At Lithe Beauty, we believe that beauty is so much more than appearance, it’s also about taking care within. As part of our commitment to celebrating and supporting our communities, we sat down with Elizabeth Sweet, the Community Engagement & Communications Director at the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), to discuss mental health within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
Founded over 25 years ago, NAAPIMHA works to increase awareness, reduce stigma surrounding behavioural health, and advocate for culturally responsive care. Their vision is a future where everyone can access mental health support that respects their lived experiences, cultural identities, and the intergenerational challenges many communities continue to navigate.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health remains one of the most pressing and overlooked issues affecting AANHPI communities today. Elizabeth shared that more than 65% of AANHPI individuals experiencing a mental health condition never seek professional help, with stigma remaining one of the greatest barriers. Even more alarming, suicide is the leading cause of death among AANHPI youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
Beyond these statistics are experiences that often go unseen. Many individuals carry the invisible weight of assimilation, acculturation, and historical trauma. Elizabeth reflected on her own experience as an adoptee, describing how losing connections to language, culture, and family history can create profound emotional challenges. These experiences remind us that mental health is deeply connected to identity, belonging, and community.
Breaking the Stigma
For many families, conversations around mental health have historically been met with silence. Elizabeth described a "culture of shame" that often discourages people from speaking openly about emotional wellbeing, while physical health tends to receive far greater attention. At the same time, expectations to honour family sacrifices, succeed academically or professionally, and uphold the "model minority" stereotype can create immense pressure with little room for vulnerability.
Elizabeth emphasized that healing also means recognizing that support doesn't always look the same across cultures. Alongside clinical care, traditional practices such as acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, communal gatherings, storytelling, dance, and cooking have supported wellbeing for generations. Expanding our understanding of healing allows communities to embrace approaches that feel culturally familiar and meaningful.
Knowing When to Reach Out
Mental health challenges don't always present themselves in obvious ways. Social withdrawal, increased agitation, changes in routine, or emotional responses to life events such as financial stress, career uncertainty, or the loss of a loved one can all be signs that someone may need additional support. Elizabeth encouraged approaching these moments with compassion rather than judgment, reminding us that simply checking in with someone can make a meaningful difference.
While seeking professional help can feel overwhelming, the first step doesn't have to be a major one. Healing may begin with talking to a trusted friend, spending time in nature, practicing self-care, or finding safe spaces to process emotions. At the same time, improving access to care means addressing barriers such as the shortage of culturally responsive providers, language accessibility, and care models that don't always reflect AANHPI family values. Through free trainings, educational resources, culturally specific directories, and advocacy around issues like housing, food access, and environmental justice, NAAPIMHA continues to build a more inclusive vision of mental wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, Elizabeth hopes mental health conversations within AANHPI communities become as ordinary as conversations about physical health. She envisions a future where vulnerability is recognized as strength, where community storytelling helps reduce stigma, and where diverse paths to healing are embraced alongside traditional clinical care.
At Lithe Beauty, we're grateful to Elizabeth and the team at NAAPIMHA for sharing their knowledge and reminding us that wellbeing is deeply rooted in connection, culture, and community. We're also proud to support the work of Asian Mental Health Collective. Through Hydra Gloss, 3% of every purchase is donated to help expand access to culturally informed mental health care for Asian communities through AMHC's programs and initiatives.
By continuing these conversations—and supporting organizations dedicated to improving mental health—we can help create a future where no one feels they have to struggle in silence, and where asking for support is seen as an act of courage.
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