Podcast Episode: How To Communicate Mental Illness To Asian Parents

For many Asian, talking about mental health issues, especially to their parents, is like pulling teeth. Asian are actually three times less likely to seek mental health services than other cultures, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.   Anxiety, depression, and mental health issues aren’t really topics discussed in Asian households and are considered taboo. Often times, they are told to “get over it” and “we had it so much worse than you, you should be grateful.   Cultural differences are the root cause for many Asian parents’ lack of understanding and sympathy towards their children’s mental health concerns. Infamously known as “tiger parents,” parents from Asia are thought to be abnormally strict towards their offspring, speak to them harshly, and punish them if they are anything less than perfect.   Another reason that Asian parents may not be supportive of their children’s mental health issues is that many Asian cultures simply don’t believe that they exist. Mental health is very much a Western concept with much of its development and theories originating in Western countries.   In Asian cultures, it is a black and white concept. Feeling sadness and hopelessness is believed to be one’s own fault for not trying hard enough. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues do not hold the same significance in other cultures as it does in Western societies.   We are so honored to welcome Dari Kellom. She is a Cambodian American who is a licensed clinical social worker in the United States on our show to give us advice and ways to communicate with parents about mental illness. <p> </p> <p>Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.</p> <p>Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit <a href='https://walkthetalkamerica.org/'>https://walkthetalkam