from recognizing depression as a serious problem. Furthermore, majority of them have incomes below poverty level, and there is an increase of lone death. One of the biggest challenges is having no one to talk to, and most of them live separately from their adult children. Interestingly enough, one of the elderly had severe depression and took depression pills, but after coming to the day health center, she went off the pills. Therefore, coming to the center every day is one of the places where they feel belong to.  Discussion: KA elderly put greater value and importance on family cohesion even when they come to U.S. Therefore, designing a community where it improves family support systems and social network is critical. Data from this study may help the researchers and public health practitioners to develop effective depression preventive programs and family-oriented and social support-oriented communities to help build friendship and reduce the feeling of isolation.