Asian American Female Teenagers: Stop the Suicides!
Please watch this moving video posted on YouTube by AAS304 — November 16, 2009 — Learn more about the troubling statistic that Asian American females ages 15-24 have the highest suicide rate in this age group of any ethnic group.
Asian American Teens and Young Adults
Asian Americans are often referred to as the “model minority.” Asian American teenagers and young adults can be prone to mental illness and depression because of the high expectations of Asian parents and of American society in general. Some Asian American families put a great deal of pressure on their children to be high achievers in school and professionally. Depression and social anxiety are considered shameful. Consequently, symptoms of these conditions are not addressed or treated, and the stigma is perpetuated.
There is a significant lack of awareness about the potential impact of mental health difficulties in Asian American teenagers and young adults. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Asian American women ages 15-24 have the highest suicide rate of women in any race or ethnic group within this age range. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for women in that age range. At Cornell University, for instance, 13 of the 21 student suicide victims between 1996 and 2006 were Asians or Asian Americans.(1) There has also been an increase in eating disorders among Asian Americans due to the desire for assimilation and acceptance and the quest to look “more Western”.(2)
Another key issue among Asian American youths is violence.(3) A 2003 California survey by the Services and Advocacy for Asian Youth Consortium found that 14% of Asian youth said they join gangs for protection. Department of Justice school crime data found the number of Asian youth carrying weapons nearly tripled from 1999 to 2001. Asian American youth are under significant social pressures and expectations, and living under these conditions can lead to depression, mental illness, and thoughts of suicide.
Unfortunately, cultural barriers prevent Asians and Asian Americans from seeking help. The stigma within this population decreases the preventative measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of mental illness.
Sources (are hyperlinked where appropriate)
http://www.asianmentalhealth.weebly.com
US Department of Health and Human Services
(1)http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=c2b8f3a43bbe3e0445f23274028d24a7
(2)http://www.naapimha.org/issues/AAGirls.pdf
(3)http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-11-13-asian-teens-bullied_x.htm
There is a significant lack of awareness about the potential impact of mental health difficulties in Asian American teenagers and young adults. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Asian American women ages 15-24 have the highest suicide rate of women in any race or ethnic group within this age range. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for women in that age range. At Cornell University, for instance, 13 of the 21 student suicide victims between 1996 and 2006 were Asians or Asian Americans.(1) There has also been an increase in eating disorders among Asian Americans due to the desire for assimilation and acceptance and the quest to look “more Western”.(2)
Another key issue among Asian American youths is violence.(3) A 2003 California survey by the Services and Advocacy for Asian Youth Consortium found that 14% of Asian youth said they join gangs for protection. Department of Justice school crime data found the number of Asian youth carrying weapons nearly tripled from 1999 to 2001. Asian American youth are under significant social pressures and expectations, and living under these conditions can lead to depression, mental illness, and thoughts of suicide.
Unfortunately, cultural barriers prevent Asians and Asian Americans from seeking help. The stigma within this population decreases the preventative measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of mental illness.
Sources (are hyperlinked where appropriate)
http://www.asianmentalhealth.weebly.com
US Department of Health and Human Services
(1)http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=c2b8f3a43bbe3e0445f23274028d24a7
(2)http://www.naapimha.org/issues/AAGirls.pdf
(3)http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-11-13-asian-teens-bullied_x.htm
What do I do if I think someone I know may be depressed?
Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teenager / young adult's life. Contrary to what many Asian elders believe, depression is not just "being moody" and occasional sadness. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to significant problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing, and even irreversible tragedy, such as homicidal violence or suicide. Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help.
For more information about teen depression, please visit the following web site, or click on the HELPGUIDE.org links below:
http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
For more information about teen depression, please visit the following web site, or click on the HELPGUIDE.org links below:
http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
Tackling the Issue on College Campuses
Please watch the following YouTube video by user juliegcho — August 04, 2008 — An Asian American college student struggles to cope with his mental health issues and the stigma of breaking away from the "model minority" myth. Produced for Asian American Studies 148, University of California, Santa Barbara. June 2008. Filmmakers: Anthony Duong, Vivian Ngo, Bertrand Ng, Tram Quan, Eric Su.