NYT: Hate Crimes and Pandemic Lead More Asian Americans to Seek Therapy

NYT: Hate Crimes and Pandemic Lead More Asian Americans to Seek Therapy

A growing number of Asian Americans have overcome a cultural stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment, according to an article published by New York Times.

More than 40 percent of Asian Americans were anxious or depressed during the pandemic, up from less than 10 percent before the virus struck, according to the Asian American Psychological Association. The Kaiser Family Foundation found similar rates for all adult Americans, but experts said the figures for Asian Americans were most likely higher than reported because some Asian Americans are uncomfortable talking about mental health.

Suddenly, many Asian Americans realized that hate crimes were a life-threatening reality, mental health professionals said.

After a year of dealing with racist microaggressions and health concerns, and enduring a lifetime of institutional racism and mental health stigmas, the shootings were the impetus for many Asian Americans to sign up for therapy.