Destigmatizing Mental Health in the AAPI Community

May is both Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage and Mental Health Awareness month.

Within Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, achievement, keeping peace and respect for elders and traditions are highly valued. At times, these values can come in direct conflict with mental health struggles, which makes addressing trauma, specifically intergenerational trauma, feel challenging or impossible.

However, more authors are bringing these conversations to light in an attempt to destigmatize mental health in their communities. The more community members who speak and learn about their experiences with mental health, the easier it will be to seek help and support.  

Content Warning: Some of the content within these books touch upon sensitive and difficult subjects. Please read at your discretion and take breaks when needed. 

Nonfiction Titles

But What Will People Say?

Permission to Come Home

Where I Belong

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

What My Bones Know

Dear Elia

Nervous

Dirty Kitchen

Fiction Titles

The Silence That Binds Us

Yolk

I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom

This Is Not A Personal Statement