Asian American & Latino Mental Health Awareness and Overcoming Stigmas in Our Communities

The Path to Wellness: A “Big Picture” View of Mental Health

What is Wellness?  Life as a learning experience: a choice, process, lifestyle, a way of thinking & being  The integration of body, mind, and spirit – the understanding that everything you do, think, feel, and believe has an impact of your state of health  The loving acceptance of yourself Sources:Travis. J.W., & Regina, R.S. (2001). Simply Well. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press; Travis. J.W., & Regina, R.S. (2004). Wellness Workbook (3 rd ed.) Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts Travis. J.W., & Regina, R.S. (2004). Wellness Workbook (3 rd ed.) Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts

Two Paradigms for Living Life Treatment Paradigm  Rejection and “fixing”  Human doing (actions/behaviors)  A problem is perceived as something to overcome  Focus is on treating the symptoms, not the underlying problem Wellness Paradigm  Acceptance and healing  Human being (underlying beliefs/ feelings)  A problem is perceived as something to be conscious of, to learn from, as a signal to move towards a potential  Focused on multi- dimensions of an issue

Just as we have the power to impact our environment, much of what we are and who we become are based on our environment. Our friends, family, community, religion, cultural background, society, etc. can impact an our mental health immensely. Environmental Factors on Mental Health

Statistics: Asian Americans Collectivism vs. Individualism Collectivism vs. Individualism Acculturation Acculturation Parenting styles and generational relationships (parent/ child) Parenting styles and generational relationships (parent/ child) Age of immigration (American born vs. immigrant child) Age of immigration (American born vs. immigrant child) 15% of grades 9-12 female AA students attempted suicide (OMH, 2009 from CDC, 2012) AA adolescent boys are twice as likely as whites to have been physically abused, and 3x times as likely to report sexual abuse (NAWHO, 2001) 70% of SE Asian refugees are found to have posttraumatic stress disorder (NAMI, 2011)

Possible Factors affecting help-seeking attitude in AAs Lack of psycho-education Shame and stigma Language & financial barriers Cultural & religious factors Lack of self-acceptance Difficulties staying in treatment Somatization of illness

Education in Asia School system Expectations from school, parents, and other students Center of two very different cultures Stressors for Asian Youth

Statistics: Latinos Latinos are identified as a high- risk group for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Prevalence of depression is higher in Latino women (46%) than Latino men (19.6%). Different studies estimate that 50% to 70% of all youth in the juvenile justice system have mental health problems that usually go untreated or badly treated. Source: NAMI: Latino Community Health Fact Sheet

Factors That May Impact Mental Health and Wellness in Latinos/as Correlation: level of acculturation and feeling of belonging in both cultures Those more acculturated tend to have decreased mental health (substance abuse, poor diets, worse birth outcomes, etc.) Theory: immigrants are more resilient, belong solidly into one culture already Negative consequences of gender role conflicts - effects of changing female roles Spiritual & Religious Factors: 70% Catholicism Source: Culturally Adaptive Counseling Skills: Demonstrations of Evidence-Based Practices; Gallardo, Yeh, Trimble, Parham

Possible Reasons for Underutilization of Mental Health Services Affordability Affordability Lack of health insurance (37% are uninsured) Lack of health insurance (37% are uninsured) Lack of Transportation Lack of Transportation Language barriers Language barriers Fear of the system Fear of the system Lack of Knowledge/Recognition of MH issues Lack of Knowledge/Recognition of MH issues Stigma from the community (locura or loco) Personal stigma Self-reliant attitude Citizenship/immigration status Fractured family support system

Responsible Healing in Our Communities Shame and Stigma

Mental Health Statistics  An attempt to label a particular group of people as less worthy of respect than others  A mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval that results in discrimination  Not just a matter of using the wrong word or action – it’s about disrespect -NAMI Website (Facts about Stigma) 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental disorder Estimated 2/3rds of those do not seek treatment or help Those living with mental illnesses still experience discrimination despite the Americans with Disabilities Act Stigma creates discrimination

Ways to Alleviate Stigma

Questions? Comments? Thank you!