Allie Morris, LPCA

Mental health is not often discussed in Asian American culture because of its stigma that makes the family look “weak” or “disgraceful.” It is challenging to be in an environment where sharing your feelings is seen as a weakness and, therefore, a bad thing that cannot be known to anyone else. But Asian Americans, along with everything else, still have mental health, which means we are all subject to mental health struggles at one point or another. Not having a space to talk about it can make those struggles worse.

In addition, the rise of Asian hate due to scapegoating that took place during the pandemic caught national attention. Still, Asian Americans are quite aware that they encounter racism and hatefulness in their daily lives. Absorbing these things is hard, but it is the expectation that we continue to feed into that model minority stereotype of keeping quiet and not making a fuss about things. 

There is a lot of pressure to live up to the often impossible standards set by society and family members, which can lead to anxiety and depression, among other challenges. 

There is no shame in admitting you have mental health. It doesn’t speak badly of your or your family if you struggle because we all do. However, having those barriers in place keeps us from moving forward, getting where we want to be, and being happier and more content with ourselves.

Schedule an appointment today if you’re looking for a safe space where you can feel seen and heard without judgment.

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Adoptees have a unique experience that is often undermined by the belief that an adoption is a joyous event with a happy ending for everyone. While adoption is kind and needed, it always begins with brokenness, usually in a family unit. Unfortunately, that truth is often swept under the rug. 

As an adoptee, you are left to reconcile this part of your identity and determine where it fits into who you are now. It’s common to experience grief for a life that was supposed to be and grief for the unknown parts that may never be answered. Yet, many adoptees struggle with finding a safe place to express this grief without fear of seeming ungrateful for their family and the life they’ve been given.

Struggles with abandonment and rejection are common and contribute to how you navigate life as an adult. These are natural repercussions given your experience, but it is not often discussed, leading to shame for having these struggles to begin with and shame in who you are. 

In addition, if you are a transracial adoptee, you may be struggling to reconcile your identity. You may feel confused about how you should be, so you go along with who others what you to be. As a result, you may feel alone and isolated in your experiences.

Nothing can happen to you that takes away your value and worthiness as a human being. It’s okay if adoption is part of your story and you are trying to figure out where you want it to be in your identity and how to embrace it. Schedule an appointment today if you want support and a safe space to process your experiences and feelings.

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When life feels turned upside down, we strive for a sense of control and calm in our lives because being in a constant state of stress is detrimental to our minds, hearts, and bodies. Yet, as young adults, we are told we must keep moving forward and succeed in the process. Unfortunately, that expectation was hard to reach before the pandemic, and after, it feels far more out of reach.

We are tired mentally and emotionally from all this chaos. It feels impossible sometimes to handle all of it constantly. This can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even trauma responses to the point where they interfere with day-to-day life, whether that be your relationships, sense of self, or career. 

Therapy for young adults can be helpful for individuals:

• Struggling through significant life transitions
• Feeling underappreciated and left out by others
• Working to find satisfying relationships that don’t feel like a one-way street
• Putting pressure on themselves to succeed, even to the point of perfectionism
• Feeling like they’re not good enough 
• Struggling to find their worth, value, and purpose in life

Schedule an appointment today if you’ve tried everything you can think of and it’s not working, or you are ready for support along your journey.

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