Minority Mental Health Month

People of color face disproportionate amounts of historical trauma, which can have a negative effect on their mental health and impact their ability to thrive. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to this disparity.  

People that identify as Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) can be particularly impacted, due to specific race-based issues. “There are ideas of self-blame in Asian culture when facing hardship that may stem from religious beliefs or superstition. It is seen as an act of betrayal to talk about family problems with those outside of the family – and therefore it would be shameful to ask for help. For heads of house or parents, it is seen as a sign of weakness,” said Latha Shrivatsa, assistant director of General Counseling.

Asian American therapist Autumn Claypool adds, “The legacy of “model minority” means not admitting to difficulties, obstacles, hardships. Not only does our family and community have high expectations, but also society.”

Since discussing mental health concerns is considered taboo in many Asian cultures, many people tend to dismiss, deny, or neglect their symptoms. “Asian cultures are typically more collective instead of individualistic, so there is more of a community for support. However, many don’t speak about mental health, admit they are struggling or seek help,” said Autumn. And, younger Asian Americans tend to seek out support from close friends or family members. Add that to a lack of awareness of the mental health resources available, and you have trend where AAPI people don’t seek professional help.

In fact, statistically Asian Americans are the least likely to seek treatment for mental health issues and can have difficulty expressing their challenges due to guilt, shame, or language-barriers. That shame can lead some to commit “honor suicide”. “It was confusing to grow up and learn about “honor suicide” – feeling like such a dishonor to your family you choose to die by suicide and save them the embarrassment of dealing with you and your problems. It was so different from the more western idea suicide is actually a dishonor and selfish way to die,” says Autumn.

Latha continues, “Family and culture support is proportional to a client’s shame level in seeking treatment. It is very difficult for clients to feel good about their choice to start therapy when their family constantly tells them that mental health is “not real”. This can create stress or even impede their therapy progress. I imagine many do not seek treatment at all because of this.”

The Women’s Center seeks to make services accessible and welcoming to all races and cultures. Our internal Diversity and Equity Committee has been working for several years to help make services more inclusive to every race. Therapist create individualized treatment plans that address each client’s specific needs, regardless of their culture and background. And our diverse staff means that we are able to provide services in multiple languages, creating an environment where clients feel safe, welcome and are able to heal and overcome crisis. For more information, please call The Women’s Center at 817.927.4040.

Source: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/asian-american-pacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health