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                                                                          [email protected]

 

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。

           

Bread & Recovery

Pondering the rather unimpressive bread offerings at Safeway this week- I came upon an organic loaf boasting "Say No to Bread on Drugs", 16 grains and 5 seeds. Promising.

The verdict on the bread - very tasty.  Hearty and healthy and good both savory (turkey sandwich) and sweet (with orange marmalade).

What's even more inspiring, is Dave's personal journey.  Take a few minutes to view the video - he talks about going WAY off track in life, the way (as so many of us do ) he misunderstood his father, got caught up in drugs and petty crime, hit bottom in prison, and ultimately had to take responsibility for his choices.  From there, psychiatric treatment, the love of family, and his own hard work has led to quite a thriving bread story...

Dave's Killer Bread

I was very moved by this story, because he is sharing a story we don't hear enough about.  I have friends and clients who have kicked major addictions, who have struggled valiantly with severe mental health conditions-and people really can get better.  Treatments exist and they do work.  Sometimes it takes multiple rounds to do the trick, but when a person is ready - things can change. 

I do believe in punishment and making people accountable - but I also know that giving up on a "lost cause" person is often missing the resilience and humanity that still can exist under the illness.

TED talks: Dr. Nuland on recovery from Depression

As a fan of Dr. Nuland's books, I have an added appreciation of his journey from life threatening depression to a good second life.

He was treated with ECT, which is used only for the most severe depressions which do not respond to other treatments, and this was more than 30 years ago.  Watch the video of his talk, and come up with a mantra for yourself (maybe not the F bomb that he chose!)

Dr, Nuland on recovery from Depression

Visiting at Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist

Youth and Family Services (YFS) was invited to pay a visit to the congregation at Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist in Fremont.  Always happy to do outreach and talk with people about mental health work and education, I volunteered my Sunday morning.

As a public employee and non-secular person, I ground my work and my life in values of health and equality.  I try to avoid my own biases from creeping into the work by centering on the simple principle that one should strive to do what is healthy and promotes the well being of all.  All of us who serve the public need to keep our own personal beliefs and customs out of the business of helping those who may have very different belief systems. 

Religion can be a wonderous force in society, or it can be a source of great manipulation and harm.  I have seen people's whose faith saved and changed lives. And I have seen those who were judged and berated and harmed by dogmatic faith.

I appreciate the Unitarian Universalist mission statements and action guide which includes:

Providing educational experiences for all ages that encourage free and responsible search for truth and meaning and an acceptance of religious and social diversity.

Serving the community in accordance with our social conscience and our Unitarian Universalist principles.

Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

This day's sermon focused on the notion of "To Thine Own Self Be True", but how being true has more to do with finding meaning and giving of oneself than with wallowing in our own pleasures and laziness.  I couldn't agree more.  I have found incredible life meaning and satisfaction by serving others, that would have been impossible by any of the other means we use to placate ourselves in modern society (shopping, TV viewing, drinking).

I was invited to the pulpit to share about the work of YFS, our presence in 21 public schools, our training of 25 graduate level interns, and the families we serve in English, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi.  How our children suffer from grief and loss, anxiety and depression.  How families right here locally have become homeless, and the impact of divorce, incarceration, and other life adjustments that children struggle to understand and cope with.  How our infant toddler youth program teaches parenting and attachment to parents who may never have received nurturing care themselves.

Near the end of a lovely service that featured music (I'll admit my favorite was a Tom Waits song titled "Come up to the House"), meditation, thoughts from Ralph Waldo Emerson, a humorous children's story, and the sharing of personal joys and sorrows, the congregation passed around a collections plate on behalf of YFS.  I was touched that this small group of new friends I met merely an hour ago, gave generously of themselves and donated $500 to benefit the children and families of Fremont. It always moves me to be reminded that there are people who care enough to help those they do not personally know, simply because it is kind and right.

I ended my visit by accepting their kind offerings to the children and families of YFS, (and making an adorable set of handmade purchases in their holiday boutique to add to the play therapy toys at the office).

 

For more information about Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation overall:

[email protected]

www.mpuuc.org

A mental health support group for people living with depression and other related conditions meets Monday evenings 7:30-9:00 pm at the office of Reaching Across at 3833 Peralta Ave., Suite D in Fremont and is open to people inside and outside of the congregation.  For more info: Rev. Barbara Meyers at 510-796-5722 or Scotty 510-745-9500.

A support group for Families to help and cope with a family member suffering mental illness meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays a month at 7:00 pm at Holly Community Center in Union City 31600  Alvarado Blvd. For more info: Patty Espeseth 510-727-2700 ext 4156 or Peggy Rahman 510-794-0860

Suicide and Asian Americans

"My Story" Depression, Suicide, and Asian American Women

I was recently perusing the website 8Asians.com and came across a personal essay addressing the high rates of untreated mental health illnesses in our communities. 

The author June Shieh does an intensely honest job sharing her experience of how stigma and lack of education can manifest in tragedy.  She is also an example of the resilience of those who weather life's storms. 

A worthwhile read, and encourage more of us to speak up and speak out to spare others from their undiagnosed and/or untreated illnesses, and to share our own stories.

Asian American Suicide Prevention

I don't know why, after doing this work since 1996, I am still amazed at Asians and Asian Americans who are blissfully, if dangerously, oblivious to the emotional suffering in our own communities.
"Only white people go to therapists, right?" or "Do you have any Asian clients?" are comments I have heard.

In reality, not only is there a waiting list, but often a desperate scramble to try and find culturally and sometimes linguistically competent therapists.  A quick read of our local newspaper will make it evident that we suffer from the same issues as any other demographic group.  In the last month's Sam Jose Mercury News alone there have been Asian American stalkers, homicides, suicides, arrests.  Such preventable behavioral tragedies have their roots in serious, yet treatable mental health issues.

Dr. Stanley Sue has conducted research indicating a pattern that Asians wait longer, suffering more symptoms, before they seek professional health.  This fits perfectly with the cultural value of not complaining, of keeping problems quiet, of "just trying harder."  This is a situation in which stoicism can really be harmful.  Most mood disorders or other mental health issues are quite responsive to treatment.  But as with any other condition, the longer one lets things fester, the slower the path to recovery.

Previous research always indicated that white, older men were the most likely demographic group to commit suicide.  More recent research indicates frightening levels of suicide in select groups such as: Latina teens, and Asian American students and middle aged women.  Although the specific factors have yet to be properly studied, I have seen how people struggling to fit into very divergent cultural demands face incredible stress.  There are Chinese grandmothers lonely and isolated in their new country, and bi-cultural teens fiercely competing at school, yet obedient and neurotic at home.

For more information:
AASPI was created in response the the suicides of six Illinois Asians within a single month:
Asian American Suicide Prevention Initiative  

A minute of gratitude boosts mood

In these frenetic times, we all feel challenged to begin new practices in our over-scheduled lives. 

This is one of the conundrums people bring into my office.  Namely: whatever they have been doing is no longer working well, and change is a must to reduce symptoms and promote growth.  However, they have no time whatsoever to try anything new.
One of the least time consuming yet most helpful practices to shift a negative mindset and push back against draining cynicism/anxiety, is a practice of gratitude.

Even those juggling children, jobs, and anxieties galore can manage to eke out a minute to sit with a journal, or in silent meditation at bedtime, and come up with one item to be thankful for.
It could be as simple as the enthusiastic hug from your daughter, the discount on your morning coffee, the light traffic, a call from your brother.  Sometimes my day was brightened by a chance encounter with a hummingbird or friendly cashier, or a particularly delicious lunch which I am thankful to afford.  On a really tough day you may only feel thankful for slipping into your pajamas at the end of the day.  Once you get in a practice, one pleasant gift in life, often reminds us of the richness we fail to notice on an every day basis.  I am thankful for my pajamas. In fact, also for my bed, a cup of tea, a heater, a blanket. 

Even when I am suffering at the site of many a childhood traumatic memory (dentist's chair!), I practice keeping my calm and perspective.  I think about how fortunate I am to be able to afford professional dental care.  I think about all the poverty stricken countries I have been, where items such as novocaine, x-rays, and a wise, experienced licensed dentist are hopeless luxuries.  I recall the frightening times when I had lapses in my insurance coverage (a fate all too familiar to many Americans), and am grateful for the stability I currently have achieved.

Try it!  One can practice gratitude mentally, but I recommend the written word as the best means for actualizing your thoughts and emotions.  Select a journal that you can write a minimum of one line in each day of appreciation and gratitude. 
Keep out the "buts".  This is not time for "my son is sweet BUT didn't get a good grade."  This is a time to reflect on, "Hey, I have a sweet kid".  So what if you have not yet achieved your 5 pound weight loss goal?  Tonight, be proud that you took a walk during lunch hour or avoided that extra burger.

We are all learning, all the time.  If we waited until each and every goal had been achieved we'd never finish anything at all.  Taking the time to note small progresses and moments of happiness, kindness, and friendship in life is a real treat.  It's also a practice that has been demonstrated to boost mood.  Instead of dwelling on all the negatives in life, a practice of gratitude channels our energy into growth and acceptance.

Keep it up.  I can still remember being a gawky teenaged girl with no self confidence who could only think of one positive thing about myself: I had nice fingernails.  Over the years, I've reached a point where every night I am able to notice an entire list of things to be grateful for, from a good bagel to the health of a loved one, all the way to an acceptance of my own skin which now goes far deeper than fingernails!

My current gratitude journal features cute owls and trees, but you should select or personalize any format that pleases you. There is also an online option at:
Butter Bee Happy online gratitude

Memorial Day should honor all of our Veterans

As the sister of an Iraq war veteran, as someone who has served clients suffering trans-generational trauma, or direct PTSD decades after war, I can personally attest the the fact that for many, war never ends.  As a country we honor those who died on the battlefield on Memorial Day-but I hope we can realize the importance of also honoring those who live with service related disabilities, or fall to suicide in the aftermath of their service.  The sacrifices of these veterans, and of their families who have borne so much suffering on behalf of the rest of us should be acknowledged and respected.

Military policies leave out our Veterans who died of suicide

There are many who feel that PTSD and other "invisible" injuries should render a military person eligible for a purple heart medal in the same way that an obvious physical injury should.  Some military families complain that our government chooses not to categorize mental health injuries and illnesses properly simply to avoid paying the benefits of proper treatment.  This country we all love, and those who have risked it all, is worth sacrificing a bit of funding for.

We were fortunate that my brother returned from the Gulf War safely.  But was he ever the same again, a normal citizen able to slip into mainstream college and relationships with ease? I don't think so.  And many of the promised benefits of enlistment never seemed to materialize.  I recall the tightly wound dread that permeated out home when he was away on deployment.  The tense way my parents would watch the war coverage each day on the news channels.  I can not imagine the pain and loss of those loved ones whose soldier/marine/sailor never came home again, or lives with massive permanent disabilities-especially the "invisible" ones.  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sleep disorders, Tinnitus, Mood Disorders...these may not look as severe as the loss of a limb, but they can be equally disabling and lead to death by suicide.

Helping a loved one with mental illness

Over my years as a psychologist, I have been privileged to bear witness to the private suffering and bravery of many individuals. An unexpected group of unsung heroes that I would like to acknowledge are the loved ones, family, friends, lovers, colleagues, community members whose support can be priceless in the healing and recovery process.
There have been studies that the severely mentally ill have better life outcomes in poor countries such as India than in the United States. This, despite the staggering sums of money we spend on medications and hospitalizations. An obvious reason for this discrepancy? Social and family support. In so called less developed countries, those who are ill are generally still a part of their community. In the U.S. we tend to put people away or isolate them in private homes, which does not provide support, nor teach skills.
Some of the bravest and most loving individuals I have had the honor to meet are the parents, spouses, children, or friends of those with mental illness.  They provide laughter, structure, advice, and practical support to those who are in the midst of illness. I have seen them assist people in coming to appointments, paying for services, linking with community resources, managing medications and rebuilding dreams and goals.  These are difficult tasks for regular people who find themselves scrambling to understand complicated diagnostic jargon, battle insurance, and interact with someone who's illness may be deeply impacting their behaviors, or even be dangerous.  

Brief Guidelines if someone you care for is coping with a mental health condition:

• Educate yourself so that you will not act upon your own ignorance
• Help educate your loved one so they can understand and manage their condition
• Be a supportive and validating listener
• Seek professional consultation, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan needs to be made by experienced and licensed clinicians
• Express caring in supportive manner, but do not try to force an unwilling person into treatment in non-emergency conditions
• Encourage good lifestyle habits. Share healthy meals, go for a walk or bike ride together
• Remember that even if the condition has altered your loved one, they are NOT their illness. A human being is not a "schizophrenic" or a "bipolar", but a person suffering from schizophrenia or living with bipolar disorder.
• Encourage early and intense treatment, waiting for symptoms to become severe causes more pain and risk
• Fight stigma against the mentally ill, don't condone "crazy" jokes and stereotyping
• Seek support from others who are advocating for those who live with mental health conditions
• Don't tough this out alone. Utilize the National Alliance on Mental Illness network and reading resources below

Men get Depression

The stereotype many people have, is that women get depressed, while men get angry.  Yet depression afflicts millions of us, either directly, or through or loved ones.  The different genders tend to express symptoms in different ways, but I think this is due to social norms than to actual inherent differences. 
Contrary to stereotypes, males often have complex emotional lives as well.

When I was still Clinical Supervisor at Asian Community Mental Health Services, we were invited to take part in a conference as part of a massive kick off campaign for "Men Get Depression." 

The highlight of my year was merely being in the same room as Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General, whom I greatly admire for his numerous accomplishments and contributions to public health, especially minority public health.  The public awareness campaign features educational programs in English, Spanish, and the real life stories of men who have had depression.  These men include an Iraq war veteran, a NFL star, an award winning journalist, a psychologist, and others who bravely share their personal journeys so as to guide others.
Our mid day speaker was Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) who spoke passionately about the rights of those with mental health conditions and they importance of reducing stigma, ignorance, and the pain and suffering that such ignorance prolongs in our communities.
All symposium speakers received a copy of John Head's brave and gripping book, and had the privilege of hearing him speak about his battle with life-threatening depression.

You can watch the public education videos, order information pamphlets in English and Spanish, watch the National Symposium all here:

Men Get Depression