A recent report from Center for American Progress (CAP) highlights the economic disparities among groups of Asian Americans.
When looking at the average for the entire group, it may appear at first glance that this group is indeed the Model Minority. However, this continues to be a myth that is perpetuated if only reviewing aggregated data. While some Asian American groups are catching up to wealth levels of their white counterparts, other groups are struggling with poverty or near-poverty. This points to the continued argument of why disaggregated data offers a more accurate depiction of various Asian American groups.
Please thank our friends at the Huffington Post for their recent article that explores this wealth gap in relation to the recession, home ownership and retirement savings. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cap-asian-americans-wealth-gap_us_586bd460e4b0d9a5945c91a7?
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Friday, December 30, 2016
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 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.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
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.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
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.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Asian Pacific Heritage Month
Asian Pacific Heritage Month (aka: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) is celebrated every May in the United States since its roots back in 1977. What are the origins and why do we celebrate this as a month-long event? Check out these additional websites for more detailed information about APHM.
http://asianpacificheritage.gov/about.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Pacific_American_Heritage_Month
Friday, February 27, 2015
Money and Stress in America
Asian Americans may be seen as having financially "made it." What happens when Americans experience stress related to finances? Here are some tips to consider:
(1) Have honest discussions about finances. This is easier said than done since some cultures view money matters as a taboo topic.
(2) Start teaching your kids about money sooner rather than waiting to help them develop healthy money behaviors.
(3) Build a supportive emotional network as this has been shown to help deal with stress. For more information about how to manage stress and change behavior, visit: www.apa.org/helpcenter.
Dr. Drew Pinsky discusses happiness, Artistotle and it's relationship to finances. You may hear a familiar voice offering an expert opinion at the 10 minute mark. Enjoy the "Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood" TalkRadio 790 KABC show at:
http://www.kabc.com/common/page.php?pt=Dr+Drew+Midday+Live+-+02%2F18%2F15+-+12PM&id=38991&is_corp=0