Armenian Community in the United States: Challenges and Resiliency
Culture and Mental Health:
Exploring Challenges and
Resiliency for Diverse
Communities
The California MHSA Multicultural Coalition
September 30, 2015
Carlsbad, CA
Armenian Community:
The initial wave of immigration precipitated by the
genocide was followed by continued stream of
immigration to the US by Armenians from all over
the world. Political unrest in Iran in the 1950s and in
Lebanon in the 1970s created a surge in
immigration from these countries. In the 70’s
Armenians from Soviet Armenia immigrated to the
US as refugees seeking political asylum.
Armenian community based agencies currently
equipped to provide services are often overtaxed.
Introduction to Community and
Definitions
The variety of the backgrounds of the Armenian immigrant
community in California and the US has led to cultural diversity
within the Armenian population, but Christianity, the church,
the language, unique cultural experiences and historical events
such as the Genocide are strong uniting factors for all
Armenians.
On the level of the individual, all three respondents discussed
the impact of cultural identity, acculturation, and adjustment
issues.
Family
Trauma
Substance use
Demographics
2010 US Census estimates approximately half a
million Armenians currently reside in the US.
Many scholars suggest that this number is an
underestimate and that, in fact, the number
of
Armenians
residing in
the US is most likely between
1,200,000 and 1,500,000.
2008-2012 California Estimate
Demographics by Region
US Bureau Fact Finder
History/Background
Originating from the region of Eurasia, which
currently includes Turkey, the Republic of Armenia,
and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Armenians have
survived genocide, war, earthquakes, and a
diaspora.
April of 1915, Armenians were subjected to mass
deportation and massacre in what is now known as
one of the worst genocides in world history.
Participants
The three Key Informants for the Armenian
community included a lawyer, mental health
provider (LCSW), and a psychiatrist.
All three are Armenian American who have worked
extensively with the Armenian community providing
professional services as well as leadership and
advocacy for their communities.
Two of the participants hold prominent leadership
positions in Armenian advocacy organizations
(biographical statements for participants - Appendix B)
.
Findings:
Needs and Challenges
Many Armenians have been exposed to
trauma such as the earthquake of 1988.
These experiences likely contribute to high
levels of stress and mental health problems.
Hard Working – Professionals, Small Business
Owners, Laborers
“
Armenians often prefer to conduct
business with other Armenians and to
obtain mental health care from
Armenian American providers.”
“
They came with a lot of emotional stress and hardships
they had to overcome. They had to start their life from
scratch. Whether they were exposed to traumatic events
or had to endure losses. They are already traumatized
and are carrying that in their background.
”
Findings:
Strengths and Assets
Culture and tradition
Religion is Important, community is the extended
family
Family values are strong
“
Key informants suggested that for Armenian
Americans family bonds and loyalty are
critical and family support often serves to
buffer individuals from the stresses of poverty
and acculturation.
”
Findings:
Recommendations
Build on Existing Community Resources
Outreach and Education
Workforce Development
“
[Increase immersion programs for]
Armenian youth when they go to
college. They are not prepared to
enter a new environment that they
are not familiar with.
”
“
building on cultural strengths and existing
assets, providing outreach, engagement, and
education to combat stigma, and increasing
workforce and resources for mental health
services.
”
Emma Oshagan Provider of
Mental Health Services
Emma Oshagan
eoshagan@gmail.com
(626) 840-9957
The Armenian community in the US reflects a diverse background shaped by historical events like the Genocide. Despite facing challenges such as immigration waves and trauma, Armenian organizations strive to provide crucial services amidst growing population estimates. Key informants shed light on cultural identity, acculturation, and adjustment issues within the community.
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Presentation Transcript
Culture and Mental Health: Exploring Challenges and Resiliency for Diverse Communities The California MHSA Multicultural Coalition September 30, 2015 Carlsbad, CA
Armenian Community: The initial wave of immigration precipitated by the genocide was followed by continued stream of immigration to the US by Armenians from all over the world. Political unrest in Iran in the 1950s and in Lebanon in the 1970s created a surge in immigration from these countries. In the 70 s Armenians from Soviet Armenia immigrated to the US as refugees seeking political asylum. Armenian community based agencies currently equipped to provide services are often overtaxed.
Introduction to Community and Definitions The variety of the backgrounds of the Armenian immigrant community in California and the US has led to cultural diversity within the Armenian population, but Christianity, the church, the language, unique cultural experiences and historical events such as the Genocide are strong uniting factors for all Armenians. On the level of the individual, all three respondents discussed the impact of cultural identity, acculturation, and adjustment issues. Family Trauma Substance use
Demographics 2010 US Census estimates approximately half a million Armenians currently reside in the US. Many scholars suggest that this number is an underestimate and that, in fact, the numberof Armeniansresiding inthe US is most likely between 1,200,000 and 1,500,000.
2008-2012 California Estimate Demographics by Region Los Angeles County 182,677 The Bay Area 11,552 San Diego County Fresno County 9,823 4,827 Sacramento County Orange County 8,475 4,059 US Bureau Fact Finder
History/Background Originating from the region of Eurasia, which currently includes Turkey, the Republic of Armenia, and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Armenians have survived genocide, war, earthquakes, and a diaspora. April of 1915, Armenians were subjected to mass deportation and massacre in what is now known as one of the worst genocides in world history.
Participants The three Key Informants for the Armenian community included a lawyer, mental health provider (LCSW), and a psychiatrist. All three are Armenian American who have worked extensively with the Armenian community providing professional services as well as leadership and advocacy for their communities. Two of the participants hold prominent leadership positions in Armenian advocacy organizations (biographical statements for participants - Appendix B).
Findings: Needs and Challenges Many Armenians have been exposed to trauma such as the earthquake of 1988. These experiences likely contribute to high levels of stress and mental health problems. They came with a lot of emotional stress and hardships they had to overcome. They had to start their life from scratch. Whether they were exposed to traumatic events or had to endure losses. They are already traumatized and are carrying that in their background. Hard Working Professionals, Small Business Owners, Laborers Armenians often prefer to conduct business with other Armenians and to obtain mental health care from Armenian American providers.
Findings: Strengths and Assets Culture and tradition Religion is Important, community is the extended family Family values are strong Key informants suggested that for Armenian Americans family bonds and loyalty are critical and family support often serves to buffer individuals from the stresses of poverty and acculturation.
Findings: Recommendations Build on Existing Community Resources Outreach and Education building on cultural strengths and existing assets, providing outreach, engagement, and education to combat stigma, and increasing workforce and resources for mental health services. Workforce Development [Increase immersion programs for] Armenian youth when they go to college. They are not prepared to enter a new environment that they are not familiar with.
Emma Oshagan Provider of Mental Health Services The brilliant Emma. An advocate for Armenian mental health. 7/12 Emma Oshagan eoshagan@gmail.com (626) 840-9957
