The Brandeis Asian American Students Association examined taboos around mental health, specifically in the Asian American community, at an event in the Intercultural Center this past Monday night. The event, titled “Break the Silence: AAPI Mental Health,” included group discussion and private conversations about individuals’ experiences with mental health and Asian identity.

The event was part of “I Am Global Week,” which focuses on celebrating and discussing different cultures at Brandeis and runs throughout the entire week.

The event began with two Brandeis students, who discussed how mental health issues are perceived in their respective communities.

Anthony Liu ’19, an executive board member for BAASA, discussed the infamous cluster of suicides which occurred around Palo Alto, California in 2009. The slew of suicides, which began on a small scale among teenagers in the region, slowly transitioned to multiple suicides over the course of the year.Liu noted that a large number of the suicides were coming from the Asian American community and offered his own opinion on the matter, saying, “Asian culture thinks that a mental illness is a weakness of character, not an actual illness.”

Serena Shen ’19 then took the mic, emphasizing the importance of seeing a psychotherapist and also describing the resources available to those who suffer from mental illnesses. Shen also discussed alternative resources to remedy mental health and stressed the role of friendship in the life of a person with a mental illness.

Aileen Lee, a clinical psychologist in the Brandeis Counseling Center, took the floor, outlining different mental illnesses and the stigmas attached to each one. Lee suggested, “Because we [Asians] look like we are doing okay, … we get forgotten.” She also examined the implications of this type of stereotyping.

Lee continued to explore the different types of mental illnesses that plague people of all communities, opening up the floor for students to add their own thoughts.

In the group discussion, students pinpointed some of the key reasons why Asians hesitate to acknowledge mental illnesses. The students specifically highlighted pressure coming from immigrant parents, a force which, according to many students, pushes academic and financial success with little room for failure.

The event then split off into smaller, more intimate groups of students who were able to open up about their personal experiences.

The groups reconvened for a final discussion in a large group discussion. The four groups shared different topics, which were examined during their small group discussions and then fleshed out for the entire room to hear. Several students offered suggestions for combating mental illness, in addition to methods for destigmatizing Asian depression and anxiety.

Eric Lin ’17, president of BAASA, capped off the night with words of support and advice for those attending the event, noting the different resources available on campus and stressing the message of unity and community.