Notes

What's even shocking is a study in 2015 where a review in depression among Asian American adults, Filipino American have the highest rate among Asians, what's more shocking to discover is that even though Filipinos have the highest rate, Filipinos have some of the lowest rate seeking mental health treatment. For us Filipinos, we are not shocked about it right? We have embedded this in our minds. Like I've said before, conforming to this Filipino hierarchy is the norm. The excessive negative pressure that young individuals face can trigger feelings of inferiority, impacting their mental well-being and leading to the breakdown of family relationships.

Growth is an important aspect in which having a community and feeling supported by them to which in help in youth development. Throughout this developmental period where young people form great desires for love, attention, and spaces of belonging, the family unit plays a critical role in cultivating such an environment. In contrast to this, when youth find themselves at the center of family conflicts or held to unrealistic standards of success, those highly valued aspects of healthy youth development are impacted.

My mother always advised me to show respect to my relatives, but I often find it ironic because, in my
experience, they're the ones who sometimes lack respect. They might think they're giving helpful advice,
but their comments can be subtly insulting, like a typical aunt saying, "You've gained some weight," or
"Why didn't you become an engineer instead of a nurse? Your cousin followed what I suggested." What's
even more painful is that these hurtful words come from those we're closest to. This reflects a toxic
aspect of Filipino culture, where demeaning remarks can harm a person's self-esteem, personal growth,
and mental well-being.
Today, we want to discuss the significant issue of how toxic behaviors in Filipino culture can impact
mental health. Have any of you ever experienced a situation were speaking up for yourself, expressing
your opinions, or simply having a different point of view is viewed as rebellion by your family? It's
frustrating, right? Even when you try to address this problem, they might justify it by saying it's just the
way things are, and conforming to this Filipino hierarchy is the norm.
This issue particularly affects today's youth. They are often belittled by their elders, creating pressure to
meet family expectations, sometimes at the cost of their own goals and happiness. Mental health is
stigmatized in our culture, and if someone is diagnosed with a mental illness, people often perceive it as
a disease, discouraging individuals from seeking professional help when they need it.
Breaking this stigma is essential. We must emphasize the importance of education and the willingness to
seek help and support when necessary. Recognizing the value of mental health and promoting
communities that prioritize mental well-being as highly as physical health is crucial