Sunday, September 14, 2014

Does "Positive Psychology" apply to everyone?

Positive Psychology is one of the buzz words in mental health nowadays that incorporates aspects of happiness. Does this outlook apply to all populations? The radio show by Dr. Serena Wadhwa examines various aspects of positive psychology: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/80209/the-who-what-where-when-why-and-how-of-positive-psychology-and-its-relationship-to-wellness. What do you think?

Thursday, July 17, 2014

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In May 2008, the United States House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.  http://blogs.psychcentral.com/caregivers/2014/07/minority-mental-health-awareness-month/ 

For more specific information on Asian American mental health statistics, please visit:  http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?lvl=3&lvlID=9&ID=6476


Friday, June 6, 2014

Preventable Tragedies?

Taipei, one of Asia's safest cities, has seen few violent crimes like the MRT (public transportation system) of May 21, 2014. A college-aged male stabbed four fellow passengers to death, while injuring over 20 others, in a possible attempt to lure the death penalty for himself. Such violent incidents were practically unheard of in the city's extensive and well-managed subway system. Although his parents and high school classmates were familiar with his plans to "do something big," he was never diagnosed with a mental health disorder.  Would receiving mental health services have prevented such a tragedy? 

Although this particular leaves us wondering, it's important to remember that most people with mental illness are not violent. Actually, most mental illnesses can be managed with therapy or medication.  In fact, many who could benefit from mental health services don't due to stigma or discrimination. Perhaps one day, future tragedies can be prevented by seeking appropriate services.




Monday, May 19, 2014

Community Champion

Know of anyone who has made a significant impact in your life?  

Reflecting on how current roles are impacted by immigrant roots has been a humbling endeavor.  

I'm blessed to work with inspiring mentors and students.

Many thanks to Dr. Wenli Jen for her nomination of PBS' Community Champion recognition.


Monday, April 28, 2014

What Kind of Asian Are You?

Have you ever asked or been asked:  "What Kind of Asian Are You?"  What are some reactions and what might be the source of such reactions?

Alex Dang offered a moving narrative during Boston's 2013 National Poetry Slam that shares about the history of racism as it pertains to Asian Americans.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/25/what-kind-of-asian-are-you-slam-poem_n_5208102.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

To check out more of Dang, you can visit his Facebook page here.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Parachute kids

Have you ever heard of parachute kids?  No, not the kind you find at children's parties.





Typically, "parachute kids" are international adolescents from Asia studying in the states without their parents.  I was recently interviewed for my opinions regarding what leads to positive development among this population and whether there are any special therapeutic issues to consider.
 
http://epx.sagepub.com/content/12/6/682.abstract

There are varying degrees of ideas regarding the familial, financial and social supports needed for the adjustment of these students to life in the United States.  What are your thoughts about this not-so-recent phenomenon?


Monday, March 3, 2014

Asian Americans Equal Protection for Test Scores

From the petitions.whitehouse.gov:  

On 1/30/2014, the California Senate passed SCA-5 , which would repeal some provisions of Prop 209 and allow the State of California to discriminate an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. In the 17 years that Prop 209 has been in effect, California has become the most diversified and prosperous state in the US and Asian-Americans are proudly one of the essential pieces. Comprehensive initiatives have then been implemented to help students from disadvantaged families to obtain high educations. Currently, Asian-Americans often need test scores hundreds of points higher than applicants from other ethnic groups to have an equal chance of admission. Now SCA-5 seeks to unfairly punish Asian-Americans simply based on race.

To take action, try signing one (or both) of these online petitions:

http://www.change.org/petitions/california-state-assembly-vote-no-to-sca-5-3 

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/californias-sca-5-against-equal-protection-clause-14th-amendment-us-constitution/TlHCfZJY


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Happy Lunar New Year of the Horse

From the White House Initiative on AAPIs (http://whitehouse.gov/aapi):

President Obama Extends Best Wishes for the Lunar New Year
On January 31, 2014 the White House released a video message from President Obama welcoming in the Lunar New Year. In his message, the President emphasized that America is a land that draws strength from its diversity, highlighting the importance of immigration reform:
Today, my Administration is working harder than ever to fix an immigration system that doesn’t serve America as well as it should.  We’re committed to a comprehensive plan that will continue to strengthen border security and reunite families, while creating a pathway to earned citizenship and a stronger system moving forward.  We’ve already taken an important step by lifting the fear of deportation from young people, DREAMers, who are Americans in every way but on paper – kids who just want a chance to study and serve and contribute to the nation they love.  And if you’re a young person who feels like you’re living in the shadows, take advantage of this opportunity.  Because America needs your talent. 
Click here to view the President’s video message.
Echoing the President’s message, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs also expressed their best wishes to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year:
For those who do not already know 2014 is the Year of the Horse. The horse is a great and strong symbol. Many associate this symbol with “swift success” for all facets of one’s life. We wish that everyone fulfills his or her potential and achieves success in 2014. 
Click here to read more.