Mental health, Asian Americans & community engagement: A beginning

Hello there! What's my name, you ask? I'm Lizzy. Where am I from? I'm from Chicago... I'm from a lot of places, really. But no, where am I really from? It's more complicated than that. I'm Korean, so that's one place to start. But what else would you like to know about me?

On January 10, a group of students, a professor, and several community members began to meet weekly inside a classroom at UIC. This class is DHD 420: Mental Health, Asian Americans, and Community Engagement, organized by the core instructor Rooshey Hasnain, community partner Ginger Leopoldo, and graduate fellows Melissa Wen and Lizzy Jang. After several moments troubleshooting classroom technology, microphones and projectors, students wasted no time in immersing themselves in discussion. The navigation of a safe, brave space for every individual in the room to explore lived experiences and identities; open discussion of mental health stigma, disparities, and perspectives on micro and macro level; the casting of light on the many shades of gray that make up the Asian American experience as we know it, or alternatively as we do not yet know it. There are many ways to participate in discourse about mental health, Asian Americans, and community engagement, and this is just one way to begin.

Students also shared about hopes, fears, and questions that arise when considering mental health and disability in the context of Asian Americans. Hopes to bring more attention to underrepresented Asian American communities, increase access to mental health resources, to acknowledge burdens and celebrate resilience. Fear that they may not be able to enact meaningful change; fear that they might offend; fear that sharing openly about their mental health journey might cause others to see them differently.

Student responses to the question, "What topics would you like to see in this course?"

Student responses to the question, "What concerns or fears do you have about DHD 420?"

The context we find ourselves in today is Chicago's Asian American communities. The need for honest, open, and brave spaces for Asian Americans to discuss and share about their lived experiences is apparent. Yet even within this medium-sized class, we find such an array of definitions and understandings of what mental health means, what Asian American means, what community engagement means. "Asian American is not a significant identifier for me; it is a term of convenience," a student chimed in, explaining that the term does apply to him, yet is not held close to his heart. These words stung, as I realized that, as much as I like to celebrate my identity as an Asian American, they were likely true for many individuals and at one point, to me as well. Another student further added to the discussion, defining Asian American as "an ethnic community who share Asian values and experience being Asian." Yes! I think this definition is a start, for sure. I thought to myself. But, what does that entail? What Asian values? What does it mean to experience being Asian?

Student responses to the question, "What does Asian American mean to you?"

Local community partner Michael Takada joined us to share his story and lived experience. He shared about his family history of discrimination and oppression, including the experience and aftermath of Japanese internment camps during WWII, and how intergenerational trauma can continue to cause ripple effects in communities. His work today as the Chief Executive Officer at JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) involves supporting individuals in their immediate needs and fostering engagement in Japanese American history and culture. Through cultural and community programs, a legacy center, and direct services, JASC continues to make lasting impact to the communities in Chicago.

Michael described the intersection of the three main pillars that largely constitute DHD 420: his Asian American identity, sociocultural experience around mental health, and community engagement initiatives. Many of the questions that arose during class regarding these pillars are just beginning to be uncovered and explored. We strive to continue this journey through continued collaboration with local activists, facilitated discussions, exchange of narratives and stories, and pursuit of understanding the Asian American experience.

Resources

CIRCA Pintig https://www.circapintig.org/

Asian Americans Advancing Justice https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/

Asian American Institute (2012). The Asian American Compass: A Guide to Navigating the Community

Jane Addams Hull House Museum https://www.hullhousemuseum.org/

Japanese American Service Committee www.jasc-chicago.org