Minority Women's Health

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Mental Health

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Mental Health

Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian women and suffer from many of the same mental health disorders as white women. Asian Americans have slightly lower rates of mental illness than whites but seek treatment less often.

For Asian Americans, how they view their own social status is a risk factor for mental illness. Those who think their social status is low tend to have more mental health problems. One study from the University of Washington found that Asian Americans who felt they were treated unfairly were more likely to show symptoms of depression.

Getting treatment for mental illness can be a challenge for this group. Nearly one out of two Asian American/Pacific Islanders will have problems using mental health treatment because they do not speak English or can't find services that meet their language needs. Other reasons for this lack of treatment may include stigma, cultural beliefs, or not being able to access care.

Mental health disorders are real and serious illnesses that can be treated. If you think you have a mental illness, talk to your doctor or a trusted family member or friend who can help you find treatment. You are not alone. If you or someone you know feels suicidal, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or the number of a suicide crisis center (you can find the number in your phone book) to talk about it.

Publications

1.   Women's Mental Health — This special section of womenshealth.gov provides information on taking care of your mental health throughout the different stages of your life. It also links to information on mental health for men, girls, and people with a chronic illness or disability.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/mh/

2.   Mental Health Services Locator — This Internet site will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp

3.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When It Seems Like There Is No Hope, There Is Help — This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SVP-0141/

4. Asian American/Pacific Islanders (Copyright © American Psychiatric Association) — This fact sheet discusses many of the mental health issues facing Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians in the United States today.

   http://healthyminds.org/More-Info-For/Asian-AmericanPacific-Islanders.aspx

5.   If You Are Considering Suicide (Copyright © American Association of Suicidology) — If you are feeling suicidal, it’s important to seek medical help right away. You are not alone. Many people have suicidal thoughts. But it’s important that depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other problems that inspire suicidal thinking are treatable. A suicidal crisis is usually temporary. Your problems do have solutions — you just can’t see them right now. This publication will tell you more about the help and hope available for people considering suicide.

   http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=232&name=DLFE-32.pdf...

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
3.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
4.   Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center), SAMHSA, HHS
5. American Association of Suicidology
6. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
7. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
8. National Alliance on Mental Illness
9. National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
10. National Hopeline Network
11. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.