Mental health is a topic that is avoided or shunned among Asians. For many Asian families, being stressed or having emotional problems is something to be ashamed of, is a sign of poor character and reflects badly on the family. Research shows that Asians and Asian American use fewer mental health services than other ethnic groups, not because of better health but because of shame and stigma issues. When we do seek treatment it is often when the problem is more acute, more severe and has been going on for longer than is the case for members of other groups.

Asian Americans have been considered a "model minority" with fewer problems, including mental health problems, than other groups. This is not the case. To use the example of suicide, demographic data show that among the older Asian Americans, suicide rates among Asians is higher than for older Caucasians. Asian Americans of 15-24 years of age have a proportionally higher mortality rate by suicide than Caucasian youths and young adults; Asian American college students are more likely to think about suicide and attempt suicide than their Caucasian peers. Furthermore, research suggests that Asian Americans who have thoughts of suicide underestimate the gravity of their condition and tend to not perceive such thoughts as an indication of needing help.

The above data do not cover the larger number of people who are emotionally stressed, dealing with excessive worrying or with depression. Too many Asian Americans struggle alone with problems that can be helped by psychotherapy, out of shame, stigma around emotional and mental issues, fear of being seen as "crazy" or "weak" (see Myths about Mental Health). Many mistakenly believe that they are the only ones who have such difficulties, or minimize their problems. Too many suffer many suffer needlessly without getting treatment that can alleviate their pain or stress.

Psychotherapy does help with such emotional stress, depression and struggles. I have worked with many Asian Americans around issues such as:

• identity (who you are)
• shame and fear of losing face
• family expectations
• family conflict and harmony
• culture
• career goals
• depression
• anxiety, and excessive worrying
• stress
• life goals
• assertiveness
• setting limits and boundaries
• self-esteem
• relationships
• perfectionism
• worries about what other people think of you
• challenges of parenting
• lack of happiness, of feeling at ease

I have helped many people feel better, not only through relief of symptoms, but also through gaining tools so that you can help yourself and manage your stress, regulate your emotions and be more comfortable with who you are. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, to seek psychotherapy and do to the work of therapy, but the rewards can be great.

See Writings for more information about psychotherapy and Asian American culture.