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Breaking Down Barriers: Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Address Mental Health Stigma in Asian American

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Waqas Arain
New Update
Breaking Mental Health Stigma
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Image Credit: Getty images

A Push for Change

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Democratic lawmakers reintroduced a bill on Wednesday aimed at breaking down the persistent stigmas associated with mental health in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The legislation, known as the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, seeks to address the growing mental health crisis faced by these communities, particularly among AANHPI youth who have experienced increasing rates of suicide in recent years.

Raising Awareness and Providing Support

The bill, initially introduced by Rep. Judy Chu of California in 2016, is being reintroduced in the House by Rep. Chu and Rep. Grace Napolitano, also from California. In the Senate, Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii is leading the charge. The proposed legislation calls for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to partner with local advocacy and behavioral health organizations to provide outreach and education strategies. By working collaboratively, they aim to remove barriers and increase access to mental health care for AANHPI individuals.

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Data and Research for Progress

The bill not only focuses on outreach and education but also emphasizes the importance of data collection and research. If passed, the legislation would require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to conduct research and gather disaggregated data on mental health among AANHPI youth and behavioral health providers. This information would provide crucial insights into the specific challenges faced by these communities and help inform targeted interventions and support.

A Crisis Ignored

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Statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have revealed that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have the lowest rates of mental health service utilization compared to other racial groups. Shockingly, suicide has become the leading cause of death among Asian Pacific Islanders aged 10 to 24 from 2018 to 2020, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need to address the mental health crisis within these communities.

Seeking mental health help has long been a contentious and taboo subject within AANHPI communities. Cultural factors, such as the fear of bringing shame or losing face within families and communities, act as significant barriers to treatment. The concept of accepting one's fate and the internalized racism prevalent in immigrant communities compound the difficulties faced by Asian Americans seeking support.

Dr. Warren Ng, the medical director of outpatient behavioral health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, highlights the importance of addressing cultural factors that hinder access to mental health care. Many Asian Americans, particularly children of immigrants, experience a sense of guilt and downplay their struggles, feeling that their parents' generation endured worse hardships. This mental health impostor syndrome, combined with the belief that they are not equals, further perpetuates the stigma and prevents individuals from seeking help.

Community Involvement and Support

Senator Hirono stressed the significance of involving community groups in the effort to reduce mental health stigma and increase access to care. Establishing a community-informed national outreach and education strategy will be critical in overcoming the unique barriers faced by AANHPI communities. This collaborative approach seeks to engage cultural organizations, advocacy groups, and mental health professionals who can provide culturally sensitive support.

BNNUSA mentalhealthmatters breakthesilence EndStigma AANHPI
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