BIPOC

Mental Health Support in AAPI Communities

wcharles mentalhealth, Wellness Wednesdays , , , , , ,

In May we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, a time where we raise awareness of the toll mental health can have and the many stigmas associated with mental health among many other mental health-related aspects. Through social media campaigns, events and even screenings, organisations across the United States participate in providing key resources for something that affects us all. In that same breath, just as many organisations come together during May to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The contributions and influence that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made in the U.S. are highlighted and acknowledged. That is why it is only fitting that the intersection between these two is recognised.

While the U.S. categorises many into the term AAPI, we understand and recognise that encompassed within are a wide range of unique and diverse identities, countries, nationalities, and ethnicities. Many who have not only experienced great joy and achievement but unfortunately have also experienced a variety of different challenges, struggles, and trauma. Through the perpetuated model minority myth, various microaggressions, and physical violence, AAPI communities have been and continue to be unjustly treated.

Before we can dive deep into ways to support and resources, understanding barriers to support is the first step as we seek to overcome them. While there are a few, there is still very limited knowledge about AAPI mental health as a result of limited studies which have included individuals from AAPI Communities. “According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, serious mental illness (SMI) rose from 2.9 per cent (47,000) to 5.6 per cent (136,000) in AAPI people ages 18-25 between 2008 and 2018.” (https://www.mhanational.org/issues/asian-americanpacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health)

Many young Asian Americans do not seek professional help for their mental concern but rather they turn to their networks. Another thing we see is the lack of awareness for resources along with the still existing stigma around mental health within AAPI communities. This could be considered one of the biggest deterrents for seeking professional help. Other factors include cultural identity, faith, language barriers, and access to insurance and healthcare.

Firstly, as an ally allowing members of the AAPI communities to take charge in spaces and conversations relating to issues they are facing is a major facet of support. Lettings their voices to be the ones heard and amplifying them are good ways to start. Being mindful of language and phrases used when speaking about or addressing members of AAPI communities is also important. Ensuring that stigmatising or stereotypical words are not used and accepting correction can go a long way; again listen to what members of the communities are saying. Additionally don’t be afraid to reach out and show solidarity and support. Check-in and provide resources when you come across them. This goes back to the conversation about de-stigmatisation of mental health issues, show you care with a listening ear (if you have the bandwidth to do so!). Lastly, simply asking, “how can I support you” allow whoever it is to be in charge of the way they receive support. Do they need you to just be that listening ear? Do they just want a space to talk through things and need resources to do so? The answer only comes when you respect their dignity and ask.

For those seeking resources whether for themselves or others, here are some both on and off-campus.

Some resources at DePaul include the APIDA Cultural Center within the Office of Multicultural Student Success, the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, and University Counselling services.

Off-campus, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum is focused is improving health among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association has a wealth of resources including a directory of mental health service providers for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders as does southasiantherapists.org which is a directory of South Asian therapists of various heritages. The University of Connecticut’s Asian and Asian American Studies Institute partnered with the #IAMNOTAVIRUS campaign and the Asian American Literary Review to provide a Mental Health Workbook that includes literature, journals, and lots more resources to support Asian American mental health.

Wellness Wednesday: Sun Safety

caugust9 Links , , ,
(Photo by DoDo PHANTHAMALY)

In honor of Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month, this Wellness Wednesday will be catered to people of color because there is a lack of public health promotion and resources for people of color. Today’s focus is on physical wellness because as we know, the many facets of wellness, including physical health, that impact and relate to mental health. 

While Chicago’s summer weather continues to get hotter and hotter, we need to remember to stay safe while being out in the sun. Public health education and interventions that are being promoted today, especially on sun protection behaviors, are only targeting white individuals (Calderon et al., 2019). The Office of Health Promotion and Wellness at DePaul is here to change that and provide a holistic education that is inclusive to all, especially people of color.

It is reported that skin cancer incidence rates are lower for Black/African Americans and Hispanics compared to White people (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2017). Although it is uncommon for people of color to get skin cancer, BIPOC are often more likely to experience poorer and/or severe outcomes when it comes to skin cancer. Research also states that when people of color get skin cancer, it often appears delayed and at an advanced stage (Calderon et al., 2019).

This is an issue because BIPOC folks already have higher mortality and mortality rates compared to white folks. The causes of this health inequity are undetermined, but further research is being conducted.  We also want to acknowledge that are health inequities that are linked to poor health outcomes (National Academy of Sciences et al., 2017). However, one one-way BIPOC can prevent skin cancer is to engage in sun protection behaviors.

Individuals with darker skin complexions have some type of sun protection because of their melanin, however, they are still prone to developing skin diseases as they get older (Bradford, 2009). Caroline Robinson, M.D., who specializes in alopecia, preventative skin care, and ethnic skin dermatology, states that sun damage on darker skin tones can cause inflammation of the skin which can result in hyperpigmentation and/or acne (Denton-Hurst, 2020).  In conclusion, darker skin complexions need protection too.

Sun exposure is one the leading factors to skin diseases so, below are some sun safety tips for everyone, including BIPOC that the American Academy of Dermatology Association have provided:

 

  1. Seek shade if possible 
  2. Wear protective clothing
  3. Wear sunscreen that is water-resistant, have broad-spectrum protection, and have a sun protection factor.
    • For BIPOC, wear sunscreen that is SPF of 30 or greater. For white individuals, wear SPF at least 15 or greater.
    • Apply sunscreen to the bare skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors
    • When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours and after sweating or after being getting out of a body of water
  1. Stay away from tanning beds and/or sunlamps. They can cause skin cancer due to the harmful UV rays.

As mentioned before, the purpose of this article is to shed a light on the health disparities, bring awareness to mental illnesses, and to stress the need to improve access to mental health treatment within underrepresented communities. Take Care DePaul by sharing this with another Blue Demon.

 

More Articles to Read:

 

Take Care DePaul!

Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month

caugust9 Health and Well-being, mentalhealth, PHE Blogs , , ,

“Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years. Can’t we, as a nation, begin to speed up that process? We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans…It’s not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible.” -Bebe Moore Campbell 

The month of July is Black, Indigenous, People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month (BIPOC MHAM). For this month, we want to honor Bebe Moore Campbell who made this all happen.

Bebe Moore Campbell (1950-2006) was a Black American author, co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, a national spokesperson, a journalist, teacher, and a mental health advocate who was passionate about learning, researching, and sharing the mental health needs of the Black community and underrepresented communities. At age 56, she passed away due to having brain cancer. To recognize her legacy and honor her, The U.S. House of Representatives designated July as “Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.”

For this month, we also encourage you to participate in the BIPOC MHAM. It serves to shed a light on the health disparities, bring awareness to mental illnesses, and stress the need to improve access to mental health treatment within underrepresented communities, such as Black/African Americans.

For many centuries, BIPOC individuals have experienced trauma in all aspects of their lives. BIPOC individuals are less likely to have access to health services and receive care. There are also more likely to receive poor quality health services and to end health services prematurely.

We must #TakeCareDePaul by working with one another to dismantle systems that perpetuate discrimination, work against health equity, and places blame on BIPOC communities. Learn more at mhanational. org/july.

How Can You Support?

  • Research about the health disparities in Black, Indigenous and POC communities
  • Spread awareness about the health disparities in Black, Indigenous and POC communities with your friends and family
  • Enhance public awareness of mental health and mental illness in BIPOC communities
  • Support BIPOC communities who do not have access to health care
    • Use and/or share Mental Health America’s Tools 2 Thrive, which is located in their toolkit, that serves to help better equip BIPOC communities to address their mental health.

Also, follow @HealthyDePaul and @OMSSdepaul on Instagram for more education and resources for this month.

For additional education and resources, please feel free to check out Mental Health America’s 2020 Campaign for BIPOC MHAM.  #BIPOCmentalhealthmonth

Take Care DePaul!