Mental Health Barriers in the AAPI Community
Asian American Pacific Islanders struggle to obtain the correct mental health care as stigmas and lack of access persist.
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Many communities find mental health resources difficult to obtain, especially Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). According to a 2011 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) report by Jei Africa and Majose Carrasco, AAPIs struggle to find mental health services due to a lack of access, language barriers, and a lack of “culturally responsive providers.” There are also issues in asking for help as many cultures view mental health problems as shameful and remain silent which leads to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
In recent years, discrimination and hate crimes have increased, especially during COVID-19. A study done by the Frontiers in Psychiatry surveyed AAPIs regarding whether they experienced racial discrimination and studied the impact this has on mental health. They found that COVID-19-related discrimination correlated with greater chances of having a clinically significant mental health condition. However, a lack of resources and large stigmas around mental health causes difficulty in coping and healing these mental health conditions.
The NAMI report discusses that access to mental health resources and stigma are large barriers to AAPIs obtaining mental health care. Data described shows that many work in small businesses or service industries where health insurance is not provided and many struggle to receive care due to their immigrant status. Many AAPI cultures find shame in asking for mental health help, remaining quiet and ultimately hurting their mental health more as they struggle to understand it. Another NAMI report describes that many AAPIs feel shame when others know about their mental health struggles, believing it is a weakness or a result of bad parenting, which discourages them from seeking help in order to maintain their reputation.
Africa and Carrasco suggest that, in order to break down these barriers, there needs to be more recognition of cultural influences on mental health, addressing racism and discrimination, promoting cultural strengths, addressing the stigma, engagement, and education. It is important that there is an understanding and open dialogue of the effects and presence of discrimination on mental health as well as the experiences AAPIs go through, including cultural upbringings. By acknowledging and incorporating this information into research and care, more help can be brought to AAPIs who struggle with mental health conditions.
Asian American Pacific Islanders struggle immensely with mental health conditions that are not treated due to culture, access, and a lack of understanding. With an open dialogue and more educated resources readily available, AAPIs struggling can break down barriers and get the necessary help in coping and healing so present and future generations will receive the proper care they deserve.