T H E P R O B L E M
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20 MILLION INDIVIDUALS identifying as Asian American Asian Americans, comprised of over 30 ethnic groups, are the fastest growing ethnic minority in the United States. |
2 TIMES LIKELIER to experience mental health issues Asian Americans consistently report mental health issues, including eating disorders and consideration or attempt of suicide, at a rate 2 times higher than the average American. |
3 TIMES UNLIKELIER to seek mental health services Asian Americans ages 15 to 30 are 3 times unlikelier to seek professional mental health services than the average American. |
Why?
Long story short, mental health is stigmatized in Asian American communities. Mental health, often a nebulous concept, frequently takes second place next to many Asian cultural values, pressures, and practices (i.e. academic excellence, deference to elders, and selflessness). The internalization of harmful stereotypes, such as the model minority mold, further discourages the discussion of mental health issues in Asian American youth, while conservative views on gender, sex, and sexuality limit the recognition of mental health's various nuances and intersections. Lastly, language barriers hinder the accessibility and effectiveness of treatment, especially for less-populous ethnicities.
Long story short, mental health is stigmatized in Asian American communities. Mental health, often a nebulous concept, frequently takes second place next to many Asian cultural values, pressures, and practices (i.e. academic excellence, deference to elders, and selflessness). The internalization of harmful stereotypes, such as the model minority mold, further discourages the discussion of mental health issues in Asian American youth, while conservative views on gender, sex, and sexuality limit the recognition of mental health's various nuances and intersections. Lastly, language barriers hinder the accessibility and effectiveness of treatment, especially for less-populous ethnicities.
T H E M I S S I O N
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THE CONCEPT While resources for mental health both within and without the Asian American community have grown tremendously in the last few years, many Asian Americans still lack an accessible platform to discuss mental health. This is especially true for teenagers and young adults, who may not be financially independent or comfortable enough to open up to mental health professionals of a much older age group. Hence, It's Real: run by students to create a space for discussion and destigmatization. |
THE EXECUTION Through art and writing, we grapple with concepts that may otherwise be difficult to discuss or admit. It is often through the abstraction of a poem or piece of art that we process, communicate, and come to terms with our struggles. Pompousness aside, art is cathartic and humanizing! By channeling our difficulties with mental health into photography, song, or graphic art, we transform the darker parts of ourselves into something beautiful while forming invaluable connections with our audiences and fellow artists. |
HOWEVER
We are not condemning Asian American culture. Asian Americans and Asian American cultures are as beautiful as they are nuanced - we are simply seeking to increase awareness around an issue that is especially unrealized in Asian American communities.
We are not condemning Asian American culture. Asian Americans and Asian American cultures are as beautiful as they are nuanced - we are simply seeking to increase awareness around an issue that is especially unrealized in Asian American communities.
O U R I M P A C T
worldwide readers
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worldwide reads
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pieces of contributor art
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