What are some solutions?
It is useless to talk about a problem without specifying solutions. While we are just high schoolers, many of us have experience with the mental health system already, and even more of us have experienced stigma for things we cannot control.
These solutions aren't perfect, but they're a start to dismantling the systems of healthcare that prioritize white and European Americans over all of its citizens. We hope that this website has been educational and is able to spread far and wide.
Make Mental Health Services Accessible
Many clinics and hospitals offer resources in English and Spanish, but neglect to include common Asian-American languages as well, who need these resources as much as other groups. To combat this, hospitals can look at population demographics and decide which languages would be the most worthwhile to translate resources into, and give those languages adequate translations.
Destigmatize Healthcare
Schools, hospitals, and other environments should stop using stigmatizing language around those with mental illnesses in general, but especially around people of color.
Activists can also speak up about the issue of stigma in Asian-American communities and help spread this message far and wide.
Prioritize Research
Asian-Americans face a unique set of struggles, different from white and European Americans and Asians alike. Thus, large-scale studies in the United States, Canada, and Australia alike should include those of Asian descent.
Listen
One of the best ways to support Asian-Americans is to simply listen! What do we want to see in hospitals, schools, and society? Some suggestions may not be practical, but listening is bound to encourage understanding and mutual appreciation.
Counter Harmful Stereotypes
Asian-Americansare often stereotyped as nerdy and anti-social people who do not fit in with the communities around them and who tend to not speak up about any issues they are facing. These stereotypes make it even harder for Asian-Americans to seek mental healthcare and may subject them to further hate.