Rooted Leaders: Chloe & Veronica
An Intergenerational Approach to Mental Health in the AAPI Community
How have the cultural influences of older AAPI generations had an effect on AAPI highschoolers' view on mental health, and how can we provide more resources to combat any negative impacts?
Chloe & Veronica aimed to identify the root causes of stigma and shame associated with mental health in their communities. They took an intergenerational approach to better understand how cultural attitudes are shaped and can be addressed. Check out their journey below!
“ [in regards to feeling as if you’ll disappoint those around you if you talk about your struggles] Your own needs are important and should be put first.”
KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Constituents: Teens & Parents
Chloe and Veronica identified teens and parents as constituents who would benefit from their project. They wanted a section specifically for parents with reminders about how they can support their children who are struggling with their mental health, and a section for youths with words of advice. They are also planning on creating workshops to continue working with teens.
Ally: Local Nonprofit Organizations
Chloe and Veronica want to work with more nonprofit organizations to lead workshops to be able to continue sharing the findings of their research. They want to advocate for self-empathy and communication (things that they found important from surveying and interviewing people) to untangle the intersecting factors that lead to negative mental health impacts.
Key Decision Maker: Workshop Organizers
Chloe and Veronica would have to rely on those who organize workshops in nonprofit organizations. They would have to know what events are being held and if they are letting youths lead workshops.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Check out Chloe & Veronica’s recommendations and takeaways on how to continue the building intergenerational support for mental health in the AAPI community.
1. One can learn a lot just from having a short conversation. When we conducted our interviews we were able to not only gain insight into one's experience with the effects of mental health, but we also learned about more resources that can be helpful. For example, during one of our interviews, we were told about CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, which was new to us. We even discovered how technology can provide a community via social media accounts that are catered to those seeking resources on mental health
2. When asking someone about their mental health, it is important to think about the words and tone that are being used. For our interview and survey questions, we made sure that we weren't forcing anyone to be vulnerable with us if they didn't want to. In order to open up a safe space for someone, we have to respect their comfortability when it comes to talking about sensitive topics.
3. Adults, or parents, should also try to do their own research on mental health. Some youths might shy away from conversations that bring up their feelings or state of mind as they might not know how to start talking to adults about it. So by doing their own research, adults can learn how to start conversations and open up spaces for youths to feel safe about being vulnerable and they can work together to get the resources that they need.
4. Mental health is so complex that it was difficult for us to truly get to the root of such influences. We learned that the younger generation's approach to communicating their feelings vary depending on their own personalities and experiences with their families.