It’s been an unimaginably painful week for many members of the AAPI community in the wake of the Georgia massage parlor shootings that claimed the lives of eight people, including six Asian women. It’s a moment for solidarity, to be sure, but it’s also a moment to prioritize the well-being and mental health of AAPI community members everywhere.
Asian American authors and journalists, including Cathy Park Hong and Dion Lim, have shared their thoughts on the current wave of anti-Asian discrimination and the societal objectification of Asian women, but speaking out (or even watching others do so) often comes with the added burden of re-traumatizing yourself. To that end, Vogue has put together a list of Asian-founded wellness resources for members of the AAPI community who might be in need of support, right now and always.
Asian Mental Health Collective
This collective seeks to raise awareness and decrease stigma around mental illness across the Asian diaspora, offering links to crisis hotlines, AAPI therapists, and a podcast titled Mental Health Mukbang that spotlights “conversations that bring Asian culture and mental health to the table.”
Founded by Carrie Zhang, this organization works to empower and educate members of the Asian American community in seeking and benefiting from mental health care through initiatives like crisis recovery planning and online community wellness check-ins.
This youth-led organization aims to “destigmatize mental health in Asian American communities by tackling the model minority myth,” providing a wealth of resources for young Asian Americans who might be struggling with how to talk to family members about issues surrounding mental health.
The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
This nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the mental health and well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities offers resources that include lists of service providers in all 50 states and mental health advocacy organizations.
Established in 1996, this coalition partners with more than 25 different ethnic community-based organizations in the Chicago area to prioritize both physical and mental health and wellness in AAPI communities. Their programs include disease prevention, behavioral health, and—more recently—COVID-19 outreach in a multitude of languages.
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