{"id":1981,"date":"2021-04-15T17:41:14","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T21:41:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/masi2021\/?page_id=1981"},"modified":"2021-05-15T16:08:28","modified_gmt":"2021-05-15T20:08:28","slug":"mental-health-and-asian-americans","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/masi2021\/home-2\/race-ethnicity-and-issues-of-mental-health\/mental-health-and-asian-americans\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health & Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mental Health & Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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More than 7 Million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AA\/PIs)<\/strong> have mental or substance abuse disorder. AA\/PIs are the LEAST LIKELY of ANY racial or ethnic group to seek mental health services, and three times less likely than a white counterpart. AA\/PI is a very diverse group, so it can be difficult to draw general conclusions about mental health.The model minority myth<\/strong> contributes to pressure on individuals to succeed. This idea of a perfect minority can also be used to justify the lack of research about this population and its problems.\u00a0Another issue is the denial and neglect of mental health issues. AA\/PIs might not reveal mental illness because it is often considered weakness and can be viewed as shameful. Mental illness is highly stigmatized in many Asian cultures<\/strong>, and is seen as reflecting poorly on one\u2019s family and lineage, suitability for marri<\/span>age.\u00a0Other barriers include lack of cultural competency among caregivers, \u201cinsufficient multilingual services\u201d, and lack of health insurance combined with high costs, especially among immigrants. Many AA\/PIs use traditional medicine, therapies, or practices instead of mainstream medicine, like home remedies, dietary changes, traditional healers, Chinese medicine, or Ayurvedic medicine.<\/p>\n

Cultural Symbols and Mental Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

AA\/PIs often maintain the cultural or spiritual significance of symbols and objects as they relate to their human person. Practices, objects, symbols, animals and mythological creatures, and even colors have significance for peoples of various cultures. Cultures believe that these images or artifacts may bring luck, fortune, and most importantly, good health.<\/p>\n

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Hongshan jade dragon, China. ~4,500-3,000 BCE.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

David Owsley Museum<\/p>\n

This is the \u201cEarliest known depiction of a dragon\u201d (Cartwright, 2017). In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of protection, power, luck, and health. Traditionally, dragon dances were used to ward off illness and disease. These same kinds of dances are often seen today in modern Chinese New Year celebrations! Dragons are also symbols of healing, truth, and seeing clearly. In mythology, the dragons are seen as \u201cprotective figures\u201d and bearers of good health.<\/p>\n

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Amulet (omamori), 2000.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The British Museum<\/p>\n

Omamori are small, Japanese amulets to be carried by a person. This particular omamori is for safe travel and features the shrine\u2019s stamp in red and a plum blossom design. Omamori are typically inexpensive and are generally purchased at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan.\u00a0They have various applications; there is an omamori for everything. Good health and keeping spirits away are some of the most popular ones, others include good grades, safe travel, childbirth, and finding love. Custom options often available from priests. The amulets are good for one year, then returned and burned in ceremony. They should not be opened, lest the beneficial effects dissipate.<\/p>\n

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Understanding Mental Health for AA\/PIs<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Understanding cultural objects and their significance may allow us to partially understand the racial disparity in mental health in this country. While Americans of other backgrounds might have a very linear understanding of health (i.e., get sick, go see a doctor about it) as seen here it can be much more complicated than that for different groups. The key to breaking down these barriers in mental health and to broadening care lies in fully understanding the cultural background of the people who are served.<\/p>\n

Resources<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Asian American Psychological Association – https:\/\/aapaonline.org<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association – https:\/\/www.naapimha.org<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations – www.aapcho.org<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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National Asian Women\u2019s Health Organization – www.nawho.org<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mental Health & Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders More than 7 Million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AA\/PIs) have mental or substance abuse disorder. AA\/PIs…<\/p>\n

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