PTSD & Asian Americans

There was an earthquake in Southern California this past week. Did anyone feel it? Did it remind you of earthquakes years ago? For some, traumatic events such as earthquakes bring about nightmares, frightening memories, or even physical symptoms. If you are Asian American, chances are you express your post-traumatic stress disorder (aka: PTSD) as somatic symptoms. This means that instead of being able to say to others that a frightening event continues to haunt you, it may be more common for you to have a head ache or stomach ache. Stay tuned to hear more about Asians and somaticization of symptoms.

Within Group Differences

Folks who are not Asian may think that all Asians look and act alike. Turns out that differences transcend food and language preferences. A little known fact is that there are many "within group" differences that may lead to splintering within the Asian American community. The historical impact of wars fought centuries ago many lead to current day inability to collaborate with one another. Some Asians are the most "xenophobic" (fear of others) and this may lead to an unwillingness to learn about other groups.

How to combat this? Communication and a willingness to explore similarities rather than highlighting differences may help to reduce the within group tensions that are experienced within the Asian American community. Be open to learning about other groups beyond a superficial level and one may find that there are more commonalities than previously thought.