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 our web site 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.   Housing Options for People with Mental Illness - This publication provides information on where people suffering from severe mental illness can get help with finding housing.

   http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0048/default.asp

3.   How to Pay For Mental Health Services - The cost of mental health services is a financial challenge for just about everyone. This fact sheet discusses ways to pay for care and suggests resources for people who need more information.

   http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/ken98-0050/default.asp

4.   Mental Health Services Locator - This internet site can help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

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

5.   Asian American Community Mental Health Fact Sheet (Copyright © NAMI) - This fact sheet discusses the cultural differences in how Asian Americans may view mental health and mental illness treatment. It also provides information on some of the barriers to treatment they may face.

   http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/MIO/Fact_Sheets1/AAPI_Facts_about_MH_04.pdf...

6. Facts about Stigma and Mental Illness in Diverse Communities (Copyright © NAMI) - This publication explains what stigma is, what it has to do with mental illness, and how it affects minorities. It also gives steps you can take to prevent the stigma of mental illness.

   http://www.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=5148

7.   Let's Talk Facts about Mental Health in Asian American and Pacific Islanders (Copyright © APA) - This fact sheet discusses the rate of mental health disorders and specific mental health issues that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States face today.

   http://healthyminds.org/multimedia/LTF-MH%20of%20AAPI_nopic.pdf

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
3.   Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center), SAMHSA, HHS
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness
5. National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007