Hmong Mental Health

03/10/2026

Today I was reminded of the challenges and courage it takes to view mental health through the lens of Hmong culture. I know this is a longer post, but I hope it can offer understanding, guidance, and support for anyone navigating this journey.

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When speaking with Hmong elders about mental health care, it helps to explain it in a way that connects with our cultural beliefs about balance, spirit, and guidance — not only Western ideas about mental health.

In Hmong understanding, when a person struggles with behavior, emotions, or life stress, it may be because the heart feels heavy, the mind is troubled, or the spirit feels lost, especially after hardship, loss, or growing up without enough support. This does not mean the person is bad. It means they may need more guidance, care, and support from both family and those trained to help.

A mental health clinician does not replace family, culture, or spiritual healing. They simply are another helper, similar to when we seek guidance from elders or a txiv neeb to help bring understanding, calm, and balance. Mental health clinicians gives a person a safe place to talk, understand their feelings, learn control, and find peace so they can do better in life, at home, and in relationships.

Sometimes it is easier to open up to a professional than to family, not because the family is doing anything wrong, but because the person may feel shy, ashamed, or worried about causing pain to the people they love. Out of respect, many keep their true feelings inside.

It is important to remember that mental health clinicians can work together with Hmong beliefs, family guidance, and spiritual practices. When a mental health clinicians understands Hmong culture, trust comes easier, families feel respected, and the relationship becomes more collaborative — which often leads to stronger support and better outcomes for the individual.

02/09/2026

Join Us for: Transition Planning for Adulthood: Presented by Lifeworks Services, Inc. 🌟
Part of the Elevate & Empower: UHD Community Education Series

We’re inviting Hmong individuals and families living with disability to a free virtual workshop created for learning, sharing, and community connection.

📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM (CT)
📍 Online via Zoom

This workshop will be led by Keeri Tramm of Lifeworks Services, Inc., who brings both lived experience and professional expertise in Transition Planning for Adulthood. UHD is excited to host this virtual training focused on helping children and youth with disabilities prepare for adulthood.

Together, we will learn about transition planning, share stories, ask questions, and support one another as a community. The session will include a presentation, built-in breaks, buffer time, and an interactive Q&A.

Keeri Tramm, Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks Services, Inc., is an Autistic professional and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. She brings both lived experience and professional expertise across nonprofit and for-profit sectors to advance equity, belonging, and empowerment for the disability community.

💛 Learn about Transition Planning for Adulthood
💬 Share stories and ask questions
🌱 Connect with others who understand
🏠 Join from home via Zoom

♿ Accessibility:
ASL interpretation available upon request. Please note access needs when you register.

📝 Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to receive the Zoom link and help us plan a welcoming accessible space.

👉 Register to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/NrdD5EF3oFEro5Gi6

✨ Who this space is for:
Hmong people with disabilities and Hmong parents, caregivers, and family members of disabled loved ones.

📧 Questions? Email us at unitedhmongwithdisabilities@gmail.com

Let’s learn, grow, and support one another—together. 💙

01/17/2026

We should talk about our mental health the same way we talk about our physical health—as a normal, open conversation, because it is just as important.

Peb yuav tsum tham txog peb txoj kev nyuaj siab thiab kev ntxhov siab ib yam li peb tham txog peb txoj kev noj qab haus huv - sib tham qhib siab, sib pab txhawb siab, vim nws tseem ceeb ib yam.

01/17/2026

We should talk about our mental health the same way we talk about our physical health—as a normal, open conversation, because it is just as important.

Peb yuav tsum tham txog peb txoj kev nyuaj siab thiab kev ntxhov siab ib yam li peb tham txog peb txoj kev noj qab haus huv - sib tham qhib siab, sib pab txhawb siab, vim nws tseem ceeb ib yam.

01/14/2026

01/14/2026

Minnesota Needs Healing, Not Fear ✊🏽❤️

Right now, our communities in Minnesota are experiencing deep trauma, fear, and uncertainty due to the ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of thousands of federal agents across the Twin Cities. 

This isn’t just a political crisis — it’s a mental health crisis:

• Families are afraid to seek basic care and services because of ICE presence in places like hospitals and clinics. 
• Kids are having their learning disrupted, and child care providers say children are traumatized by what’s happening around them. 
• School districts have offered remote learning to protect students’ safety and well-being. 
• So many of our neighbors — documented and undocumented — feel terrorized, anxious, and unsafe in their own communities.

Mental health professionals know that fear, unpredictability, and lack of safety are direct drivers of anxiety, depression, trauma responses, and community distress.

That’s why we call for:

🕊️ Accountability, transparency, and de-escalation of enforcement tactics
🤝 Community-led supports — including culturally responsive crisis care
🗣️ Spaces for people to talk about what they’re feeling without judgment
💚 Solidarity and tangible support for those most impacted

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally during this time:

📞 Reach out to local crisis lines/ 988 / behavioral health supports
🧑‍⚕️ Access trusted mental health care
👥 Connect with community groups offering peer support and mutual aid

Our strength lies in our compassion. Let’s stand for justice and mental well-being together. 💛

01/01/2026

Hmong Mental Health — 2025 in Review 💚
As we reflect on 2025, we are deeply grateful for the trust of our community. This year, we were honored to provide 800+ patient visits, supporting mental health through culturally responsive, compassionate, and holistic care. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you and your families. We look forward to continuing this work together in 2026.

Happy New Year!

12/19/2025

The holidays and new year can be emotionally challenging—for many, this is completely normal. We’re sharing a gentle mental health perspective and practical support.

"New Year, Holidays, & Mental Health: When Fresh Start Feels Heavy"

December 19th, 2025 l Roseline Yang, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

11/08/2025

🌟 Volunteers Needed – Be the Heart of Our Community! 🌟

UHD will once again have a booth at the MN Hmong New Year 2025–2026, and we’re looking for passionate, community-minded individuals to join us!

Help make this year’s event a joyful, inclusive celebration of culture, connection, and disability inclusion. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone who simply cares about disability justice, your time and energy can make a real impact.

🎒 Bring your enthusiasm! Greet guests, share resources, and help create a welcoming space for disabled community members and their families.

✨ Volunteer Information – Please Read Before Signing Up!

1️⃣ Volunteers should be 18 years or older.
2️⃣ Volunteers who serve at least 3 hours per day will receive a $20 food voucher as a thank-you for their time and support.
3️⃣ Please note: UHD will not reimburse admission or parking fees.

📋 More details can be found on the Volunteer Sign-Up Form. Please read carefully before submitting your application!

💙 Ready to make a difference?
Sign up to volunteer today and be part of a meaningful movement toward disability inclusion and community connection.
👉Sign-up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW7fDQiPvmtbpGXE8ZvLMLAmScqMPE56i-eWqT8kbhafwXQA/viewform

11/07/2025

It’s Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health, including mental health. Many dads struggle in silence, feeling pressure to stay strong for their families. But taking care of your mental health is one of the best ways to care for those you love. To read more, visit: https://www.familyaware.org/mental-health-for-dads-how-is-your-mood-affecting-your-family/

10/27/2025

Join us for the MNZZ Youth Mental Health Conference.

Kuv Lub Suab is a day designed by youth, for youth. Together, we’ll:
~ Create safe spaces for connection and healing
~ Uplift youth voices and lived experiences
~ Engage in fun activities that build resilience and awareness
~ Spark conversations that lead to real change in our communities

Event is FREE and designed for youth and parents.
- Free Admission
- Food Provided
- Scan QR code to register or register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_CFKQZSCFsXfGfm95s192dCp2i8Pgi41HhbLNAu-MpSNVGg/viewform

Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1329681975182061?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

10/10/2025