The pandemic brought unforeseen challenges such as loss, depression, and anxiety across diverse communities. According to the CDC, mental health issues are prevalent, with more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults affected by a mental illness.
Not everyone has access to necessary resources to treat mental illness, particularly among certain racial and ethnic minority groups facing greater challenges in accessing mental health care. "Since the onset of the pandemic, our communities have witnessed a significant surge in mental health concerns, necessitating advocacy across various domains such as workplaces and educational institutions,” says Christhel Cheng, a current Kaiser Permanente employee pursuing behavioral health studies. “My transition from a business setting to a clinical setting was motivated by personal encounters and the imperative to address my own mental health challenges as an Asian American."
Asian Americans are 50% less likely than other racial groups to seek mental health services. Within many Asian cultures, mental health issues are often perceived as individual shortcomings or weaknesses, discouraging open discussions about feelings of sadness, disappointment, or depression.
Christhel reflects on her family experiences, saying, "During my pre-teen years, I witnessed my mother grappling with mild depression and anxiety stemming from life changes. It was my initial exposure to the concept of mental health. However, discussions around addressing mental health or behavioral concerns were conspicuously absent within our family, due to feelings of shame or embarrassment surrounding deviations from perceived 'normalcy.'
"There's often apprehension about the implications of a diagnosis on one's employment or professional reputation, as well as concerns about peer perceptions." Acknowledging the influence of diverse cultural backgrounds on mental health is crucial for mental health providers. "With encouragement from older cousins and shared experiences from my mother, I was able to destigmatize the seeking of care for behavioral or mental struggles," Christhel reflects. "By fostering an understanding of mental health and familiarizing individuals with available support options, I believe we can cultivate a culture where seeking care becomes the norm," Christhel asserts.
Recent experiences have fueled her interest in marriage and family therapy, as she seeks to comprehend the early indicators of mental struggles and their differential impacts on family members. Since enrolling in the Mental Health Scholars Program, Christhel describes her journey as "an honor and humbling experience," marked by profound encounters with individuals seeking positive change.