This portfolio explored the experiences of British Punjabi Sikhs through two qualitative studies, each addressing under-researched aspects of mental health and identity within this community.

Part A used reflexive thematic analysis to examine British Punjabi Sikhs’ experiences of receiving a diagnosis of depression in primary care. Fifteen participants were interviewed, highlighting three overarching themes: Theme 1 - the silent emotional floodplain - describes the unseen struggles of living with mental suffering prior to help-seeking. Theme 2 - the opening of the floodgates - described the emotional overwhelm experienced during help-seeking. Finally, the third theme - weathering the storm of depression - described the difficulties participants faced when navigating treatment options for depression. The study demonstrated how cultural stigma, intergenerational silence, and community expectations influenced how depression was recognised, expressed, and treated, pointing to the need for culturally sensitive mental health services.

Part B built on the importance of having culturally sensitive mental health services, as this study used a narrative analysis to explore how British Punjabi Sikhs understand and narrate their experiences of historical and current sociopolitical events. Nine participants described how they made sense of hearing sociopolitical stories. The study highlighted two themes: the first theme included how stories were ‘told, silenced and sought’. The next theme explored how participants made sense of sociopolitical stories through oscillating ‘dynamics of connection’, highlighting the dynamics of feeling belonging, powerlessness and the impact of purposeful action.

Taken together, the findings across both studies emphasise the layered and cumulative impact of stigma, discrimination, and sociopolitical trauma on British Punjabi Sikhs’ mental health. While Part A illustrated how depression is understood and negotiated within families, communities, and health services, Part B demonstrated how broader historical and political narratives shape identity, belonging, and intergenerational resilience. Across both, faith and community emerged as crucial supports, while stigma and systemic silences were key barriers.

This portfolio highlights the importance of developing mental health frameworks and interventions that account for cultural, religious, and sociopolitical contexts. For British Punjabi Sikhs, addressing both the medicalised experiences of depression and the broader sociopolitical histories of trauma and resilience is necessary to support holistic well-being.