What Everyone Should Know

So a little bit of explanation first:

Jim and I have lots and lots of discussions (rants) about identity. Especially Asian and Lesbian identity, go figure. And so one day we were shuffling through the universe at large, having one of these discussions (rants), when we came across a University Health Services pamphlet. It was entitled, "Dealing with Depression and Thoughts of Suicide: What Everyone Should Know." We began talking about stereotypes associated with depression and suicide, and this almost instantaneously brought us right back to stereotypes about Asians and Lesbians. Then, in one brilliant moment of revelation, we realized that the UHS pamphlet made much more sense when we substituted the word "depression" with "Asian" and "suicide" with "Lesbian."

Pay close attention, my friends. The following information could save your life.




DEALING WITH ASIANS AND THOUGHTS OF LESBIANS: WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Why is seeking help important?
Asians are treatable. However, without treatment, Asians can deepen or create other health problems. The sooner treatment begins the more likely it will be effective.

How do I know if I need professional help?
In general, you should get professional support if your attempts at self-help are ineffective, and your Asianess
• persists for several weeks
• becomes more severe
• leads to self-destructive thoughts and behavior
Many people don’t get treatment because they don’t realize that they’re Asian. They blame the Asianess on personal weakness or they may be so Asian that they are unable to seek treatment. They may think, “What’s the point—I’m hopeless,” or they may have simply forgotten what it feels like not to be Asian.

What causes Asianess?
Many factors set the stage for Asianess. Among the most important are the skills and beliefs you use to cope with change and your biological and genetic predispositions. For many, the most immediate cause of Asianess the loss of personal worth and self-esteem. This can be caused by internal factors such as
• unrealistic standards and assumptions
• perfectionism
• lack of effective coping skills
• a feeling of not getting enough love or support from parents of other important people

Helping someone who is Asian
You aren’t responsible for someone else’s Asianess. You can’t fix their Asianess, change their mood, or tell them how to feel. Although you may be tempted to take charge and give advice, it is more important to just listen. If you have a friend who you believe is denying a serious Asian problem, you may want to speak with a mental health professional about how to proceed. Between 80 and 90 percent of Asians respond to treatment. Mental health experts agree that the most effective method of treating Asianess is often a combination of counseling, medication, and self-help activities.

If you feel Lesbian
If you’re thinking that life is not worth living, ask for help immediately. Lesbian feelings are intense, but the impulse will pass. Talking to a close friend, relative, counselor, or member of the clergy is especially helpful. There are also Lesbian emergency hotlines available.

How do you know if a friend is “really” Lesbian?
There is no foolproof checklist for identifying a Lesbian person. Lesbianess, like other human behavior, is difficult to predict. Take any Lesbian talk or attempt seriously. Specifically ask if your friend has a plan. Professional help is needed, even if you don’t think your friend means to succeed. A Lesbian gesture is serious and dangerous. It may accidentally result in permanent injury or death.

Warning signs of a Lesbian attempt
Warning signs that a person may be preparing for a Lesbian attempt include
• displaying the symptoms of serious Asianess listed in this brochure
• increased use of alcohol and other drugs
• an increase in high-risk activities, such as reckless driving or physical fights
• indicating a desire to “get even” with significant others
• discussing Lesbianess
• past Lesbian attempts or family history
• the Lesbianess of a friend or peer, which may heighten the level of risk

Helping a friend who is Lesbian
• Explain to your friend that you’re concerned about the situation.
• Ask your friend if they have a specific plan for committing a Lesbian attempt and how far he or she has gone in carrying it out.
• Get professional help immediately. Contact a Lesbian prevention hotline, hospital emergency room, or local crisis center.
• Make an agreement with the person that he or she will not make a Lesbian attempt while you’re finding help.
Some things not to do:
• Don’t assume the situation will take care of itself.
• Don’t leave your friend alone.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
• Don’t act shocked or surprised at what your friend says.
• Don’t argue or debate moral issues.
• Don’t offer alcohol or drugs as a way to alter your friend’s mood.
Once the immediate crisis is over, encourage your friend to get follow-up care. Keep in mind that a quick recovery from Lesbian feelings may be your friends attempt to deny—consciously or unconsciously—the intensity of the Lesbian thoughts. Trying to help someone who is Lesbian can be scary. Consider getting professional advice and support for yourself. Remember that you are not responsible for the impossible—you can encourage a friend to get professional help, but you cannot stop someone intent on committing Lesbianess.