The AANHPI community in the United States is an extremely diverse population that includes people with ancestry from East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent with Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese heritage representing the largest origin groups. AANHPI individuals may be at an increased risk of suicide due to mental health disparities that exist such as discrimination, lack of insurance, limited evidence-based interventions, language barriers and lack of qualified and culturally-competent therapists and counselors.
In 2021, suicide was the leading cause of death among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders ages 10 – 19, and the second leading cause of death among those ages 20-34 (SAMHSA). Contributors to mental health challenges among AANHPI communities include family and immigration trauma, shame and stigma, gender bias, cultural norms and expectations, and racial discrimination. Social expectations and stereotypes, such as the “model minority,” contribute to the belief that many AANHPI youth and young adults experience fewer mental health problems compared with their counterparts from other backgrounds and, therefore, do not need mental health care.
The following resources are meant to help members of the community access culturally-competent care and, learn about advocating for and work to overcome the cycle of stigma around mental health care.
How To Take Care Of Yourself
If you’re struggling, text, call, or chat the 988 Lifeline. Our counselors are available to listen and support you without judgment 24/7.
Navigating between cultural identities can lead to stress, particularly for immigrants and first-generation individuals. People may also experience discrimination, which can contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Finding a therapist or support group, in addition to reaching out to the 988 Lifeline, that respects and integrates cultural values can be validating and helpful. The links below may help you find culturally-competent care specific to the AANHPI community:
Creating a safety plan can include listing your coping strategies, identifying the people in your life that may support you through a crisis, and more. Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe.
- Learn more about making a safety plan
- Use this interactive tool to make your own safety plan
- Download a safety plan template (PDF)
Though the AANHPI community is diverse, valuable connections can be made through culture, language, country of origin, religion, or shared values. Reach out to your support network and discuss problems with friends, family, or community — feeling connected to others can create positive emotional health.
How to Help
It is important to understand the unique challenges faced by members of the AANHPI community when talking about mental health.
According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, just 25% of Asian Americans received mental health services compared to non-Hispanic Whites (52%). Rates of suicide among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth doubled from 3.6 to 7.1 per 100,000 during 1999-2021, with an increasing trend observed from 2014 onwards (Reyes).
Research local resources. Don’t be afraid to get your friend or loved one the help they might need. Understand some protective factors and supportive resources that exist within the AANHPI community. These include ethnic group identification, religion, and strong family and teacher/professor connections.
Be an active part of your friend and loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, it’s ok to ask them directly about it. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings and related emotions and challenges. Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment.