There are increasingly disturbing reports and indications of serious mental health problems in the Asian Pacific community in Minnesota, ranging from depression and suicide among the elderly, stress and domestic violence in families, to depression, anti-social behavior and suicide among young people. Many of these situations are the result of long term side effects of wrenching and rapid cultural adjustment, loss of family, decreased social status, cultural shock and a profound sense of isolation. The highly publicized tragedies that have stunned the Hmong community in the past several months are all symptomatic of the severe stresses affecting many of our Southeast Asian neighbors. Violence is the most frightening outcome of ignored problems, but we must also be concerned about the effects of mental health problems on education, employment, and full participation in American society.

There are over 100,000 refugees in the State of Minnesota. Of these, virtually all of the adults have experienced some degree of war trauma and stress during the war and their subsequent escapes. Over 12,000 of Minnesota’s refugees are victims of systematic torture, and require intensive, specialized treatment. Many of the American-born children of refugees have suffered secondary trauma; that is, they have heard numerous stories of the war and have had to cope with their parents’ distress. Although there are some excellent mental health resources for refugees in the Twin Cities, they cannot begin to meet all the needs of the refugee communities.

Quoted from the Web Site

Disability Association(s): Mental Health and other disabilities

Internet Location: http://www.state.mn.us/ebranch/capm/activities/pol.htm#health

Internet Resource Type: Web Site

Resource Type: AAPI Community Health Resource, Mainland