Current Events > Representative introduces bill to break mental health stigma among Asians.

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/rep-judy-chu-introduces-bill-162338632.html

As [Rep. Judy Chu] brought up, mental health is difficult subject for the Asian-American community. But statistics show it's also one that cannot be ignored. Senior Asian-American women have the highest rates of suicide compared to any other race. In New York City, more than half of the minority's seniors expressed symptoms of loneliness or depression. And a 2005 study found that the Cambodian community has "shockingly high" rates of post traumatic stress disorder and depression with some communities having as high as almost two-thirds of adult population with these issues -- compare that to the 6.7 percent of the general U.S. adult population that has major depression.

Howeve (sic), as Chu mentioned, the issue has largely flown under the radar in part because of the stigma attached to the subject, which has kept many back from speaking up. In fact, Asian-Americans are three times less likely than whites to seek mental health services. Many find it hard to speak out due to the fear of "losing face," or bringing shame to their families, experts say.

Moreover, the Asian-American mental health is further obscured by the model minority stereotypes, which mask the need for resources to be devoted to the topic. Which has contributed to the "glaring" health discrepancies between the Asian-American community and the rest of the country, Chu told HuffPost.

"That is why I introduced this bill, to address the stigma in a culturally sensitive way and close the gap in care," she said.

I read once that, in Japan, few people seek professional mental help because there's a belief that the family is the best for handling such things, and as a result, the mental problems just get worse.

But it's neat that's she's trying to address this issue in the US, at least. Mental health in general seems to be somewhat overlooked.
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Solar_Crimson posted...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/rep-judy-chu-introduces-bill-162338632.html

As [Rep. Judy Chu] brought up, mental health is difficult subject for the Asian-American community. But statistics show it’s also one that cannot be ignored. Senior Asian-American women have the highest rates of suicide compared to any other race. In New York City, more than half of the minority’s seniors expressed symptoms of loneliness or depression. And a 2005 study found that the Cambodian community has “shockingly high” rates of post traumatic stress disorder and depression with some communities having as high as almost two-thirds of adult population with these issues ― compare that to the 6.7 percent of the general U.S. adult population that has major depression.

Howeve (sic), as Chu mentioned, the issue has largely flown under the radar in part because of the stigma attached to the subject, which has kept many back from speaking up. In fact, Asian-Americans are three times less likely than whites to seek mental health services. Many find it hard to speak out due to the fear of “losing face,” or bringing shame to their families, experts say.

Moreover, the Asian-American mental health is further obscured by the model minority stereotypes, which mask the need for resources to be devoted to the topic. Which has contributed to the “glaring” health discrepancies between the Asian-American community and the rest of the country, Chu told HuffPost.

“That is why I introduced this bill, to address the stigma in a culturally sensitive way and close the gap in care,” she said.

I read once that, in Japan, few people seek professional mental help because there's a belief that the family is the best for handling such things, and as a result, the mental problems just get worse.

But it's neat that's she's trying to address this issue in the US, at least. Mental health in general seems to be somewhat overlooked.

This is definitely not just a Japanese thing. I'm glad for this bill
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As of 06/06/2017 text has not been received for H.R.2677 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for behavioral and mental health outreach and education strategies to reduce stigma associated with mental health among the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population.

Bills are generally sent to the Library of Congress from GPO, the Government Publishing Office, a day or two after they are introduced on the floor of the House or Senate. Delays can occur when there are a large number of bills to prepare or when a very large bill has to be printed.

No idea what this bill actually does.