. Since the pandemic began, Asian people have been experiencing .
Feb. 1, 2022, marks the Lunar New Year, welcoming the year of the . Like the tiger, we are fierce, tenacious and courageous in our continued fight against anti-Asian hate and racism — .
As an Asian woman, I’ve thought more about my Asian ancestry, identity and this past year than I ever have before. Exposure to stories of , and knowing these only represent of actual accounts, takes a heavy toll.
Racist and insensitive comments like being told we are “” or that the pandemic is “,” only adds to this heavy toll, increasing vicarious trauma and the experience of .
Almost a year ago, , our news feeds were flooded with stories addressing anti-Asian racism. There were from community members and allies. Those protests and cries haven’t stopped, nor have our our communities’ suffering, but media has seemingly stopped caring.
We need to take this opportunity, as we ring in the Lunar New Year to boost Asian pride, remind ourselves of our strength, increase access to culturally relevant mental health services and demand bold changes.
Prevalence of anti-Asian racism
Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals that compared to 2019. And an Angus Reid poll shows in 2021.
Canada, in fact, has the more incidents of anti-Asian racism per capita than the United States — more than .
attacks in North America. And according to the World Health Organization, Canadian women of .
said discrimination was more stressful than the pandemic. A sense of can .
We need to incite longstanding and fundamental changes so the will thrive, not just survive. We must demand investment in our Asian communities — the current narrative needs to be interrupted through radical action.
I am an Asian psychologist and professor who researches the impact of anti-Asian racism on the mental health of Asian Canadians. I direct an Asian mental health research team at my university and developed . I founded the that promotes and contributes to a 21st-century Asian movement. With two young daughters, I was compelled to pave a way for new generations of Asian people to feel pride in who they are.
Disproportionately served
Asian people are disproportionately served when it comes to mental health supports. They are also and symptoms tend to be more pronounced when help is finally sought.
Research from the United States suggests there is an alarming shortage of . And culturally practised survival strategies tend to be insensitively misdiagnosed and pathologized. The .
But there are supports that exist. , ensures Mandarin and Cantonese speaking therapists are available in British Columbia. The in Ontario and are tackling . The is one of the most integrated organizations serving Asian people across the U.S. — it also publishes a directory for .
There’s a profound need for a systemic-cultural shift that makes way for accessible and affordable Asian mental health services across Canada. and develop clear and transparent policies. A task force for Asian Canadian mental health training and strategic allocation will ensure systems are built to provide viable resources to effectively support Asian communities.
Tigers are — so is the Asian community. Like tigers, we are brave and never back down. This Lunar New Year, let’s celebrate our Asian culture, our strength and be confident that actionable changes are coming.
Gina Wong does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
