What is National AANHPI Mental Health Day?

National Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on May 10th. Taking place in May - both Asian American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month - the advocacy day provides an opportunity to explore the intersections of Asian culture & mental health.

The awareness day is crucial for advocacy efforts across the country. Asian Americans are the least likely racial group to seek support; and the only racial group to die by suicide as a leading cause of death (young adults aged 15 - 25). Learn the Facts

National advocacy efforts are spearheaded annually by NAAPIMHA. In 2024, Thriving Asians joined efforts as a Community Champion - advocating for a state proclamation at the Inaugural NYS AAPI Commission Meeting.

With local advocacy led by Thriving Asians and the South Asian Public Health Association, NYS’ Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day was proclaimed on May 10th, 2025 - placing NY among the first twelve states to formally recognize the day.

Celebrating National AANHPI Mental Health Day

Thriving Asians raises awareness on mental health across our diverse diaspora, and celebrating all month long! Here’s how you can join in honoring Asian mental health this month, and beyond:

As an Individual:

Take the Pledge to celebrate AANHPI Mental Health Day
Learn the Facts about AANHPI mental health
Take a mindful break
Take a day off
Go outside to the park
Connect with someone who truly supports you
Do something that helps you feel good in a healthy wa
Volunteer as a Mentor to support AANHPI Youth Mental Health Leaders

As an Organization:

Leverage your leadership role to be a mental health advocate
Become a NAAPIMHA Community Partner Organization
Host an AANHPI mental health education event
Host a training in mental health and/or DEI
Implement a day or week of rest for your team
Identify resources for wellbeing and community connections to share with your team
Sponsor AANHPI community mental health initiatives like the Youth Mental Health Leadership Programs

Community Voices: Why It Matters

“Thriving Asians is proud to be a Community Champion behind New York State’s Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day. This historic day gives visibility to AANHPI New Yorkers’ mental health struggles; and fosters unity through our shared experiences and resiliency.

It sparks meaningful dialogue across our communities - that your hardships are seen, and you deserve support. It makes a statement to stakeholders - that AANHPI mental health is a priority; and community-based, culturally-responsive, linguistically-appropriate care is critical.

As TA works nationally & globally, it’s been especially meaningful for me to see this advocacy locally in my home state. It’s hard not to be a proud New Yorker as we join the first pioneering states, and set a precedent for the rest of the country to follow.

Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, the NYS AAPI Commission, and fellow AANHPI Community Champions for recognizing mental wellbeing as a foundation for all AANHPI New Yorkers to thrive.”

- Michelle G. Garcia, Founder & Executive Director

“NYS' Inaugural AANHPI Mental Health Day matters to me because reducing the stigma around talking about our mental health, especially among the younger generation, is something that I am personally striving to achieve in my community. An acknowledged mental health day is a huge step forward for our society to create safe spaces to communicate.”

- Chryceis Hollars, Senior Youth Mental Health Ambassador

“AANHPI Mental Health Day matters because it brings awareness to mental health in a marginalized community. It means that we are at the first step to fighting towards a future where our mental health gets taken seriously.“

- Ishanvi Dasari, Youth Mental Health Ambassador

“AANHPI Mental Health Day matters to me because Asian mental health is currently an issue that is overlooked in many communities. By dedicating a day to this matter, more people can learn about the importance of Asian mental health and help bridge the gap between mental health literacy and Asian youth. I enjoy to carry out mental health workshops for AANHPI communities within my school, but having a day dedicated to it would help to make even larger impacts.“

- Jaya Moorjani, Youth Mental Health Ambassador

“AANHPI Mental Health Day matters to me because I grew up in communities where mental health struggles are minimized or ignored entirely. Recognizing this day means telling my younger self and other AANHPIs that their pain is real, their healing matters, and they don't have to carry it alone, despite what their family, friends, or social media says.“

- Joanna Lee, Youth Mental Health Ambassador

“This day keeps me going by helping me break old habits and ways of thinking, opening my heart and mind to what truly matters, and pushing me to become a better version of myself. In many Asian cultures, the focus is often more on ‘us’ than ‘me.’ Balancing cultural expectations with self-discovery creates tension, but navigating these experiences also gives us a unique perspective that can bridge cultures and inspire others.“

- Gyum Youn, Youth Mental Health Leadership Mentor

“This day means honoring our culture while breaking the stigma around mental health and healing through creative expression, community, and visibility. I am privileged with the opportunity to help create a mental health toolkit using art to support AANHPI youth.”

-Christina Hua, TA Youth Mental Health Ambassador Alumni