We Need to Talk about Mental Health in Asian Pacific American Communities

Over 2.2 million Asian Pacific Americans (APA) had a diagnosed mental health condition in the past year. Crises, like the pandemic we are in now, further exacerbates the prevalence of mental health. With both COVID-19 and the rise of Anti-Asian racism all over the world, it’s no wonder that the Crisis Text Line saw a jump from 5% to over 10% in the number of APAs reaching out for help in recent weeks.

Mental health is heavily stigmatized in the APA community. We’re often told that it’s shameful to have depression, anxiety, etc. We’re reminded that seeking help means that there’s something wrong with us. “Don’t air your dirty laundry. Don’t bring shame upon our family”, they say. But mental health is health. And just like physical health, our mental health will deteriorate if we don’t take care of it.

Infographic: 5.4% of U.S. population identifies as Asian or Pacific Islander -> Of those, over 13% had a diagnosable mental illness in the past year. -> That is over 2.2 million people -> More than the number of dentists, postsecondary teachers and lawyers in the U.S. combined. (Source: Mental Health America)

During a crisis, some individuals will reach out for help. But research and data have shown that the vast majority of people will seek help after the crisis is over. That means we need to be vigilant about how mental health is impacting our community.

Here are some things you can do now if you’re looking to be an ally or co-conspirator for APAs who live with a mental health condition. You don’t need to be a licensed mental health professional to provide support.

1. Reach out. Check in on your loved ones and friends. Almost all of us are sheltering-in-place right now. Some are socially isolated. For a few, home may not be an emotionally safe place. Take a few minutes out of your day to reach out to those around you. Let them know you’re thinking of them.
2. Dismantle the stigma. Let your friends, family, colleagues, etc. know that you believe that mental health is health. And accessing healthcare is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, would anyone be ashamed of getting a flu shot or going to the doctor for a cold? Be aware of the signs of mental health and available resources in your local community.
3. Speak your truth. If you’re living with a mental health diagnosis or you know someone who is, then consider taking a risk and sharing your story. Personal stories have a way of fostering a real, human connection. By being vulnerable and talking about your experiences, you provide the space for others to open up.

The majority of APAs will initially seek support through friends, colleagues, and family members. By being aware of the effects of mental health and working to dismantle the stigma, we can be there to support our community.

If you’re looking for mental health care resources, check out the Open Path Collaborative, Mental Health America, and the Sukhi Project. If you’re in the SF Bay Area and are looking for language-specific mental health support or resources, check out Asian Health Services’ Speciality Mental Health Clinic and Asian Americans for Community Involvement.