Mental illness stigma is higher among ethnic minorities than majorities.
Health
Mental
Ethnic MINORITIES
Currently, racial and ethnic minorities make up about one-third of the American population
As these diverse communities begin to account for more of the U.S. population, it becomes critical to understand their unique behavioral and mental health needs.
MENTAL HEALTH
in the AAPI Community
6.1%
of the U.S. population identifies as
Asian American or Pacific Islander.
19
THAT'S OVER
identified as Asian American or Pacific Islander
million
That is over
2.9
million
people
15%
Of those nearly
reported having a mental illness in the past year
Asian Americans are
3
less likely to seek treatment or help than other racial groups
times
fighting for the mental health of marginalized groups helps fight for their lives and rights
Globally, women are affected to a greater extent by depression and anxiety than men
Over 2.5 million youth in the U.S. have severe depression
Asian Americans are 3x less likely than whites to seek treatment for mental health conditions
50 million Americans experience at least one mental illness
About 1 in 7 children & teens in the country deal with a mental health disorder
Only 1 in 3 Black adults in the U.S. who need mental health care will receive it
Asian Americans
Existing Barriers
Dismissive Parents
Saving Face
Communal Disapproval
Participants in studies have noted that parents dismiss mental health without trying to understand because they don't identify any noticeable physical problems. They note that their parents' lack of concern as a prominent barrier to mental health utilization.
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Many studies conclude the disclosure of a mental illness brings upon shame to the family & is a sign of weakness in Asian culture. Parents' emphasize "saving face" by maintaining importance of not speaking to people outside family about mental health issues
Community disapproves of burdening others with problems. People are hesitant to discuss with friends & family due to possible burdens they may impose of them. Asians also report struggling to discuss Asian stigmas in mental health with non-Asian friends.
Language Barriers
Lack Intervention Models
Language barriers in Asian American households complicate seeking mental health treatment and support. It leads to many mistranslations and countless misdiagnoses
Talk therapy models lack culturally sensitive & appropriate approach. Providers not sharing cultural background hold certain assumptions, undermining effective mental health treatment
Overcoming Stigmas
acknowledgement, curiousity, & openness
Culturally Competent Care
Culturally attuned providers who are mindful of cultural factors & family expectations are key to overcoming barriers. You don't have to be of the same ethnicity but be curious and open.
Nuances in Communication
The language barrier is a big hurdle for many people in the AAPI community, but communication issues can be even more nuanced.
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Awareness of Asian Stigmas
Remember to constantly educate yourself and others. Let more people become aware of Asian stigmas through social media. Learn cultural responsiveness for yourself, friends, and community.
Empowerment Over Shame
Fight stigma by choosing to live an empowered life. Parents should also learn to choose empowerment over shame and to be conscious of their own comments. It’s important to not harbor self-stigma.
Equality Between Physical & Mental
When people understand the true facts of what a mental illness is, being a disease, they think twice about making comments. It’s important to remind them to treat mental and physical illness equally.
Talk Openly About Mental Health
Fight stigma by talking about what it is like to have bipolar disorder and PTSD on social media and to your friends and family. Even if this helps just one person, it makes a big difference to them.
Statistics
Mental Health Disparities
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Racial/ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to multiple factors including inaccessibility of high quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health.
