Jenny Wang: On Reclaiming Mental Health for Asian Americans
Jan 26, 2023
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Jenny Wang, an advocate for mental health in the Asian American community, discusses reclaiming cultural identity and addressing stigma. Topics include generational conflicts, fear of asking questions, embracing ambiguity, breaking societal norms, and the importance of open communication for mental health support.
Asian Americans are challenging cultural norms to prioritize mental health care, despite being the least likely group to seek help.
Jenny Wang's book emphasizes the importance of internal permission and creating a self-defined sense of belonging for Taiwanese Americans.
Silence and shame within Asian American communities hinder addressing mental health issues, highlighting the need for open dialogue and emotional expression.
Deep dives
The Importance of Addressing Mental Health Stigma in the Asian American Community
Challenging long-standing cultural narratives, the Asian American community is delving into the significance of mental health, yet they are the least likely racial group to seek these services. In her work and book 'Permission to Come Home,' Taiwanese-American psychologist Jenny Wang addresses and dismantles the stigma around mental health care for Asian Americans.
Exploring the Concepts of Finding Permission and Coming Home
In the book 'Permission to Come Home,' the author emphasizes seeking internal permission amidst external validation. Focusing on the concept of 'coming home,' the narrative discusses the complexity of cultural identity for Taiwanese Americans, feeling foreign both in the US and Taiwan. It highlights the necessity of creating a self-defined sense of belonging.
The Impact of Silence on Mental Health and Well-being
Silence within communities can harbor shame and hinder addressing mental health issues, potentially leading to unaddressed emotional challenges and interpersonal difficulties. Asian American cultural communication subtleties play a role in perpetuating silence around emotional needs. Confronting emotions and fostering open dialogue are essential steps to combat the dangers of internalized silence.
Promoting Understanding and Combatting Hate through Introspection
Combatting hate involves deep introspection to identify and address internal biases and belief systems. Encouraging conversations across communities and fostering humility enable individuals to combat hate both internally and externally. By addressing racial trauma and biases, we create more inclusive environments and practices to counteract hate in society.
Encouraging Further Engagement Through Book Clubs and Community Discussions
Encouraging dialogue with family members and peers, engaging in book clubs, and reflecting on the book's exercises facilitate deeper engagement with the themes. The book's practical exercises and inquiries provide a means to continue exploring personal identity, cultural narratives, and emotional well-being over time. By revisiting these discussions and exercises, individuals can deepen their understanding and personal growth.
Over 18 million people of Asian descent live in the United States today. Many in the Asian American community are experiencing a renewed connection to their identity, inspiring them to radically reconsider the cultural frameworks that enabled their assimilation into American culture. As Asian Americans investigate the personal and societal effects of longstanding cultural narratives, their mental health becomes increasingly important, yet they are the racial group least likely to seek out mental health services.
Through her work and in her latest book, Permission to Come Home, Taiwanese American clinical psychologist Jenny Wang confronts and destabilizes the stigma Asian Americans face in caring for their mental health. In this episode, Dr. Wang is joined by CIIS Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the CIIS Psychological Services Center Lani Chow for a powerful conversation about the intersection between Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice.
This episode was recorded during a live online event on June 30th, 2022. A transcript is available at ciispod.com. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on social media @ciispubprograms.
We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing:
-Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller’s consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf.
-Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities.
-Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police.
-Visit ciis.edu/counseling-and-acupuncture-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers.
-Find information about additional global helplines at https://www.befrienders.org.
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