Asian American parentified children?

In psychology, there's a term called the parentified child. This is usually due to the family system not working the way it's supposed to. For example, in a Western family there would be the parents and the children. If mom or dad aren't able to serve the roles that they typically would (e.g., provide for the kids' basic needs), then there is a role reversal where the children might step up and taken care of themselves or their siblings. This is sometimes seen in the family where a parent is an alcoholic.

Sometimes, it may seem that Asian American families appear to have parentified children. For example, one of the children might be designated to call credit card companies or read mail on behalf of the parents. While it may appear to be dysfunctional, the difference is that the child is not truly parentified (the power structure of the family system hasn't changed). Instead, the child is serving as a linguistic or cultural broker on behalf of the family. This is not uncommon for immigrant or refugee families. This is also differentiated from the families of parentified children because children who serve as language/cultural brokers may still need to defer to their caregivers for their other basic needs.

What other ways are Asian vs. Western families different in the American culture?

Asian mothers

Parenting leads to who are today. How were you raised? Do you believe in tough love? Read about one parent who is proud of using traditionally Eastern parenting methods.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html

This has stirred controvery considering the efforts made to dispel the model minority myth. What are your thoughts about strict parenting styles?

Is a headache just a headache?

Why do some people get headaches when they are sad or stomach aches when they are anxious? To learn more about how our mind and bodies may be connected, check out:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6138562/somaticization_disorder_symptoms_help.html?cat=5

What to do if you suspect somatic disorders related to mental or mood issues? Rule out physiological reasons for your somatic complaints by going to your primary care physician. Request a referral for a mental health professional if physical symptoms persist and there is no medical explanation for your stomach ache, head ache, skin rash, etc.

Mental Health in China

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.

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?

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?

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...