Wellness
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that allows people to cope with life's stresses, realise their abilities, learn well, work well, and contribute to their community. This holistic approach suggests that our mental health is an integral part of everyday life and it emphasises the connection between mental health and overall well-being (World Health Organisation).
At AMBER, we recognise the unique challenges and pressures faced by women, particularly those of Asian heritage. Health inequalities, societal expectations, cultural norms, and traditional values can create additional stressors that impact mental health. Our community-focused approach aims to empower women in looking after their mental health and well-being.
AMBER will do this by raising awareness of areas that impact Asian women and our mental health and wellbeing by sharing articles, stories and running workshops. We will provide resources, run events and encourage mentoring.
Mental Health in the Asian Community
For many members of the Asian community, mental health can encompass various dimensions, including:
Logical thinking and decision-making:
Maintaining a clear and rational mind is crucial for making sound everyday decisions. It involves being able to think logically, process information effectively, and approach situations with a calm and clear mindset.
Cultural and family expectations:
Balancing personal aspirations with family and societal expectations can be challenging. Asian women can feel the pressure to meet high standards set by their families, which can impact their mental well-being.
Community and social support:
The sense of belonging to a community and having a strong support system is vital. Sharing experiences and stories within a community like AMBER helps to create solidarity and mutual empowerment.
Health inequalities:
Research indicates that women from ethnic minority backgrounds often face worse outcomes in healthcare access and quality. These disparities can significantly impact their mental well-being, compounding the challenges of existing health conditions.
Stigma and mental health awareness:
In many Asian cultures, mental health issues are still stigmatised, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. Raising awareness and normalising conversations about mental health are essential steps towards breaking down these barriers.
Work-life balance:
Striving for a balanced life that includes time for work, family, and personal interests is important. The ability to manage stress and find harmony in various aspects of life contributes to overall mental health.
At AMBER, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where women can openly discuss their mental health challenges and successes. By sharing our stories and learning from one another, we foster resilience and well-being within our community. We also gain confidence to raise issues in our community and to the systems in power to make a change.
Empowering Each Other
Through our initiatives, we aim to:
Encourage open dialogue and activism: Creating spaces where women feel comfortable sharing their mental health experiences without fear of judgment.
Promote self-care: Encouraging practices that support mental well-being, such as mindfulness, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Provide resources and support: Offering access to mental health resources, workshops, and professional support services.
Celebrate achievements: Recognising and celebrating the strengths and successes of our community members, which can inspire and uplift others.
At AMBER we understand that mental health and wellbeing can mean different things to different people. Here are examples of what it means to some members of the AMBER community.
“Mental health is a state of your psychological and emotional well-being. It is a necessary resource for living a healthy and balanced life. Poor mental health does not mean the same as mental illness. However, poor mental health can lead to mental and physical illness.”
— AMBER community member
“I have experienced how fragile mental health can be when you don’t feel strong or resilient in the face of some of life’s challenges. It can be a difficult time, making it hard to talk for fear of judgement. When my mental health is good I feel happy and confident in my ability to be my true self. Without good mental health we lose our sense of self worth.”
— AMBER community member
“Mental health is how we feel and act given the situation. Being able to emotionally respond to certain situations. Good mental health means I can think logically with a clear mind, nothing in my subconscious holding me back from everyday decisions.
Wellbeing for me is what makes me gave good mental health, such as things that clear my mind, make me happy and give me peace.”
— AMBER community member
