There is a crippling stigma surrounding mental illness in Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. which is dramatically impacting the mental health of API communities, including communities in Iowa.  In a recent study of Asian Americans, participants said the primary factor preventing them from seeking professional help is the fear of their family being looked down upon by their community, in addition to lack of awareness of resources and services available to them.  Although an estimated 1 in 5 people live with a mental illness, Asian and Pacific Islanders are three times less likely to seek help for it compared to white Americans.  Language barriers also creates a challenge to accessing services, so instead, several seek support from their personal network such as close friends, family members and religious community members.  Even then, people with emotional, cognitive and behavioral problems, regardless of whether the causes are external traumas or circumstances, internal events, or some combination, is still seen as taboo in the community.

From Stigma to Healing: A Workshop for Students on Mental Health in Asian & Pacific Islander Communities will discuss:

• Mental Illness Myths vs. Facts
• Stigma of Mental Health in API Communities 
• Barriers to Seeking Healing
• Available Resources
• Self-Care Techniques
• 60-Minute Guided Yoga Practice

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 is World Suicide Prevention Day.  The workshop will held on Tuesday, September 10 from 4 to 7 pm at the Medbury Lounge – Medbury Hall at Drake University. Interactive Map of Drake University Campus: https://www.drake.edu/map/

This is a free event open to teens and young adults ages 15 to 24.  Light refreshments and yoga mats will be provided.

For more information, contact Audri Lu-Uhlken at prevention@monsooniowa.org.

Spots are limited to the first 20 people.  To reserve your spot, fill out the registration form below: