What’s Behind the Surge in Suicide Among Asian American Youth?

Suicide is now the leading cause of death for Asian Americans between the ages of 15 and 24, according to a recent report from NBC News, with rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth rising sharply over the last two decades. For young AAPI women the suicide rate has risen an unbelievable 125%. For boys 10 to 19 it’s up 72%. But how exactly is this happening? Why are so many young people now in crisis?

Well, to begin with, let’s start with the whole “model minority” myth, this idea that Asian Americans are somehow naturally high achievers, which yeah, sounds kind of flattering at first, but truth is, it can actually by pretty deadly. Lurking beneath that glossy stereotype hides a very real and potentially very serious mental health challenge. When people expect someone to be flawless, where do they go when they’re not? When they’re falling apart inside and it feels as if they’re breaking some kind of unspoken rule, they hide their pain instead. They push through it. They tell themselves it’ll all be fine because asking for help feels like failing.

Then there’s the academic and cultural pressure that so many young Asian Americans grow up with, this overwhelming sense of duty to excel. To make their parents proud. To never bring shame to the family. That can be suffocating, with many relegating mental health to the back seat in exchange for perfect grades, the right college, or a successful career.

Oh, and recent rises in racism and xenophobia have only made things worse. Since the pandemic Anti-Asian hate has spiked, leaving many young AAPI people feeling unsafe and isolated. Imagine growing up in a world that constantly questions whether or not you belong. Add in the cultural stigma around mental illness, the idea that it’s a weakness or something you should “tough out”, and it’s no wonder why so many are suffering in silence. Culturally competent care is rare, and even when it’s available, language and cultural barriers often make help feel out of reach.

Experts say that getting the right kind of help starts with seeing the AAPI community with all of its diversity and complexity. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We need open conversations that break down stigma. We need more therapists who get the cultural dynamics, who understand what it means to live between generations and expectations. And we need schools and community groups that are actually equipped to help kids navigate these unique pressures. This crisis isn’t invisible anymore. The numbers show that and serve as a wake-up call, but the answer starts with empathy, awareness, and care that truly meets people who are suffering where they are.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t wait. Call or text 988 anytime in the U.S. or Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. You are not alone.

Photo by Li Lin/Unsplash