Jenny T. Wang, a psychologist and author of "Permission to Come Home," shares her expertise on Asian American mental health. She highlights the challenges of discussing mental health within families, influenced by cultural stigma. The complexities of breaking free from traditional career paths and expectations are explored, emphasizing the balance between personal passions and familial pressures. Wang also delves into the nuanced concept of home, stressing the importance of community and self-identity as vital components in one’s mental well-being.
Challenge preset roles and claim personal agency to overcome immigrant parent expectations.
Counteract the model minority myth by embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and openly discussing mental health struggles.
Deep dives
Challenges of Asian Immigrant Parents
Asian immigrant parents usually have specific expectations like pursuing professions of doctors, lawyers, or engineers for their children, often due to the struggles they faced in a new country. This can lead to internalized 'permission to come home' narratives that affect mental health and career choices. Overcoming these barriers involves claiming agency and deciding paths based on personal values and sustainability, breaking away from traditional preset roles.
Model Minority Myth's Impact
The model minority myth portrays Asians as high achieving and successful, erasing diverse experiences and pitting them against other marginalized groups. This myth affects mental health by creating pressure to conceal struggles and failures, perpetuating the stigma around discussing mental well-being openly. Counteracting this myth involves understanding history, taking up space confidently, and challenging stereotypes to foster authentic self-expression.
Navigating Guilt and Boundaries
Guilt plays a role in Asian culture, stemming from internalized expectations and the need to meet perceived obligations. Understanding the source of guilt can help individuals determine if it aligns with their values and desired life path. Setting boundaries with family and within oneself is crucial for maintaining well-being, as it allows for self-care without feeling obligated to constantly prioritize others, promoting healthier relationships and self-understanding.
For a lot of people from Asian American backgrounds, discussing mental health - especially with loved ones - can be difficult. Psychologist and author Jenny T. Wang has advice on everything from working through guilt to defining home on your own terms. The episode originally published on May 26, 2022.