Sep 25, 2009

 
 
Asian Spectrum Inc., a non-profit organization based out of Malden and serving Asian communities in the greater New England area through multimedia since 2002, recently launched their DVD series about Asian Mental Health, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease for the elderly at a wrap-up celebration at Tufts Medical Center, whose generous sponsorship made the project possible.

Volunteer Melody Tsang said, “The purpose of the celebration is to thank all the professionals involved and also to invite elderly from the community to attend so that they can be aware of the facts of mental health.”

Asian Spectrum wants to teach the Asian community that mental health problems are treatable and are just like any other health problem. Sadly, a staggeringly low percentage of Chinese people admit to having mental health issues. 

Asian Spectrum volunteer Ching Lo explained why some Chinese people are afraid to seek help for mental health issues - “Because the Chinese are very shy they don’t want everyone to know their thinking and behavior. They are afraid to take the medication. They would rather take herbs. Young people are more open.”

Volunteers, elders, and Tufts Medical representatives including Sherry Dong and Dr. Brian Ho came to watch the new DVD in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English which featured a case study, information about diseases, a doctor and a therapist’s perspectives, and information about community resources. Tufts Medical Center was awarded an honorary plaque. Attendees enjoyed a meal afterwards in celebration of the project, courtesy of the Shanghai Ravioli Company.

Zenobia Lai, a lawyer who is the Executive Producer of the Health Project said, “Tufts had an Asian Health Initiative Grant. We wanted to produce a series to serve the Chinese community. I have clients who have mental health issues who are untreated. One of our goals is to destigmatize mental health to help patients get the treatment and counseling they need. It is a shame not to treat [people with mental health problems] because they can have a normal life.”

Lai added, “Culturally, mental health isn’t talked about. People think that people with mental health diseases are dangerous, violent, and scary. In Western society, we have prominent authors who write about mental health, like Virginia Woolf.” 

She also added that the shortage of local psychiatrists and therapists who can communicate with patients in Chinese is a problem for those seeking mental healthcare, especially for elderly patients.

Katherine Szeto, a young volunteer who has helped watch recordings, worked at the television studio with camera and sound, and assisted in the translation process of the footage, explained her family’s involvement in the project - “My aunt and uncle are volunteers of Asian Spectrum. My aunt, Melody Szeto, is one of the anchors of their television program while my uncle, Kam Shun Szeto is one of the camera sound people and he does the DVD editing.” 

For more information about Asian Spectrum or the DVD, please call 617-901-3044 or contact Melody at melody@aaca-boston.org

Natalie Ornell is a Sampan corrsepondent.

Article Reference: http://www.sampan.org/show_article.php?display=2097