Understanding U.S. racial history aids Asian American healing.

Cross-racial solidarity channels anger into constructive action.

Radical healing practices foster hope and well-being.

By Grace A. Chen, B. Andi Lee, Helen A. Neville, Della V. Mosley, Hector Y. Adames, Nayeli Y. Chavez-Duenas, Bryana H. French, & Jioni A. Lewis

Irene (pseudonym), a middle-aged Taiwanese woman, was walking alone on a trail when a white man yelled an anti-Asian slur at her a couple of times from an overpass. She felt scared because she didn’t see anyone else around and wasn’t sure if the man would try to follow her. Once she saw other people and realized he had not followed her, she finally could breathe again.

Different versions of Irene’s story have occurred numerous times over the years. May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and May also happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month, which means it is a good time to discuss Asian Americans healing from racism.

The current context of ICE raids and polarizing political ideology in the U.S. is impacting people directly and indirectly. Witnessing trauma can be traumatizing as well. The current context we are in can be particularly impactful on Asian Americans’ mental health, whether they are aware of it or not. Some Asian Americans have a tendency to minimize negative situations—this may be due to culture that values stoicism and not expressing emotions or even a survival strategy of not sticking out or “making waves.” When someone feels the impact of racism but has difficulty articulating what they feel and why, it can be difficult to process the experience effectively.

The Psychology of Radical Healing Framework is a useful foundation for cultivating well-being in the face of racial trauma. Based on research in this area, we offer five suggestions:

1. Learn About Your Collective History

Learn something new about and thoughtfully reflect on the social and political realities impacting Asian American communities. As painful as it may be, part of the........

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