ASA 2- A02
Week 6
"On Some College Campuses, A Focus on Asian American Mental Health" by New American Media discusses how Asian-Americans are more susceptible to mental health issues, such as depression, than other ethnic groups, due to model minority pressures and high family expectations. They also have a considerably higher suicide rates, compared to other ethnic groups, which is unfortunate.
Attending a prestigious high school with predominately Asian-Americans, I have first-hand experience with Asian-American students with pressures for high grades from their families. My school, Lowell High School, also had a particularly high suicide rate, when compared to other San Francisco high schools. On a daily basis, students were often stressed over tests and grades, mainly due to family pressures on succeeding in school. I remember during my senior year, many of my schoolmates were extremely stressed about SAT scores, college admissions, and grades. Many of classmates often joined clubs and sports to just to put on their college application, rather than for enjoyment.
It is also unfortunate that Asian-American students tend to withhold from seeking treatment for their mental health issues. Because Asian culture often has a stigma against individuals with mental issue, Asian-Americans often shy away from addressing mental health issues. For example, my Chinese family, especially my grandparents, tend to perceive mental health issues as a weakness. I think because many Asian cultures prioritize the importance of success, they see mental health issues as a barrier to that success.
Question: How can the Asian-American community take steps to end the stigma of mental illness?
Citations:
New America Media. "On Some College Campuses, A Focus on Mental Health." N.p., 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 5 May 2017.
Wang, Z. (Director). (2017, March 11). Asian American Mental Health | End the Stigma (Short Film PSA) [Video file]. Retrieved May 5, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Z1bRbeW3I
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