Asian American Mental Health
Mental health is a fairly new concept within the Asian American community. Most Asians grew up in families that did not recognize or discuss mental health. Traditional Asian families did not encourage expressions of emotions and in fact emotional displays were often seen as a sign of “weakness.” However, emerging research on multicultural and diversity in mental health has highlighted the emotional challenges the community experiences. In fact, Asian Americans may have distinct mental health needs based on their heritage and the unique experience of being Asian American.
These are some of the mental health struggles that Asian Americans might experience:
Mental Health Stigma
Immigration Trauma
Intergenerational Trauma
Racial Trauma
Family dynamic issues
Cultural and language barriers
Cultural grief
Bicultural relationships/marriages
Multicultural Asian identity
Biracial & Mixed-Racial Asian Identity
Transracial Asian Adoptees
What is immigration trauma? It is difficult to move to a new country on many levels; separating from your community and experiencing a completely different culture than your own. Oftentimes, individuals struggle to learn a new language and adapt to a foreign land. It is common for Asian immigrants to struggle with their identity and question what part of their heritage they should keep and how much they should assimilate to the new culture. This acculturation process can be daunting, overwhelming and quite isolating. Intergenerational trauma is trauma passed down from one generation to the next. The hardships and challenges your grandparents experienced during war times, famine and/or other unstable environments may have been passed down to you. This passing down of trauma can create tension between parent and child and distort how people view the world around them. Whether you are experiencing immigration trauma, intergenerational trauma and/or other Asian American mental health challenge; Newport Psychotherapy can empathize with you. Our culturally sensitive therapists will acknowledge common Asian American struggles while honoring you as a unique individual. If you are looking for a therapist who understands you as an Asian American, Newport Psychotherapy is the place for you.
