Self-Care Tips For Asian Americans Dealing With Racism Amid Coronavirus
It’s a difficult time to be Asian American: Along with the everyone else in the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has infiltrated almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. And racially motivated violence against Asian Americans seems to be spreading just as quickly as the coronavirus itself.
People are being coughed at and spat on. Verbal insults and threats against women and older people make headlines. In Midland, Texas, a father and his toddler were slashed across their faces at a Sam’s Club for being Asian.
According to NBC News, the online reporting forum Stop AAPI Hate said that since its inception March 18, it’s received more than 650 direct reports of discrimination primarily targeting Asian Americans. (Because COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China, Asian Americans have been widely scapegoated and harrassed, regardless of whether they’re Chinese or not. )
All the while, President Donald Trump has intermittently called the coronavirus the “Chinese Virus,” something many critics say is fueling racism throughout the country.
Whether you’ve been subjected to discrimination or not, simply hearing about the widespread xenophobia can affect your mental health. We asked therapists who work within Asian American communities to share their best self-care advice for these stressful times.
1. Reach out to friends who can validate your experiences. (Online friends count, too!)
Because we’re physically distancing, social bonds are more important now than ever, especially if you’re emotionally exhausted from this current wave of xenophobia and racism. (Maybe you’ve experienced a glare or rude comment yourself at the market or on a walk.)
“I think the need for connection is particularly important when we’ve encountered a micro or macroaggression,” said Gabrielle Zhuang-Estrin, a clinical social worker who works in the Asian American community in Los Angeles. “We should be sharing the burden of our experience. Let family...
