Suicide Rates Highest Among Young Asian-American Women

CNN reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Asian-American women age 15 to 24 and these women have the highest suicide rate of any demographic. As early as fifth grade, these young women show the highest rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Researchers say family pressure to succeed academically on top of being the perfect daughter and, later, mother are largely to blame. Stereotypes that portray Asians as more intelligent and harder working puts further pressure on these young women who may be further alienated by simply being a minority. For many, depression is passed on be it genetically or by watching the behaviors of mothers who also experienced these feelings. However, in Asian cultures which associate depression with shame, not just for the person who experiences it, but for the whole family, it may be almost impossible to seek help.

The article notes that many of these women did seek counseling but felt they were not understood and believed it would have helped if the counselor were an Asian-American woman. Rather, many found comfort in "religious faith, herbs, acupuncture, or becoming involved in groups that help other Asian women."

Read more: Push to achieve tied to suicide in Asian-American women