Dr. Helen Hsu

National Campaign to Raise Awareness for Chinese American Communities About Mental Health

I'd say it's about time: check out the newest campaign hot off the presses so to speak from Ad Council and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration)

National Campaign to Raise Awareness for Asian American Communities About Mental Health

In more than a decade of work with clients and families from all walks of life, I have noticed that Asian American clients tend to delay seeking help for emotional and mental health symptoms - often MUCH longer than clients from other cultures.

This is not merely an inconvenience - it is dangerous.  Like any other health condition, mental health conditions worsen when left untreated, sometimes dangerously so. I have lost count of the number of times an Asian American family has told me something like "well, actually these problems have been going on for 3 years now-we didn't want to embarass him by seeking treatment, but now that it's an emergency here we are..."

The data has shown for many years that Asian American clients tend to have first contact with the mental health care system in the hospital.  Wouldn't you rather have first contact be early - when we can prevent all the harm and suffering that happens when a condition festers for years?

Counselors are available at most schools and colleges. Employee Assistance is available from many workplaces.  Your M.D. can screen and refer for support. It is smart and brave to confront our problems head on when-and prevent more severity and needless suffering.

請立即發佈

2010年7月8日

 

媒體聯絡： 

SAMHSA
媒體室                                                                    Ad Council 媒體室

240-276-2130                                                                          news@adcouncil.org

 

SAMHSA和Ad Council推廣全國性活動 

提昇美國華人社區對精神健康問題的認識

去年一年裏，每6位美國華人青年中就有1人患有嚴重的心理疾病

 

 

美國藥物濫用和精神健康服務管理局(SAMHSA)與美國公益廣告協會(Ad Council)聯手於今天宣布，他們將推廣一項全國性的公益廣告活動，教育和鼓勵年輕人勇於談論精神健康問題，促進有精神健康問題的患者康復。這些針對特定文化族群所推出的公益廣告，致力於促進社會對於精神健康問題的接受度，並減少人們對精神疾病所持有的負面態度。這些公益廣告是「全國少數族裔精神健康意識月」(National Minority Mental Health Awareness
Month)裏，一項針對華人、印地安人、西班牙裔/拉丁美裔和非裔美國人所推出的大型跨文化公益活動之一。

 

        精神疾病，包括抑鬱症、焦慮症、躁鬱症和精神分裂症等，在美國非常普遍。SAMHSA的數據顯示，從2004年到2007年，在18到25歲的美國華人中，平均有16.2%的人於過去一年中據報患有嚴重的心理疾病。儘管這個群體的發病率居高不下，卻只有九分之一 (11.2%)患有嚴重心理疾病的亞裔青年，在過去12 個月中接受了治療。總體上，少數族裔青年尋求治療的比例遠低於同齡白人的比例。

 

            「我們希望讓人們意識到精神疾病是有方法能夠有效治療的，而已經康復的人可以鼓勵有需要的人尋求幫助。」SAMHSA的行政官員Pamela S. Hyde博士表示。「這次針對華人社區所推廣的宣傳活動，將以貼近華人文化的方法來促進對話，支持有精神健康問題的朋友或家人。」

 

            這次公益廣告活動中的全新中文電臺廣告、平面廣告和網頁廣告條，由Ad Council委託亞裔廣告公司Kang & Lee製作，引導年輕人瀏覽這次活動的網站www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/Chinese 去了解精神疾病，以便尋求方法支持正在接受治療的朋友，並搜尋更多相關資料。

 

            「我們非常高興能和SAMHSA繼續合作，把推廣精神疾病康復的活動擴展到華人社區。」Ad Council的總裁兼首席執行長Peggy Conlon表示。「這個跨文化廣告宣傳活動將有助於減少人們對精神疾病的偏見，同時為年輕人提供他們所需的資源，幫助他們支持有精神健康問題的朋友。」

 

            此活動還有一本專門的小冊子，標題為「您的支持是最寶貴的禮物」。
這本小冊子能提供年輕人工具和資源，以幫助正在接受心理疾病治療的朋友。這本小冊子的電子版本可於www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/Chinese下載。

 

            「提昇華人群體對精神健康的認識是一個逾期已久的課題。」Kang & Lee 廣告公司總裁Cynthia Park表示。「為了社區的福祉和安康，重視此類倡議活動，加強對公眾的教育是非常重要的。」

 

            Ad Council和SAMHSA在2006年12月首次在全國推廣「精神健康康復」活動。請上網www.adcouncil.org 觀看相關廣告。此次的公益廣告將於媒體捐贈的廣告時段播出。

 

            SAMHSA是美國衛生及公共服務部旗下的公共健康機構，其宗旨為減少藥物濫用和精神疾病對美國社會的影響。(www.samhsa.gov)

 

            Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org)
是私營的非營利組織。該組織召集廣告界和傳媒界的人才，聚集媒體的設施，商業組織和非營利組織的資源，代表非營利機構和政府部門製作、傳播和宣傳公益活動。Ad
Council關注的問題包括提昇兒童的生活品質、預防保健、教育、社區安康、環境維護和強化家庭關係等。

           

Let's Move! initiative

I trudged out of the office at 6:15 today and dragged myself, as well as my tired spouse, to our local Crossfit Gym: Crossfit One World

By 8pm - we were bouncing out of there with new energy. Will we be sore tomorrow from the work out featuring kettlebell swings, box jumps, and sprint runs? Yes. But our heads, hearts, and bodies are stronger, leaner, healthier.  No matter how many hours we work - we still prioritize exercise because health is an essential lifestyle factor that impacts every aspect of daily function.  We notice the payoff in terms of improved mood, good sleep quality, strength and endurance gains - and in the worry-free results of every blood pressure and cholesterol test.

We would rather make time to exercise now than have to make time for illness later.  I once read an article about Condaleeza Rice, who would wake at 5 am in order to exercise before starting her busy workday as Secretary of State.  Heck, if Condi Rice can find the time to work out - those of us with relatively normal jobs have no excuse!

I am grateful that I grew up in a household where the importance of caring for one's physical health was taught since I was a child.  Dessert was usually fresh fruit, and playtime consisted of running like fiends in Golden Gate park, or going to the swimming pool.  Excessively sugary or artificially colored foods and sodas were banned in our house (except for the occasional holiday party).  We were not allowed much TV time, and my parents to this day (pushing 70) create time in their lives for exercise.  I am proud of my parents for practicing Kung Fu (Dad) and dancing Zumba (Mom) with more zeal than most people half their age. 

It is easier for someone who has been taught these lessons to integrate such practices into daily life.  Yet everyone can learn new routines that will  help them feel great.  I applaud Mrs. Obama for her efforts to support families in establishing early childhood norms for lifelong health!

 

The First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care Initiative recognizes exceptional efforts to promote healthy lifestyles

On May 9, 2012, the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care (LMCC) initiative will recognize states, communities, early childhood programs and networks for exceptional work promoting and implementing the goals of the nationwide call-to-action.

Let’s Move! Child Care focuses on five goals in early education and child care programs:

• Physical activity: Provide 1-2 hours of physical activity throughout the day, including outside play when possible.
• Screen time: No screen time for children under two years old.  For children age two and older, strive to limit screen time to no more than 30 minutes per week during child care, and work with parents and caregivers to ensure children have no more than 1-2 hours of quality screen time per day, the amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Food: Serve fruits or vegetables at every meal; eat meals family-style when possible, and no fried foods.
• Beverages: Provide access to water during meals and throughout the day, and do not serve sugary drinks.  For children age two and older, serve low-fat percent or non-fat milk, and no more than one 4-6 ounce serving of 100 percent juice per day.
• Infant feeding:  For mothers who want to continue breastfeeding, provide their milk to their infants and welcome them to breastfeed during the child care day; and support all new parents in their decisions about infant feeding.

“Child care providers play a critical role in the health and safety of our children,” said Linda Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Inter-departmental Liaison for Early Childhood Development. “The First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care initiative and child care providers are working to make sure all of our children have the opportunity to develop healthy living habits that can last a lifetime.” 

Family Caretaker Support

The rapidly aging demographic of our population has led to some important awareness about the hardships upon those who caretake for elderly loved ones.  Caretaking is an exhausting task that can put caretakers at risk for burn-out and exacerbate their own health issues. 

It is critical that caretakers get support, both practical respite care as well as emotional understanding and functional education.

When you have a loved one who is mentally ill - the task of caretaking may be just as great.  Family members often react in anger or fear when they don't comprehend a person's symptoms. Or, they oft go in the other extreme, going out of their way to "baby" the ill person out of concerns that they are "sick".  Neither extreme is helpful. Punishing someone who is ill does not make them better.  But treating a person who is ill yet, still intelligent and functional, as if they were totally disabled can be enabling and insulting.

Basica mental health education for family members can go a long way in making life healthier for everyone.

Locally in the Tri Cities area, there is an upcoming Family-to-Family Education program run by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Family Education and Resource Center (FERC).

This series of 12 classes will help caregivers understand and support individuals who are suffering from serious mental illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective or schzophrenia, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, OCD, and panic disorders).  It will also address how to best support your ill loved one while maintaining your own long term well being.

The course is taught by trained volunteers who share your experience of having a loved one who is struggling with one of these mental disorders.

This FREE training series will begin August 31, 2011 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. in Union City

For Detailed information and to pre-register (registration required as spaces are limited): 

Michelle Wms-Smith (510)790-1010 or Michele@mhaac.org

FERC

The Triathlon Lesson

Every single supervisor, client, colleague, intern, or student I've had in the last 8 years has heard me rave about the mental health benefits of being physcially active.

There's a healthy body of research at this point (no pun intended) that indicates exercise can relieve mild mood and anxiety symptoms as easily as medications - and with no expense nor side effects. 

It always boggles my mind to speak with people who never break a sweat and live on Hot Cheetos-yet they can't seem to figure out why they don't feel well!

Of course exercise is just one aspect of health- a person in optimal health also needs to make time for social connections, meaningful work, a larger community, a healthy diet, and family.  We're all constrained by the budget of both time and funds in how we exercise. 

Even a short brisk walk break around a building during the workday is beneficial.  At public schools we gave kids pedometers and reminded them to aim for 2000 steps a day- doesn't matter if those steps are taken in the home, at school, at the store, just MOVE.  As a frugal graduate student I used to do yoga videos in my living room.

A colleague invited me to join in a relay sprint triathlon when I was on my final pre doctoral internship and struggling to complete my dissertation.  The camraderie and sheer joyful fun of running and biking, swimming and sweating turned out to be a powerful mental boost.  Indeed it built confidence and energy at a time when both had been flagging.  Since then I've "graduated" to 5K runs, 10K's, half marathons, full spring triathlons, and a 194 mile team relay.

I haven't participated in a triathlon for a few years now, mostly due to the expense of the gear and my limited availability for training.  Yet I always think about the experience fondly- the incredible thrill of competing against myself, and facing new challenges at every hard won step.  Mind you, these were mere sprint distance triathlons, but the rewards of completing a once impossible-sounding goal went far beyond the physical.  What was even more inspirational, was seeing dozens upon dozens of competitors who were significantly older than I am, and some youngsters too.  It is never too late, nor too early to get out there and do your best.

I recently attended a presentation By Dr. Cory Nyamora about the Therapist's role in reducing Childhood Obesity, and found it very timely.  The United States is facing a health epidemic of childhood obesity that threatens a painful future for far too many kids. 

I wish all these children had someone to guide them & teach them that their bodies are not the enemy!  Children have an inherent exuberance that tends to get dampened by too many days sitting in school chairs, and too many hours zoning on TV or video games.  Yet kids respond well to new adventures.  They need guidance to push themselves into learning their hidden potentials, to learn that after the intial discomfort-exercise becomes a natural high.

Dr. Nyamora runs a program that I wish I could enroll all our client families into: Fit Family Triathlon Team.  It's 12 week program with kids 8-14 years old that readies them (and a parent or two) for a California Kids' Triathlon.  Every Saturday the families go on fun outings to lose weight and build strength while spending quality time with family and new friends. 

For more information about Fit Family Triathlon Team & Dr. Cory Nyamora:

Endurance Center

Interested in a starter Sprint Triathlon?  A couple great local races for newbies:

Tri for Fun

Mermaid Series

 

Hungry Ka Na Ba?

On November 13, 2010 Asian Health Services and Filipino Advocates for Justice held Hungry Ka Na Ba? at St Anne's Church of Union City.  Unlike many dull fundraising/educational events, this one featured something everyone loves: food! 

The theme of the event was about cultural foods we love, and how to enjoy them in ways that maintain health.

A 2009 filipino community health needs assessment survey conducted in Union City indicated many areas of concern such as:

• 50% of respondents were in the overweight to obese range of body mass - the highest BMI of any Asian American group
• Nearly a third of respondents (28%) reported hypertension (high blood pressure)
• 75% of respondents ate at fast food restaurants weekly, and two thirds at fast food up to three times per week
• 11% of respondents had been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 6% were pre-diabetic
• Filipino adolescents have the highest lifetime asthma rates of all Asian Americans (23.3%)
• Respondents favored sedentary activities, and preferred low impact exercise with minimal cardiovascular benefits
• 40% of favorite foods identified by respondents featured meat as the main ingredient
• Respondents reported a hypercholesterolemia rate of 24%, with 21% of those aged 25-39 already suffering from high cholesterol

(for more information on the Filipino Advocacy and Organizing for Health study, which also addresses TB and health care access contact www.filipinos4justice.org)

So- how to address these issues constructively? 

No one wants the food police nagging over every bite.  I myself often joke that I am "culturally incapable" of dieting.  My culture values the art of cooking and the joys of food centered socializing to the extreme.  Yet I have found that one can have both an enjoyable healthy lifestyle as well as delicious food.  Eating well and regularly exercising in a way of life in my household.  That way, when it's time to indulge in a treat or special occasion, we can do so guilt and worry-free.

Hungry Ka Na? showcased healthier versions of traditional foods.  The recipes were modified to contain more fresh vegetables, leaner cuts of meat, no refined sugars or transfats, no artificial flavorings, and an emphasis on local and organic ingredients.

Lucky guests like myself chowed down on Mexipino Kilawin (ceviche), Mungo, Menudo, eggplant bistek, tuna pan de sal and more.  Here I visit with Jen Lee & John Fong from Asian Health Services

My favorites were the Sotanghon noodle and veggie soup by Penny Baldado of Cafe Gabriela in Oakland (she was a winner in the food voting), and of course: Desserts!! Buko Pandan (jell-o and coconut w lychee-cutting the condensed milk and sugar did not negatively impact the yummy treat) by Elvie Jose and Baked Cassava sprinkled with toasted coconut from the Cruz/Libaste family.

Chef Dominic Ainza, a former youth counselor, and current chef at Mercury Lounge in San francisco provided a celebrity guest appearance to demonstrate several dishes made with local purchases sourced that very morning from the Union City Farmer's Market.  He talked about the importance of health, and how his three daughters serve as an inspiration for him to take better care of his own health habits on a regular basis.  Die hard foodies will recognize and be impressed by the restaurants Dominic has cooked at, which include Poleng Lounge and Betelnut in SF.

Thanks to Asian Health Services & Washington Hospital for sponsoring such a tasty and fun event to remind  us all that health is wealth and does not neccesitate culinary deprivation!  Thanks to Filipino Advocates for Justice and their incredible volunteers for conducting the local health survey and continuing to work on food justice and health promotion education.

Yosemite

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home, that wildness is a necessity, and that mountain parks and reservations are useful  not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life."

                                                                                                ----John Muir

When I worked at Asian Community Mental Health Services, some of us supervisors began to see the tell tale signs of burn-out.  We saw it in our own flagging health & snippy tempers, and at times in the overall low morale of staff.  Community based work is hard work on a tight budget which often fails to yield tangible results until years pass. 

We started a tradition of "Mental Health Days". Days we took off for self-care-before the stress made us physically ill or emotionally exhausted.  Prevention is always better than intervention after all.  My memories and photos of our all too rare picnics in the park or walks in Redwood Park (Oakland Hills) are precious.  Those outings reminded me to breathe, to turn off the barking deadlines that crowd my mind, to enjoy the smallest leaf or moment of sunlight.

I recently took my mother and her siblings to Yosemite for a mental health weekend of sorts.  They had gathered together from across the continents to be together on the occasion of my beloved late Grandmother's birthday.  Everyone was looking kinda sad and bedraggled.  So late one night I got online and found us a last minute room in the mountains. 

As we drove further and further from the suburbs, a lightness entered all their faces.  After a challenging windy road, we settled in at Tenaya Lodge, where my uncle swam in the outdoor pool - "first time swimming in more than 15 years" he said, yet it all came back to him.  We all slowed down our sorrows and worries in the shade of giant Sequoias, perhaps the oldest living things in existence.  We ate simple brown bag meals while sitting on rocks, watching sunset, basking in sunlight, cracking up over the wild eyed ravens, chipmunks and striking blue stellar jays that tried to snatch food.  There is nothing like the real circle of life to put one's own life stages into perspective. 

If back in John Muir's day people were already over civilized and nerve shaken - I can't imagine what he'd make of us now!  A drive to Yosemite may be too much time away from our burdens, but a stroll, some birdwatching in the local park, or some deep breaths out on your balcony or yard are doable.  A picnic can be had in any grassy or rocky knoll.  Take the time to un plug yourself from the power sockets and place yourself back into the natural healing habitats and functions we were all designed for.

Creative Survival

It's difficult to articulate what a therapist "does" in session.  Often people will ask how I "fix" people or "set them straight" or "manipulate" them.  I don't feel any of those things are my goal nor my role.

Sure, it's essential that any good psychotherapist have proper education, relevant work experience, and licensure.  But therapy is a process of co-creation, and not the only path to healing by any means. 

I always encourage clients to seek regular means of self expression, self validation, and self encouragement.  Eventually every client must graduate, so to speak, from therapy, and carry on the their growing new skills and evolving confidence on their own.       

Creative endeavors are such a fundamental human experience, so intrinsic within all human societies that I dare say it's a need.  Be it music, literature, sculpture, dance, painting, poetry - whatever the medium, creativity is healing.  Because constructive self expression is healing.  for example there have been studies which have demonstrated how singing relieves depressive symptoms, or how art therapy benefits traumatized children. 

Often, it's through our creative passions that we sort out our muddled motivations and thoughts and begin learning to accept and own our emotional lives.  It generally happens quite naturally, and is the ideal means for those who don't have the time, money, or verbal proclivities for talk therapy.  Often, we (therapists) utilize art and creativity into the therapy work.  Some of the most powerful moments I have had the privilege to share with clients came while discussing a powerful song, creating a symbolic work of graphic art, or acting out an emotional dilemma with physical tools.

Two small bits I wanted to share today which happened to have triggered this post:

While eating lunch & reading Writer's Digest tips from authors, I read Wade Rouse:

"Most of us, especially writers, are defined by our fears. They strangle us, prevent us from finding our voices, pursuing our passion, writing what calls to us. So, turn "FEAR" into Free Every Artistic Response. When you do, your true voice will be unleashed."

Wade Rouse 

How fantastic is that? Free Every Artistic Response. Imagine how your days would feel if that Artistic response governed your choices and moods instead of your fears.

Next, I watched a YouTube video featuring a song from a 19 year old Cancer Survivor. Megan McNeil wrote the song during some of her darkest days-and with the support of professional producers is helping to raise funds for childhood cancer research.  Her strong voice and will to fight for life are inspiring.  For those of us who have loved someone battling Cancer, her song is like a rallying cry to keep on fighting the good fight. What a luminous example of someone using her creative skills to channel fear and pain into something remarkable: 

Will To Survive