What are the greatest challenges facing the Asian Pacific American community today?
I think we need to keep in mind that while Asian Pacific Americans in the United States share many common cultural values, and experiences of immigration, acculturation and discrimination, this is not a homogeneous group, and should not be treated as all the same. There is huge variability among Asian Pacific Americans in terms of language, religion, socioeconomic status, education and ethnicity. Within the Asian communities, the challenge amongst ourselves is to admit that some of us need help, rather than trying to perpetuate the myth of the “model minority”. Asians usually do not seek help until absolutely necessary, as a last resort, when options are few, which then reinforce the idea that mental health providers are not useful. Our biggest challenge is overcoming the sense of shame and stigma to seek help for those who need it and not let individuals and families suffer in silence. There are mental health needs, substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty and discrimination faced
