Event Recap: Workshop at CSBA Annual Education Conference on Mental Health

Mental health issues among AANHPI students have increased as evidenced by the high prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation.

To address this issue, APISBMA organized a workshop that was presented at the CSBA Annual Education Conference: 

TAILORING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO AANHPI YOUTH

We would like to extend our gratitude to our panelists:

• Mary Anne Foo, Executive Director

  OC API Community Alliance

• Dr. Camillia Lui, Scientist

  Public Health Institute

• John Yeh, Esq., Partner

  Burke, Williams, and Sorensen LLP

• Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto, VP

  Fremont Union HS District

OCAPICA shared models, intervention and behavioral health practices that have proven to be effective in supporting AANHPI youth.  Dr. Camillia Lui presented disaggregated data pertaining to AANHPI groups and identified areas of focus.

Key Takeaways

The prevalence of stereotyping, racism/bigory, anti-Asian hate and societal/cultural pressures greatly impact the mental health and well-being of AANHPI youths. 

AANHPI voices go unheard:

• The monolithic view of AANHPI and cultural norms to stay silent masks mental health struggles.

• Generation/acculturation differences and language discordancy hinder open communication and understanding at home

Barriers to seeking help:

• Internalized stigma, limited parental knowledge, and difficulty finding connection and trust with providers hinders youths from seeking help

There is a critical need to reframe mental health services for AAHNPI youth to focus on building connections and trusts, and allows for non-stigmatizing entry into culturally-specific and youth-centered mental health services from prevention, early intervention and treatment.