The Story
Things I Never Said follows the lives of four Asian Americans and their mental health journeys.
Not only are we exploring the reasons why people choose to stay in isolation, but also how familial cultural differences and the model minority myth fuel social and academic pressures put on Asian Americans.
This story is also guided by a community art installation as a therapeutic release for the subjects and the local Los Angeles community to collectively share our mental health struggles.
2.2MAsian Americans live with a diagnosable mental illness1
ONLY 3.4%visit a mental health specialist2
Leaving 2,125,200 Asian Americans
undiagnosed and untreated
The People
KAREL
Military veteran. Currently a college student.
Pattie
Physical therapist and singer-songwriter.
Nolan
Realtor and a senior substance use disorder counselor.
Ravina
Mental health therapist.
"I thought my depression and anxiety were just hands that life dealt me. It's not until I opened up about my struggles that I realized I was not alone in this fight"
- Wendy Wang
Director of Things I Never Said
The Narrative
Personal Stories
Four young Asian Americans and their mental health journeys
Professionals
Mental health and research professionals
Friends & Family
The friends and family members of the four individuals
Art installation
A local art installation making mental health a visual and visceral experience for all
Why Is This Important?
These stories focus on amplifying Asian American voices and the community; however, mental health is something that we all struggle with, no matter what your ethnicity is.
To make this documentary we need your financial support to:
EMPOWER
Those struggling to feel safe to have conversations about mental health with their friends and family.
INSPIRE
Individuals to take small steps toward healing.
SUPPORT
Younger generations to seek help and to speak up.
1. “Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities and Mental Health.” Mental Health America, 30 June 2016, www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/asian-americanpacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health.
2. Jang, Yuri. Final Report of the Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL). Asian American Quality of Life, 2016, www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Communications/4.2_FINAL_AA_in_Austin_report_from_UT.pdf.