In many Asian American communities, money is more than money. It represents sacrifice, immigration stories, survival, status, filial responsibility, and sometimes even love. So what happens when you’re the “broke” friend in your group? Maybe your friends work in tech, finance, or medicine. Maybe they
We often say we want “a village.” We want support, connection, people who show up when things fall apart or feel heavy. And yet, many of us feel lonelier than ever. How did we get here? Hyperindividualism in the Age of “Therapy Speak” In a
Many difficulties encountered in adulthood are not the result of insufficient effort, insight, or self-discipline. Rather, they emerge from behavioral and emotional patterns established early in life that were once adaptive but were never revised. These patterns persist because the nervous system does not update
In 1966, sociologist William Petersen introduced the term model minority to describe Japanese Americans who, despite historical discrimination and internment during World War II, demonstrated notable socioeconomic achievement. Although the term appeared complimentary, it functioned primarily as a political narrative. It implied that success was
The new year always brings a sense of possibility. A pause. A quiet hope that this year might feel different. But hope on its own isn’t a plan—and motivation, while powerful, is a terrible long-term leader.If you’ve ever felt inspired in January and exhausted by
“What’s the difference?” is a common question when people begin exploring group based mental health support. Support groups and psychotherapy groups are often listed side by side, described in similar language, and sometimes even offered by the same practice. At a glance, they can appear
In her essential book on writing and life, Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott introduces a concept that many consider vital for recovering from perfectionism: “shitty first drafts.” Lamott explains that nearly all good writing begins as something deeply imperfect. You have to start somewhere. You
For many children of immigrants, growing up involved an unspoken contract: our parents sacrificed everything—their homeland, their comfort, their language—so that we could succeed. Our role in this contract is to be grateful, hardworking, and, above all, okay. To struggle with mental health, to experience
The start of a new year often comes with expectations to improve, achieve, or correct something about ourselves. For many Asian Americans, these expectations can feel especially heavy. Cultural messages about discipline, success, family obligation, and perseverance may make New Year’s resolutions feel less like
Many adults who grew up with emotionally immature parents carry a persistent feeling that something about them is “wrong.” They might describe themselves as too sensitive, too needy, too emotional, or, on the other hand, as not emotional enough, too independent, or difficult to connect
