Background

 Asian-Americans are referred to as the “Model Minority.” Model minority pressure is the pressure some Asian-American families put on children to be high achievers at school and professionally. Asian-Americans have the added challenges associated with gender inequality and discrimination. Asian-Americans are prone to mental illness and depression due to the expectations on part of Asian parents in regards to “model minority” and American society in general. Depression and Social Anxiety are considered shameful and taboo therefore the results are denial and stigma. According to a CNN Article- Department of Health and Human Services, Asian-American women ages 15-24 have the highest suicide rate of women in any race or ethnic group within this age range. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for women in that age range. There is a lack of awareness and the significant impact of mental health difficulties in Asian-Americans. There is also an increase in eating disorders among Asian-Americans due to the quest for assimilation and acceptance and the quest to look “more Western” (Chicago Tribune). Another key issue is violence among Asian-Americans. The Associated Press reports followed up on the trend and growing problem around the country-Violence against Asians that in 2003

a California survey found 14% of Asian youth had joined a gang for protection against discrimination. When unrealistic expectations are not met various forms of depression, mental illness, thoughts of suicide and cultural barriers prevent seeking help. Psychopathic Violence can result when these expectations are not met as in the case of Seung Hui Cho, the Virginia Tech gunman. The stigma within this population

decreases the preventative measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of mental illness.