How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Mental Health of Asian Americans
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of only a handful of times in the last century where the entire world seemed to be drastically affected. Undoubtedly, this pandemic had repercussions in all countries of the world and changed the lives of billions in varying degrees, affecting everything from the health and welfare of countries and their constituents, to their economies, tourism and immigration laws, politics, healthcare, and infrastructure. The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the mental health of all people worldwide, most notably affecting minorities in the United States such as our African American, Hispanic, and Asian American populations. In celebration of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we will focus this discussion on the mental state of those who identify as Asian Americans and outline how this important group was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects that seem to be lasting.
According to the American Psychological Association, Asian Americans have been particularly vulnerable to the mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic. Discrimination, xenophobia, and cultural stigma have compounded the stress and anxiety that Asian Americans have been facing during this time. The pandemic has led to a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, with verbal harassment, physical assault, and online hate speech being common occurrences. This has led to a heightened sense of fear and anxiety among Asian Americans. Many have reported feeling isolated and helpless, with a sense of being targeted and discriminated against because of their race.
Furthermore, the pandemic has created new challenges for Asian Americans, including job loss, financial hardship, and a lack of access to healthcare. These challenges have added to the stress and anxiety that many are already experiencing. According to a survey conducted by the National Asian American Survey, Asian Americans have been more likely to experience job loss and financial hardship during the pandemic than any other racial group.
Additionally, cultural stigma around mental health has made it difficult for Asian Americans to seek help. Many feel that admitting to mental health struggles is a sign of weakness or shame, which prevents them from seeking the support they need. This has led to a high rate of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health conditions among Asian Americans.
Despite these challenges, there are resources available for Asian Americans struggling with their mental health during the pandemic. Organizations such as the Asian American Psychological Association and Asian Mental Health Collective offer culturally sensitive and language-accessible mental health support for Asian Americans.
It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of all worldwide, particularly of Asian Americans. Considering the factors discussed and the fact that racism and cultural tension against our Asian American brothers and sisters are not new in our country but were certainly heightened during the pandemic and are only now being addressed and discussed, it is important to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by Asian Americans and to provide resources and support to those in need. By working together, we can help Asian Americans navigate the challenges of the pandemic and build resilience for an increasingly brighter, more loving future.