On May 15, a Sunday afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30, WizChinese’s Palo Alto Chinese Parents’ Club (PACPC) hosted the first support group following the first Zoom meeting of their “Pressure and Emotional Management” series. With eight parent attendees, Dr. Rona Hu and Dr. Huiqiong (Joan) Deng led a discussion centered around communication, primarily highlighting compassionate listening and the stages of grief. 

Dr. Hu and Dr. Deng first covered mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and depression, underscoring perfectionism as a common root of depression among immigrants. Through answering parents’ questions and forming example scenarios, the doctors expressed main takeaways including the concept of shame in Asian communities, fixed versus growth mindsets, and receptive communication styles.

“The United States is a shameless country,” Dr. Hu said, emphasizing that asking questions and making mistakes, allowing yourself to feel the validity of your emotions, and recognizing that you may need to see a therapist are important steps to take for your mental health. Shame often accompanies the stigma against therapy and acknowledging mental health issues within the Asian community. Finding a therapist through tools such as Psychology Today, stress management (both doctors recommend working out), and self-care without