A Statement from Take This
Mental health challenges in the US disproportionately affect marginalized populations, due to the daily stressors of both covert and overt forms of exclusion and hatred. Safety and inclusion are two of the most protective factors in mental wellness. Over the course of the last year violence against those in AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) communities has risen significantly – a forcible denial of the safety and inclusion we all need. The murderous hate crime in Atlanta is only the most recent example of this ongoing, racially-driven violence against those of AAPI descent. The Take This leadership team renounces these recent hate crimes and unspeakable violence against AAPI communities, businesses, and individuals. Furthermore, Take This acknowledges this violence as a form of white supremacy which threatens the immediate and long-term wellness of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our communities.
We have already begun planning a series of highly-focused and specialized panels which will highlight the unique mental health needs and barriers to access of specific, marginalized groups. These will be moderated by mental health professionals who share those given identities. It has become more and more clear that those of AAPI identities need their voices heard, and this panel series will be an opportunity to highlight the nuanced mental health needs within AAPI communities.
As we continue to educate ourselves on the impact of racism and hate on members of AAPI communities, it is our hope that these panels will help amplify the voices of those who are directly affected by this ongoing climate of bigotry.
In the meantime, we have identified the following resources and organizations working to address mental health and stop hate in AAPI communities:
Resources Specific to AAPI Communities:
- Asian Mental Health Collective
- APISAA Therapist Directory
- Asian American Psychological Association: Community of Asian American psychologists and other mental health professionals who advocate on behalf of Asian Americans as well as advancing Asian American psychology.
- South Asian Therapists
- South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network: Non-profit that addresses the mental health needs of the South Asian community in the U.S. with education, resources, and services.
We encourage you to take time to educate yourself and take action if you are able:
- Anit-Asian Violence Resources
- Donating, Volunteering, Reporting Hate Incidents: Here’s How to Help Combat Anti-Asian Violence (from TIME)
- How to Help Combat Anti-Asian American Violence (from TheCut)
- Organizations to Support in the Fight Against Asian Hate (from Harper’s Bazaar)
We also have a number of more general Mental Health Resources on our website, including international resources and tips about how to talk about mental health in a way that is validating and supportive, on our Community Resources page.