APA Mental Health Equity Fireside Chat: The Mental Health of Asian-American and Pacific Islanders: Coalition-Building and Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Rise of Xenophobia-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The video is a transcript of a Mental Health Equity Fireside Chat by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) focused on supporting the mental health of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of xenophobia. The speakers discuss the impact of racial discrimination, hate crimes, and racially motivated acts on the mental health of Asian American communities. They highlight the stigma surrounding mental health in Asian cultures and discuss strategies to encourage discussions and raise awareness of mental health care among AAPI communities, including the importance of community support, culturally and linguistically relevant resources, and engaging allies in conversations.<br /><br />The panelists address the unique aspects of racial trauma and suggest approaches to address it, including building bridges, connecting with others, and creating a sense of safety and support. They discuss the work of Stop AAPI Hate in documenting incidents of racism and providing mental health resources. The panel also touches on the impact of COVID-19 and isolation on the mental health of elderly Asian Americans and the importance of outreach and support for this vulnerable population.<br /><br />The video also discusses providing legal resources, family resources, and policy advocacy to address discrimination and racism faced by the AAPI community. The need for culturally responsive victim services and mental health support in schools is emphasized, as well as the importance of building coalitions and solidarity with other communities facing similar issues. The panelists address the mental health impact of systemic racism in college admissions and the importance of accurate representation of Asian American characters in the media.<br /><br />Overall, the panel highlights the need for increased advocacy, education, and resources to address the mental health needs of AAPI communities, both in response to the current pandemic crisis and to combat long-standing stigma and discrimination.

Keywords

Mental Health Equity

Fireside Chat

Asian Americans

Pacific Islanders

COVID-19 pandemic

xenophobia

racial discrimination

hate crimes

racial trauma

Stop AAPI Hate

elderly Asian Americans

systemic racism