The fact that the Chinese community is as plagued by mental illness as any other community is the elephant in the room that Ahlay Chin aims to discuss at a forum Saturday.
Chin, the chairman and founder of Richmond’s Chinese Mental Wellness Association of Canada (CMWAC), said mental health problems are stigmatized, especially within the Chinese culture. Lots of Chinese immigrants still believe that having a mental illness might prevent them from achieving their goals.
Chin, who has been seeking to build a bridge of understanding about mental health in the Asian community for 24 years, described the current problem as “an elephant in the room.”
“We can’t always beat around the bush and hide away from the problem, someone has to start a conversation about mental health,” said Chin.
Mental health experts at the forum will touch on topics such as, what are common signs and symptoms of anxiety, anger, and depression? They will also talk about what impact these issues can have on a person’s daily life.
CMWAC provides support and advice to families and individuals who have struggled with mental health issues.
“Twelve years ago, I offered support to a family whose son suffers from bipolar; later this family moved to Taiwan. Recently, the family asked me for help since they plan to move back to Richmond,” said Chin, adding that she can never forget what both parents said the first time they came into her office.
“They told me, ‘It takes us so much courage to ask you for help,’” Chin said, with her voice quavering. “I told them it’s not ‘unusual’ or a ‘shame’ to have any mental illness.”
Chin told the Richmond News that in 1985 she lost a friend to suicide.
“He didn’t know where to turn for assistance or support, so he lost hope to live.” After recognizing the devastating consequence of his inability to reach out, Chin vowed to help more people who are battling with mental illnesses.
For the past 20 years, she has advocated against the stigma of mental illness. In that time, she has witnessed some positive changes - more people are willing to share their experiences. She believes that through community outreach and education, even more people will have the strength to come out to ask for help.
The public forum will be hosted at 5726 Minoru Road in Richmond from 2 p.m. to 4:30 pm.
