The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the mental health of many communities, but for Asian Americans, it has been a particularly challenging experience.
From the moment the pandemic emerged, Asian American communities faced an additional burden: a dramatic increase in racism and xenophobia, fueled by misinformation and fear surrounding the origins of the virus.
Throughout the pandemic, Asian Americans experienced a rise in hate crimes, harassment, and verbal abuse, with individuals being unfairly blamed for the virus. This racialized scapegoating has been devastating, not only causing physical harm but also taking a significant toll on mental health. The constant fear of discrimination and violence, coupled with the emotional burden of seeing fellow community members targeted, has contributed to a sense of isolation, anxiety, and depression within the Asian American population.
For many in the AAPI community, cultural stigma around mental health further complicates the situation.
As a result, seeking therapy can feel like an overwhelming or shameful decision, even when people are struggling deeply. This stigma around mental health can prevent individuals from accessing the support they need to cope with the emotional impact of both racism and the pandemic itself.
However, therapy can provide a powerful resource for healing. It offers a safe space to process trauma, cope with anxiety, and address the psychological toll of racism. Through culturally competent therapy, Asian Americans can begin to break through the stigma surrounding mental health and find support for navigating both the emotional fallout of COVID-19 and the impact of ongoing racial discrimination.
It’s important to recognize that the pandemic’s impact on mental health is not solely an individual issue—it’s a community issue. Healing from the mental health effects of COVID-19 and racism requires collective empathy, solidarity, and a commitment to breaking down harmful stereotypes and addressing racial injustice. By prioritizing mental health and accessing the necessary support, Asian Americans can begin to heal from the trauma of the past few years and work toward a more inclusive, supportive future.
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Angela Confaloni, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orange, California, providing online therapy to moms, the AAPI community and adults going through life transitions.
