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Kev Kajsiab Project Hmong American Partnership. Alyssa Kaying Vang, PsyD, LP. Definitions. Mental health “…either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a mental disorder…” Wikipedia Mental illness
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Kev Kajsiab ProjectHmong American Partnership Alyssa Kaying Vang, PsyD, LP
Definitions • Mental health “…either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a mental disorder…” Wikipedia • Mental illness • “…is a psychological or behavioral pattern that occurs in an individual and is thought to cause distress or disability that is not expected as part of normal development or culture…” Wikipedia
Challenges in interpreting Western terminologies and vocabulary into Hmong language • Mental illness = mental health = depression in Hmong • Depression = kev nyuab siab; mood disorders = tej kev nyuab siab nyuab ntsws • Anxiety disorders = kev txhawj, ntshai, ceeb; worries = kev txhawj, ntshai • Can be best understood within its context
What is considered a mental illness by Western definition? • More than depression • Mood Disorders/Adjustment Disorders • Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorders • Cognitive functioning/Learning Disorders • Mental retardation, Borderline intellectual functioning, Math Reading Disorder • Behavioral difficulties • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder
What is considered a mental illness by Western definition? Cont… • Communication Disorders • Expressive language disorder, Receptive Language Disorder • Childhood Disorders • Separation anxiety, selective mutism • Developmental Disorders • Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourette’s • Thought disorders • Schizophrenia, Delusional Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder
What is considered a mental illness by Western definition? Cont… • Substance related disorders • Alcohol abuse/dependence, cocaine abuse/dependence, opium abuse/dependence • Impulsive control disorders • Pathological gambling, Trichotillomania, Kleptomania, Pyromania • Eating Disorders • Bulimia, Anorexia • Relational difficulties **activity**
The role of the “liver” • Liver controls much of a person’s feelings, character, and mental soundness • Detachment of mind and body *activity*
Differences with Hmong culture and Western culture • Physical vs. psychological • Identification of self • Interdependence vs. individualism • Sense of responsibility • Time • Shared vs. time • Control • Fate/visa vs. self-control • Communication style • Indirect vs. direct
Reality of the present life • Influences of Western culture onto Hmong values and perspectives • What used to be effective for the Hmong may no longer be effective • More treatment options than traditional healing methods to help address some of the symptoms that may not have been effectively treated.
Life stressors • Adjustment issues: language and cultural barriers • Role reversals, loss of status • Financial difficulties, employment • Generational gaps • Marital discord • Biculturalism
Clinical concerns versus within normal limits • When to get help?
Common mental health problems in the Hmong community • Adults • Depression • Domestic violence, homicide/suicide • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder • Anxiety • Addictions • Substance (opium), gambling
Common mental health problems in the Hmong community cont… • Adolescents • Depression • Oppositional Defiant Disorder • Conduct Disorder • Parent-child relational issues
Common mental health problems in the Hmong community cont… • Children • Learning problems • Depression • Anxiety
Treatment • Long history of counseling, just different • Many mental illness cannot be a “quick fix” • Mental illness can be treated if you get help early enough. Don’t wait until it is too late • Combining Western and Hmong treatments
Coping skills • Believe that you can take action to improve your mood and situation • Get some exercise • Continue to be socially active with those who are a positive influence • Actively participate in psychotherapy • Sometimes psychotherapy is like watching a flower blossom
For more information regarding mental health services or for help, you may contact:1.Wilder Southeast Asian Programs (651) 280-2311 [adult and children services]2.Children's Hospitals & Clinics of MN, Psych Services Hmong Mental Health Initiative (651) 220-6028 [children services]3.Ramsey County Mental Health Mobile Crisis Line (651) 774-7000 (children) (651) 266-7900 (adult)Or visit http://www.childrensmn.org/web/healthprof/052925.pdf for additional resources