Legislative

Advocacy

Thriving Asians is proud to have spearheaded the inaugural passing of AANHPI Mental Health Day in New York State in partnership with the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA). Check out NAAPIMHA’s National Press Release.

What is National AANHPI Mental Health Day?

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Day happens in the month of May, both Asian American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Data from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that Asian Americans are the least likely racial group to seek mental health help.

National AANHPI Mental Health Day was officially proclaimed as May 10th, spearheaded in New York and 9 other states. Thriving Asians is raising awareness around mental health in our diverse diaspora, and will be celebrating all month long! Here’s how you can honor Asian mental health this month:

As an individual:

  • Take a day off!

  • Taking a mindful break

  • Get yourself a treat

  • Take yourself to the park

  • Volunteer as a Mentor to support AANHPI Youth Mental Health Leaders

As an organization:

TA Voices: Why It Matters

“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