Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) has announced the release of a new episode of “Ground Truthing,” a podcast that provides policy insights from the ground up. This episode explores the issue of youth mental health within the Asian community in Westchester County. According to the organizers of February’s Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium, “Mental health is increasingly recognized as essential to overall well-being, yet awareness, support and resources are still lacking in many parts of Asia.” This podcast, “Voices Unheard: Addressing Mental Health in the Asian Community,” considers the complex themes of identity and cultural stigma with Ann Umemoto, board president of WCA; Westchester County Legislators David Imamura and Jewel Williams Johnson; Teresa Hsu, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Speak, focusing on mental health care for marginalized populations; and host Limarie Cabrera, director of data, operations and finance for WCA.
“Addressing mental health within the Asian community requires courage, understanding and above all, a voice,” said Unemoto. “Through this podcast, we aim to shine a light on the silent struggles and empower our community to seek help and offer support. It’s time to change the narrative and provide a platform for those who feel unheard.
Key discussion points include:
- WCA’s Mental Health Fact Sheet, which shows the status of Asian American children’s mental health in comparison to their peers.
- The troubling statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that identifies suicide as the leading cause of death among Asians ages 15 to 24.
- Personal stories from community leaders, who share their journeys and challenges dealing with mental health issues within the Asian community.
- Practical insights on how to support mental health initiatives and foster a supportive environment for the Asian community ,which numbers 80,000 in Westchester.
The podcast is a primer for anyone looking to understand the nuances of mental health issues in the Asian community and what can be done to help. It also offers a platform for community members to share their stories and foster understanding across different cultural backgrounds.
To listen to the podcast and learn more about the resources available for mental health support in the Asian community, click here. https://wca4kids.org/our-podcast/ . If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, dial the hotline at 988.
