Dear College of Education Community,
This Saturday, we enter a new Lunar Year, the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of strength and power and is associated with good fortune, wisdom, success, and protection. 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon – a year of transformation, growth, and abundance. According to Chinese legend, vibrant Yang Wood energy in this year needs to be balanced with inner harmony practices, such as meditation, to maintain self-care and health for us all. Now is also an auspicious time to be aware of culturally informed self-care resources for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Some of these resources are below:
NAMI IDENTITY AND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS—AAPI
Understand how culture and identity impact AAPI’s perceptions and experience of mental health conditions and how this can influence one’s mental health journey.
NAMI BLOG
The blog features the latest research, stories, of recovery, ways to end stigma, and strategies for living well from the voices and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
ASIAN AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
The AAPA aims to advance the mental health and well-being of Asian American communities through research, professional practice, education, and policy. The website provides access to a host of resources, including:
- COVID-19 Resources related to mental health and self-care, responding to racism and xenophobia, parenting and caregiving, engaging with faith and spirit, and anti-stigma statements
- Bullying Prevention Resource Guide for Parents in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese
- AAPA Undergraduate Consortium offering information on university courses, as well as research and volunteer opportunities, for undergraduate students interested in studying topics on Asian Americans and psychology
For a list of other self-care options, please go to our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
May the good fortune found in the Year of the Dragon be sprinkled upon us all!
Warmly,
Shari