Children and Youth Health
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The health and well-being of children and youth are pivotal to the future of any community. For South Asian American (SAA) families, understanding the unique health challenges and opportunities that their children face is crucial. This month, we aim to raise awareness and offer actionable advice for families, educators, and healthcare professionals.
SAA youth face the challenge of balancing their ethnic identity based on collectivism with American individualism. This tension, along with model minority expectations, increases their risk for mental health issues and family distancing. Mental health stigma further hinders seeking help. Practitioners must navigate the differing values of parents and children to provide effective care.
SAA children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behaviors due to family expectations, acculturative stress, discrimination, and stigma around mental health. Their identity is influenced by various factors including education, immigration status, gender and sexual identity, socioeconomic status, generational level, and family culture.
Recent statistics from California highlight the following concerning trends:
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Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) Asian American youth in California report feeling depressed.
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Nearly 50% of Asian American teen girls and 30% of all Asian American teens report needing help for emotional or mental health problems such as feeling sad, anxious, or nervous.
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Only 8% of all Asian American teens and 10% of Asian American teen girls received psychological or emotional counseling, significantly lower than their peers.
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Of the Asian American youth in 7th, 9th, and 11th grade, 16% have considered suicide.
South Asian American children and youth benefit from several protective factors that can mitigate health risks:
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Bilingualism: The ability to communicate fluently in more than one language, including a child’s heritage language, is linked to higher cognitive functioning among South Asian American children.
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Cultural Identification: A sense of belonging and affiliation with their cultural heritage reduces the risk of suicide attempts and supports mental health.
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Cultural Heritage: Maintaining cultural practices and values fosters a sense of pride and strengthens family cohesion, particularly for children from immigrant families.
Actionable Tips for Families and Professionals
To help the children in your families, you can:
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Integrate Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage balanced diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting sugary snacks and beverages.
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Promote Regular Physical Activities: Advocate for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and participate in family-oriented activities like biking, hiking, or playing sports.
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Create an Open and Supportive Environment: Normalize conversations about mental health and seek professional help when needed.
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the unique health challenges faced by SAA youth. Culturally adapted family therapy and community-based approaches are particularly relevant in SAA youth. Healthcare efforts should also engage in community outreach to educate families about prevalent health issues.
Addressing the unique health needs of South Asian American youth requires a collaborative effort.
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White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening and Listening Session on July 24th, 2024
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On July 24, 2024, SAPHA was invited to the White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening, a pivotal event focused on the mental health needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The convening brought together community leaders, mental health professionals, researchers, and federal officials to discuss ongoing challenges and strategies for improving mental health services.
On July 24, 2024, SAPHA was invited to the White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening, a pivotal event focused on the mental health needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The convening brought together community leaders, mental health professionals, researchers, and federal officials to discuss ongoing challenges and strategies for improving mental health services.
SAPHA remains dedicated to advocating for and advancing mental health equity for AA and NHPI communities.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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As we observe the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, it is essential to recognize the significance of this landmark legislation in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This includes areas such as employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
For South Asian American (SAA) families, understanding and leveraging the protections offered by the ADA is crucial. SAA youth with disabilities often face additional cultural and social stigmas that can impede their access to necessary resources and support. It is vital for families and community leaders to be proactive in advocating for their rights under the ADA, ensuring that SAA children and youth with disabilities receive appropriate educational accommodations, healthcare, and community support.
Celebrating the ADA is not just about acknowledging past achievements but also about committing to ongoing efforts to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
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Research and News Highlights
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Calling all healthcare professionals! George Washington University is conducting a 12-week pilot study to evaluate AIMIcare, a mobile app designed to improve well-being and prevent burnout among healthcare workers. Eligible participants will receive $70 for full participation, including using the app daily and completing three surveys. To learn more and sign up, please visit bit.ly/GWwellbeingstudy.
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We're honored to be invited to contribute to the Health Equity Collaborative's blog with our latest piece: "Championing Health Equity: SAPHA’s Focus on South Asian American Healthcare Priorities" to highlight some of the work we've been doing at SAPHA. Read our story on the HEC website.
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Check out our recent social media campaign around cardiovascular disease awareness and our cardiovascular disease and diabetes toolkit.
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SAPHA participated in the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Center for Health Equity Education & Advocacy (CHEEA) Climate Health Organizing Fellows (CHOF) Program. CHOF is a tuition free, Zoom based program for health professionals and community leaders focused on creating climate solutions through community organizing. The fellowship is developed in collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School Professor Marshall Ganz. Learn more about the fellowship on their website and consider applying! Application deadline is September 20, 2024.
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National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
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July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities. For South Asian American (SAA) youth, these challenges can be compounded by cultural stigmas, discrimination, and the pressure to meet model minority expectations. It is crucial to address these issues through culturally sensitive mental health services and community support. By raising awareness and providing resources, we can help ensure that SAA youth receive the care they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Explore the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit developed by Health and Human Services to learn more.
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The South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHIN) addresses the mental health needs of the South Asian community in the United States. SAMHIN combats mental health stigma and provides culturally tailored support through education, outreach, and collaboration.
One of SAMHIN’s key initiatives is its extensive network of mental health professionals who understand the unique cultural challenges faced by South Asians. This network provides referrals and ensures that individuals receive care that respects their cultural background and values. SAMHIN also collaborates with other organizations to advocate for better mental health policies and resources for the South Asian community.
By raising awareness and advocating for better mental health policies, SAMHIN improves mental health outcomes within the South Asian community. For more information or support, visit the SAMHIN website.
We spotlight SAMHIN to inspire engagement and support for organizations dedicated to enhancing mental health in our community.
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South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series
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Our seventh episode features a previous SAPHA President, Ami Shah. Ami is a data-driven public health professional with extensive experience in addressing health disparities. She has worked with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to integrate Community Health Workers into primary care for high-risk patients and contributed significantly to health equity initiatives at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the Sinai Urban Health Institute. Stay tuned to our next episode where we dive into Ami’s journey, exploring her impactful work, the state of caregiving in the US for South Asian older adults, and her vision for the future of public health.
Catch up on our Spotlight Series on Spotify or YouTube, and stay tuned for Ami’s spotlight!
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Thanks for checking out SAPHA!
Our mission is to find meaningful ways to promote health equity and well-being in the South Asian community. We do this through advocacy, education, research, outreach initiatives, and fostering vital partnerships in the community. Learn more about our mission or make a donation at sapha.org!
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