There has been a rise in bigotry and hate against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community over the last year. Recently, there has been a spike in not only racism, but violence, including a fatal mass shooting in Atlanta and multiple attacks in the San Francisco Bay Area.
While there has not been an increase in hate crimes against the AAPI community reported in the Jacksonville area, the most recent Census data shows about 5% of the population in Duval County is AAPI. That means tens of thousands of people in our city, and local groups have been coming together to show support and encourage more protection.
While there has not been a documented rise in hate crimes locally, it doesn’t mean the local community is immune from stress and concern over the national trend. Now is the time to check in on your AAPI loved ones and make sure they’re taking care of their mental health.
The AAPI Community and Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that the AAPI community consists of around 50 different ethnic groups, including people who are Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and others. Most people who are AAPI strongly identify with their country of origin, and that identity is something that can help protect mental health, because of the sense of community and belonging. NAMI says a strong sense of ethnic identity has been linked to lower suicide risks and higher resilience from discrimination.
But NAMI says second-generation AAPI immigrants may not identify as strongly with their country of origin, because they assimilate more to American culture. This in itself can lead to mental strain, as they balance their identity, tradition, and family ties.
The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found AAPIs are the racial/ethnic group with the lowest rate of seeking help. This is believed to be in part because of the stigma of seeking help. Especially among first-generation AAPI immigrants, the survey found a high degree of shame, with mental illness being thought of as a weakness.
There is also a lack of culturally appropriate care, as many in the AAPI community practice non-Western healing like through herbal remedies and acupuncture. Many Western mental health practices do not incorporate this approach into more “traditional” treatment and intervention plans. A lack of bilingual or multi-lingual service providers also creates a barrier to getting help.
This means, if you’re waiting for your AAPI loved ones to say they need help, you may be waiting until it’s too late.
Racism and Mental Health
AAPI and other minority communities often experience racism, bigotry, and marginalization. Mental Health America classifies racism as a mental health issue, because it is traumatic for a person to experience, and trauma can contribute to problems with mental health.
Stress relating to racism is a high concern, both on physical and mental health. This can be especially challenging when it is persistent, constantly taking a toll on well-being.
The most commonly reported mental health concern among the BIPOC community- black, indigenous, or persons of color- broadly is depression. The AAPI community is unique, however, in that specific ethnic groups under this umbrella vary widely in their mental health experiences.
How to Help
Because each ethnic group within the AAPI community has widely varied experiences, and because the degree to which the person identifies with their ethnicity will vary, it’s important to treat each person as an individual. Understand the cultural influences broadly, but dig deeper to see how they’re adopted and experienced by the individual.
Your loved one may be worried about their safety, because the crimes reported nationally represent a persistent threat. Consider ways you can help your loved ones feel physically safer, including offering to accompany them places, checking in on them, and similar steps.
Show your support for your loved one and the AAPI community as well. Letting your friend, family member, colleague, or others know that you support and value them for who they are can be a powerful message. Instead of devaluing any concerns they may have, let them know their feelings are valid and ask what you can do to help them feel supported.
Sometimes, the best source of support is helping connect someone to a professional. If you know someone who is experiencing poor mental health, consider offering to help them find a therapist or counselor. The Jax Therapy Network homepage features local, licensed mental health professionals who specialize in cultural oppression, historical trauma, depression, and other areas.
Ready to find your thereapist? Search the Jax Therapy Network and find therapists and counseling near you.
