How does mental health in China compare to mental health for Chinese Americans? A recently disturbing article highlights how stigma can prevent individuals from getting proper care for mental disorders. In the link below, one will see how manageable mental illnesses can impact society if left untreated.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/world/asia/11psych.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
What are your thoughts about consequences of untreated mental illnesses? Barriers to treatment due to lack of knowledge, lack of resources, or stigma can end up negatively affecting our communities.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Stress in Los Angeles
We've heard about the American Psychological Association's Stress in America survey. Do you know the stress levels for your local area? Find out what stresses Angelenos out:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=7775744
Check out the video and see what you can do to help alleviate stress. What do you do to destress?
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=7775744
Check out the video and see what you can do to help alleviate stress. What do you do to destress?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Stress in America
Stress in America affects our health (e.g., disturbed eating, sleeping, and relationships).
http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2010/11/09/stress-2010-americans-on-edge/
Ways that stress could manifest among Asian Americans tend to be more psychosomatic than in the general population. Additionally, Asian Americans may be reluctant to disclose their personal issues to people outside the family. Therefore, it's important to keep in mind to engage in healthy self care (e.g., exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, etc.) rather than employing unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., smoking, drinking, gambling).
How do you know you are stressed out and how do you deal with stress?
http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2010/11/09/stress-2010-americans-on-edge/
Ways that stress could manifest among Asian Americans tend to be more psychosomatic than in the general population. Additionally, Asian Americans may be reluctant to disclose their personal issues to people outside the family. Therefore, it's important to keep in mind to engage in healthy self care (e.g., exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, etc.) rather than employing unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., smoking, drinking, gambling).
How do you know you are stressed out and how do you deal with stress?
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Gangster We Are All Looking For
Le Thi Diem Thuy wrote a New York Times Notable Book as her debut novel. "The Gangster We Are All Looking For" is an easy read with a lyrical style that moves between space and time to depict the true story of her refugee family.
Le's family's tragic history is not unlike other Vietnamese and South East Asian refugee backgrounds. Fleeing one's beloved homeland involuntarily to dangers during the journey to safer lands is not uncommon among South East Asian families, such as those from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Unspeakable atrocities tear families apart and ravage the well being of otherwise happy lives.
There is a distinction between immigrants (who migrate willingly, and usually with adequate preparation or resources) and refugees (typically those who flee their countries of origins abruptly due to safety). Mental health professionals need to assess which background contributed to their clients' migration to their host countries. This will have implications for issues, such as: PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
What books have you read lately? I'd welcome your thoughts on this moving story or others...
Le's family's tragic history is not unlike other Vietnamese and South East Asian refugee backgrounds. Fleeing one's beloved homeland involuntarily to dangers during the journey to safer lands is not uncommon among South East Asian families, such as those from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Unspeakable atrocities tear families apart and ravage the well being of otherwise happy lives.
There is a distinction between immigrants (who migrate willingly, and usually with adequate preparation or resources) and refugees (typically those who flee their countries of origins abruptly due to safety). Mental health professionals need to assess which background contributed to their clients' migration to their host countries. This will have implications for issues, such as: PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
What books have you read lately? I'd welcome your thoughts on this moving story or others...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Handbook of Asian American Psychology
In 1998, Zane and Lee published the Handbook of Asian American Psychology. It contained groundbreaking chapters from experts in the field of Asian American mental health. http://www.uk.sagepub.com/refbooksProdDesc.nav?prodId=Book3931
Nearly a decade later, several co-editors collaborated on the long-awaited second edition: http://www.sagepub.com/booksProdDesc.nav?contribId=533177&prodId=Book228036. This second edition contains information regarding special populations (e.g., older adults and international students) as well as adjustment issues (e.g., racism, family violence, and psychopathology).
Do you have any favorite books that you reference on this matter?
Nearly a decade later, several co-editors collaborated on the long-awaited second edition: http://www.sagepub.com/booksProdDesc.nav?contribId=533177&prodId=Book228036. This second edition contains information regarding special populations (e.g., older adults and international students) as well as adjustment issues (e.g., racism, family violence, and psychopathology).
Do you have any favorite books that you reference on this matter?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Speak up!
Asian Americans are seen as passive in the classroom and work environments. Why is that? From a Western standpoint, this could be viewed negatively. Imagine this: a teacher is conducting a classroom discussion and grades class participation as 20% of the class. The teacher notices that the Asian American student never volunteers during class discussions and only responds when called upon. Therefore, the teacher decides that the student is not assertive in the classroom setting and grades accordingly. A similar scenario can be seen in a mainstream work environment, which may help to explain the glass ceiling in regards to Asian American employees. This could be detrimental to one's academic and/or work performance.
From an Eastern standpoint, however, this could be culturally congruent. In the situations where the nail that stands up gets hammered down, one is expected not to stand out above others. Similarly, there is a hierarchy in Asian societies that dictate those of lower social status (e.g., student/employee) should defer to those of higher status (e.g., teacher/supervisor). Additionally, there is also the concept of avoiding losing face at all costs. In the Eastern efforts to maintain face and harmony, speaking out may not be in the best interest of the group.
What to do? Asian Americans can challenge themselves to be more assertive when the situation deems appropriate. At the same time, educators and employers may want to be more culturally sensitive and offer permission to their students/subordinates to encourage verbal participation and assertiveness.
From an Eastern standpoint, however, this could be culturally congruent. In the situations where the nail that stands up gets hammered down, one is expected not to stand out above others. Similarly, there is a hierarchy in Asian societies that dictate those of lower social status (e.g., student/employee) should defer to those of higher status (e.g., teacher/supervisor). Additionally, there is also the concept of avoiding losing face at all costs. In the Eastern efforts to maintain face and harmony, speaking out may not be in the best interest of the group.
What to do? Asian Americans can challenge themselves to be more assertive when the situation deems appropriate. At the same time, educators and employers may want to be more culturally sensitive and offer permission to their students/subordinates to encourage verbal participation and assertiveness.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Confucius says...
Ever wonder how some Asian cultures have clear roles for how people should behave in society? Confucianism permeates throughout many of the East Asian cultures and influences other parts of Asia as well. Confucius was a scholar/philosopher in China who believed in social order. For example, children should respect their elders and citizens should respect authority figures. This has implications for filial piety (see more on this idea in a future posting) and being a law-abiding citizen.
Confucianism also has an impact on how gender roles are played out in (East) Asian societies. Ever heard of the law of three obediences? As a girl, females are expected to follow their fathers. As an adult, females are expected to follow their husbands. In their later years, females are expected to follow their sons. This means that a patriarchal society will value male opinions more in order to maintain social hierarchies.
No matter whether or not you agree with Confucianism, one can not argue the vast influence this school of thought continues to have on Asian (American) societies. I welcome your thoughts on this matter.
Confucianism also has an impact on how gender roles are played out in (East) Asian societies. Ever heard of the law of three obediences? As a girl, females are expected to follow their fathers. As an adult, females are expected to follow their husbands. In their later years, females are expected to follow their sons. This means that a patriarchal society will value male opinions more in order to maintain social hierarchies.
No matter whether or not you agree with Confucianism, one can not argue the vast influence this school of thought continues to have on Asian (American) societies. I welcome your thoughts on this matter.