By Elizabeth Allen.
Climate, politics, social unrest, and people’s different life experiences all play into mental health issues, and the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is committed to addressing this challenge.
“We’re always trying new programs and getting feedback from young people’s groups,” says Chris Trinh, APCC’s mental health program manager, “because for young people, we may not know what it will or will not affect them.”
When APCC established the Inner Wellness Advisory Board in 2022, Trinh knew it had a lot to work through. It had to take into account the issues and challenges children face, as well as parents’ thoughts about mental health. “We also have to remove the stigma around mental health in older adults,” Trinh says. “Many parents are wary of embracing mental health resources for children, so we have to get past that as well.”
While APCC primarily serves Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people, counseling and mental health education is available to everyone, and research has shown that people in the AAPI community often receive lower rates of mental health services than other groups, Trinh said.
“Students and kids often want to talk,” Trinh said, “and we work hard to make parents feel comfortable, too.”
How can I look after my mental health?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s important to take the time to remind yourself that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
When you’re faced with new barriers or challenges, keep in mind that change won’t happen overnight. Just like physical exercise, focusing on small changes will make you more capable of dealing with the stressors of modern life. That practice will help you develop long-term strategies to support yourself and others through the even bigger challenges life inevitably brings.
One of the ways APCC trains young people in healthy mental health practices is by holding monthly talkbacks with local young people, who discuss the challenges they are currently facing.
“We meet monthly to hear about mental health topics,” Trinh said, “which helps us get ideas about topics that affect young people and their peers.”
Mental health isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach — what works for you may not work for someone else — but there are certain steps you can take to work your way to better health.
- learn-New resources help you understand how modern life affects your mental health — so you can get support to navigate a changing world for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
- Activities-Build a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
- advocate-To improve the mental health of yourself, your loved ones and your community. Everyone can speak up and help build a path to resilience.
Don’t let stigma stop you or your loved ones from seeking help
If you know someone who is struggling with mental health issues, here are some ways you can help:
- Get medical treatment if necessary.
- Connect with people.
- Join a support group.
- Seek out mental health resources.
A trusted community center like the APCC might be a good place to start.
Learn more about mental health:
