The "Stories of Stigma" podcast aids conversations
In the South Asian community, mental health is often avoided and stigmatised.
Individuals grappling with mental health issues are frequently labelled as “weak” or “crazy”, contributing to a culture of silence and denial.
Consequently, essential discussions are neglected and overshadowed by societal stigma and misconceptions.
This discourages individuals from seeking necessary support and perpetuates feelings of shame and isolation.
This reluctance to acknowledge mental health concerns fosters a cycle of fear and misunderstanding.
In light of these entrenched attitudes, there is a pressing need to recognise and support organisations actively working to dismantle this taboo.
Shakti
Shakti facilitates dialogue, offering support, and sharing diverse perspectives.
With a specific focus on the South Asian community, Shakti aims to create a welcoming environment for individuals who have endured trauma, emphasising a sense of belonging and community.
The organisation seeks to normalise discussions about mental wellness within South Asian culture, reassuring individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.
Shakti’s overarching mission is to address cultural barriers, stigma, and intergenerational trauma.
Through engagement, Shakti aims to establish a framework for open dialogue.
They offer personal testimonials, South Asian practitioner lists, and numerous resources to help with all elements involved in tackling such issues.
Find out more about Shakti here.
MannMukti
MannMukti, which translates to “mental liberation” in Hindi, promotes healthy and open discussions on South Asian mental issues.
Established in May 2017, MannMukti serves as a storytelling platform for the South Asian diaspora.
The organisation prioritises sharing authentic narratives of South Asian experiences to cultivate a culture of empathy and acceptance.
By showcasing the diverse manifestations of mental illness within the community, MannMukti aims to challenge the tendency to overlook these concerns due to societal pressures.
MannMukti leverages social media and digital connectivity through its online platform and various events to create an accessible community.
Visitors to the MannMukti website encounter a range of real-life stories depicting South Asian journeys, providing solace and solidarity to those who may be struggling.
The “Stories of Stigma” podcast aids conversations with experts in South Asian mental health, offering valuable perspectives.
In addition to educational content on conditions and treatments, MannMukti provides updates on scientific advancements and explores the intersection of immigration, South Asian culture, and mental well-being.
Check them out here.
Umeed Psychology
Operating as both a social enterprise and private practice, Umeed Psychology is steadfast in its commitment to delivering accessible, culturally sensitive services to those in need.
With a firm belief in the importance of equitable access to care, the organisation tirelessly strives to address gaps within Australia’s mental health system through a multicultural lens.
Comprised of passionate and skilled professionals, the team is devoted to providing:
- Comprehensive prevention
- Intervention
- Postvention services
- Catering to different linguistics
Umeed Psychology offers a range of services including counselling, workshops, consulting, student mentorship, literacy programs, and community engagement initiatives.
See more of Umeed Psychology’s work here.
Asian Mental Health Collective
Mental health challenges are not isolated to individuals; this is particularly evident among cultures that prioritise collectivism.
The Asian Mental Health Collective (AMHC) aims to bridge these divides, recognising the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing progressive notions of mental wellness.
AMHC advocates for an integration of shared cultural backgrounds with modern ideals, balancing collectivist principles with individual agency.
Central to this mission is fostering understanding through various initiatives, including a Facebook group, resource library, video web series, and meetup groups.
Through these platforms, AMHC not only offers support but also facilitates crucial conversations necessary for collective progress.
The organisation is guided by collaborating with mental health professionals and organisations and celebrating stories within the Asian community.
Find out more information here.
South Asian Youth Mental Health
The South Asian Youth Mental Health initiative comprises a group from Calgary, Canada.
The emerging professionals hail from diverse medical, counselling psychology, science, and engineering backgrounds.
They are committed to shifting attitudes surrounding mental health in South Asian culture.
With South Asians constituting the largest visible minority in Canada, and Calgary boasting the third-largest South Asian population in the country, the initiative holds significant potential to effect change.
To achieve their goals, the initiative offers self-assessment tools, mentorship programs, and collaborations on social media.
They address a range of issues within South Asian culture, from childhood trauma to domestic abuse and drug addiction, to provide support and education to their community.
Check their website out here.
In conclusion, the efforts of organisations dedicated to breaking the mental health taboo within South Asian communities are both commendable and crucial.
Through these initiatives, strides are being made to foster open dialogue, provide support, and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.
These organisations recognise the unique cultural nuances and challenges faced by South Asians, offering tailored resources.
The collective efforts of these organisations are instrumental in creating a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for South Asian communities worldwide.
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