Why is it that some people don’t receive help that can benefit their mental health?

The National Institute for Mental Health (via Psychology Today) has found that Asian Americans in particular experience barriers preventing them from accessing mental health care. “According to a 2011 study from the National Institute for Mental Health, Asian Americans are less likely to reach out for help with emotional difficulties than white, Latino, and Black ethnic groups. In fact, only 17% of all Asian Americans have sought professional help, and only 6% sought this help from a mental health provider.” (Psychology Today, 2016)

To read more about how stigma affects Asian American males, refer to Erin Chew’s review of a recent Psychology Today publication: http://www.yomyomf.com/the-dark-struggle-of-mental-illness-among-asian-american-men/.

The original Psychology Today article refers to the work of a therapist who specializes in 2nd and 3rd generation Asian Americans in the Bay Area of California. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-pacific-heart/201612/when-asian-american-men-seek-therapy-the-invisible-struggle

Seeking the assistance of a mental health professional early on is an important part of success in treatment. Therefore, encourage yourself or your loved ones to consider speaking with a professional to see what options are available.

The Asian American Voice Podcast

I'd like to thank my new friend, Mr. B. J. Kang, for hosting the Asian American Voice. It was an honor to have such a meaningful conversation with you on your fifteenth episode.

I appreciate you offering your platform as an opportunity to help fight stigma against mental health when it really should be a household name given that 1 out of every 4 suffer from a mental health condition. As a show of thank you, B. J.: If you ever want restaurant suggestions while you're in my neighborhood, I'll do my best to offer recommendations that make the trip worth it.

The Talk

Do you remember your sex talk? You know, the one you're supposed to have before you have sex. Many Asian American families either don't have thorough sex talks, or any at all. This would not make them unusual compared with other families in the United States. Having an accurate and timely sex talk has implications for later sexual behaviors. Although Asian Americans tend to have later sexual debuts, it's still essential to have the talk since rates of STI's and such catch up to those in mainstream culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQYZkipErYM Have a sex talk. Just talk.

Taiwanese American Citizens League presents "Emerging Voices of Asian American Mental Health" in San Gabriel, CA on 5/29/20016. Join us in recognition of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month AND Mental Health Awareness Month.