Mental Health in the Asian American & Pacific Islander Community

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Mental Health in the Asian American & Pacific Islander Community

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is less likely to seek help for mental health concerns than the general population. This is a large part of the reason why suicide was the leading cause of death within the AAPI community in 2019 for people between the ages of 15 and 24. Since then, many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have also experienced increased bigotry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only furthering the need for adequate mental health care.

So, why is this need not being met?

Less likely to seek and receive care

According to one study, 17% of Asian Americans experience psychiatric disorders in their lifetime, but only 8% of these people seek treatment. In the general population, nearly 18% seek treatment, highlighting a great disparity. The reasons may be cultural or personal, but societal factors play a large part like a lack of mental health service providers in the United States.

Lack of providers that look like them

When AAPI do seek care, it’s difficult to get it from those who look like them—those who can better understand their day-to-day struggles and experiences. In the United States, just 5% of psychologists are Asian.

Discrimination and racism

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated xenophobia and racism toward the AAPI community. According to the Pew Research Center, three in ten Asian adults say they have been called slurs or have been on the receiving end of jokes because of their race or ethnicity since 2019. This kind of discrimination takes a toll on mental health and causes more anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.

At Valley Oaks Health, we provide healthcare to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. If you need help, turn to our team for services like individual counseling and group therapy.

You may also turn to resources specifically designed for the AAPI community:

May 2, 2022

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

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Conditions

Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait that pushes us to achieve and excel. But when the pursuit of perfection becomes an obsession, it can have serious consequences for mental health. Perfectionism can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and a sense of inadequacy that’s hard to shake.

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

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Treatment

When we think of health screenings, we often consider them solely as a tool for catching physical illnesses early. However, regular checkups also play a significant role in supporting mental wellbeing. Beyond helping prevent and manage physical health conditions, screenings can reduce anxiety, provide peace of mind, and encourage a proactive approach to health that benefits both mind and body.

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

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Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

•

Conditions

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

•

Treatment

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

•

Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Your Body’s Warning Signals: When Physical Symptoms Indicate Mental Health Issues

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Self-Care

It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms when thinking about mental health. We often associate mental health with emotions or thoughts rather than the aches, pains, or discomforts that show up in the body. But the mind and body are linked, leading physical symptoms to sometimes be early indicators of underlying mental health issues.