Asian American & Latino Mental Health

1. APALI CLP 2013 Asian American & Latino Mental Health Awareness and Overcoming Stigmas in Our Communities Group 8: Sophia Quattlebaum & Emily Kim

2. The Path to Wellness: A “Big Picture” View of Mental Health Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg

3. 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 (3rd ed.) Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts

4. Two Paradigms for Living Life Treatment Paradigm 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 • 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 Source: Travis, J.W. & Callander, M.G. (1990). Wellness for helping professional creating compassionate cultures. Asheville, NC: Wellness Associates Publications.

5. Environmental Factors on Mental Health 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.

6. Collectivism vs. Individualism • Acculturation • Parenting stylesand generational relationships (parent/ child) • Age of immigration (American born vs. immigrant child) Social Roles Statistics: Asian Americans 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)

7. 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

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

9. Social Roles • Priorities on family and/or kinship group, not the individual • “Respeto”: respect that governs relationships • “Confianza”: trust needed to develop interpersonal and professional relationships • “Machismo”: a romanticized view of male masculinized gender roles • “Marianismo”: female counter that is “virtuous, humble, and spiritually stronger than men” Source: NRCHMH.org: “Mental Health in the Hispanic Immigrant Community: An Overview” 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

10. 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

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

12. Shame and Stigma Responsible Healing in Our Communities

13. 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) What is Stigma? Mental Health Statistics 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

14. Ways to Alleviate Stigma • Use respectful language – put the person before the illness • Include mental illness in your discussions about acceptance of diversity – just like talking about cultural diversity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. • Provide an attitude of inclusiveness in your work/school environment • Become an advocate: • write letters to newspapers and lawmakers • speak out and challenge stereotypes • inform your community and teach others • Listen with compassion • Form a supportive group for an individual if they need it • Keep a list of resources handy. • Source: NAMI’s Facts about Stigma and Illness in Diverse Communities

15. Questions? Comments? Thank you!