To promote mental health awareness and well-being, Governor Inslee has proclaimed July 2015 as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in Washington State. Join the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) in bringing awareness to this important issue and continuing the conversation into our communities during the month of July and beyond.

According to a 2011 report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide remains one of the top five leading causes of death for Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs) and APIs are less likely to seek mental health services than all other ethnic groups . Due to social stigmas, lack of access to health care, and cultural and language barriers, mental health conditions among APIs remain highly undiagnosed, untreated, and undiscussed.

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 and use the tags #minoritymentalhealth and #hopestartswithyou.
• Share your story. Your voice is important! Let others know they are not alone and share your experience as someone living with mental health conditions or as a supporter. Submit your story to capaa@capaa.wa.gov.
• Talk with others. Make mental health 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 encouraging them to use mental health services.