Governor Inslee has proclaimed July 2016 as Mental Health Awareness in Communities of Color Month.

The Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) is encouraging efforts to promote mental health awareness in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Mental health is essential to overall well-being, yet research shows that APIs are less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to social stigma, linguistic and cultural disconnects, and lack of access to health care.

CAPAA encourages community conversations to promote dialogue and to raise awareness about mental health issues among APIs in observance of Mental Health Awareness in Communities of Color Month. The Commission believes that reducing the stigma around mental health issues is key in increasing the number of APIs who seek treatment.

Here’s what you can do:

• Share the proclamation with your family, friends, and community. Spread the word on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
• Share your story. Your voice is important! Let others know they are not alone and share your experience as a supporter or as someone living with mental health conditions.
• Talk with others. Make mental well-being the topic of discussion at work, your organization meetings, and church or community events. Creating a safe space to have conversations about mental health is an important step in eliminating stigma.
• Learn about resources that are available. Provide support to others by knowing how you can help and encourage your loved ones to use mental health services.