"Breaking the Silence"

Speakers: Chaffee Tran & Ha Tran, Mental Health Professionals Asian Human Services, Inc.

Abstract: Data shows that Asian American women between the ages of 15-24 the second highest suicide rate among women across all racial/ethnic groups and that Asian American girls have the highest rates of depressive symptoms of all racial groups. Such alarming statistics could be attributed to barriers to mental health education and services. The "model minority" stereotype presents a false picture of Asian Americans' mental and physical health needs, thereby limiting education, prevention, and treatment efforts for depression in this community. Cultural values regarding health care, disease, and family honor also place psychological constraints on Asian Americans from accessing mental health services. The intention of this workshop is to promote more awareness of the risk for depression among Asian American women and ways in which it could be prevented or treated. Through creative and interactive play, the workshop will explore various myths and stereotypes about Asian women, a major cause of stress with the experience of Asian America women. The audience will gain an awareness of the resources and support available for the Asian American women in Chicago.

This program is made possible though a grant from the National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO).

Moderator: Dr. Ho Tran
Time: Saturday, September 6th, 2003
From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Place: 3855 North Seeley Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618