Mental health issues have frequently been perceived as nonexistent in South Asian communities. We are least likely to seek help due to stigma until the situation reaches a level of crisis. In this episode, we want to create an open dialogue to discuss mental health and how the South Asian community is working to break down cultural barriers around discussing mental health. 

This episode has a strong focus on self-love and mental wellbeing whilst focusing on how we can all implement small steps to help us in our daily lives. We want this podcast to offer listeners a safe space to learn about anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Sahar and I break down the two types of illnesses, discuss our personal experiences, the joys of therapy, and the little judgmental auntie who lives inside us all. We need to educate ourselves, and all of us need to do our part in dismantling the stigma around mental health in our community and promote practical tips for finding balance and healing.

Sahar and I hope those who are listening to our show today will take this issue deeply and do something in their power to break the stigma. We hope more people will speak openly about what they are experiencing and seek professional help without the fear of judgment or discrimination. 

Listeners, please keep listening to our podcast- between friends and family. You will find all of our episodes on Spotify, Apple, and on different podcast apps. Please like, share, and comment. We are doing this podcast for you, for our community members. And please keep listening and share our link with your friends and stay in touch with us through the Instagram page.

Mental Health Resources We Love:

1. @Soyouwanttotalkabout made a really great post I wanted to reference: Here are 5 things you can do for your mental health this week to take care of yourself. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPyKdY8nA-y

2. Here are 8 healthy habits to embrace for your mental health! https://www.instagram.com/p/CPN2F_ontTx/

3. I DON’T MIND: Co-founded by an actor (Chris Wood) who lost his father to suicide. IDONTMIND is a mental health awareness campaign and lifestyle brand working to defeat the stigma around mental illness. Their goal is to get people talking about their minds and to generate positive messaging about mental health. https://idontmind.com/

4. Psychology Today: You can use it to find therapists near you. Psychology Today is the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online. It is the original and largest publishing enterprise that is exclusively dedicated to human behavior. PsychologyToday.com is the world’s largest portal to psychotherapy; it includes free access to thousands of professionals. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us?tr=Hdr_Brand

5. I AM app: How often do negative thoughts endlessly repeat in your mind each day? Daily affirmations help rewire our brains, build self-esteem and change negative thought patterns. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/i-am-daily-affirmations/id874656917