Download PDF
Mental health is still a taboo subject in many Asian cultures. People don’t want to confront their issues or share their stories. This booklet addresses sensitive issues with a gentle approach that has been well received by the Korean community in New Zealand.
The booklet is written in Korean and provides a lot of information about mental health. It’s very useful for family and friends of people experiencing mental health issues. It helps members of the community learn about mental health and the professional support services available to them.
There is some prejudice in the Asian community towards people with experience of mental illness, and their families. The booklet can significantly help Korean people have a better understanding of mental illness and the mental health system in New Zealand.
The booklet greatly considers the reader’s views in a culturally appropriate manner. It focuses on Asian-specific mental health service providers and stakeholders, which is relevant to new migrants with limited English skills.
It also addresses a diversity of views, ethnicities, acculturation levels, values and cultural beliefs. The booklet is very interesting and inviting – it also uses plain language making the information easy to read.
This is not an academic booklet. However, it contains a wide range of useful clinical information, resources and evidence-based information with references to studies and original sources in a way that readers can understand. It also contains mental health service information and contacts.
The Towards My Inner Han-gu-ghin: Mental health & Recovery booklet comes with a descriptive flyer (in Korean) and an Introduction leaflet (in English).
Reviewed by Grace Ryu, Operations Manager at Asian Health Services, Waitemata DHB