Why Don’t Desi People Talk about Mental Health? (feat. Vasavi Kumar)

**This episode does contain explicit language, so please take that into consideration prior to listening**

In this episode, we talk about mental health and its relation to Desi culture. Like honestly, why the HELL doesn't our culture (parents + ourselves included) feel comfortable bringing up issues of anxiety and depression? We also dig a bit into the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput and how that's bringing even more light to the importance of mental health. We end the episode by interviewing Vasavi Kumar (MEd, LMSW), who has struggled with addiction and mental health and overcome these challenges. Hearing her perspective is truly enlightening. 

Vasavi's Instagram: @mynameisvasavi

Lori Santos' Podcast on Mental Health: The Happiness Lab

Relevant Memes and Bollywood Scenes: 

NOTE: We've hyperlinked the memes referenced in the show below, but they are usually only "click-able" when you listen to the podcast via Apple podcasts on your phone.

02:13 – [MEME Reference] - "For Desi People, Mental Health is Like Fight Club" - Cause, let's face it, we all agree with this. 

07:49 – [MOVIE Reference] – Chhichhore Scene: RIP Sushant Singh Rajput. 

18:42 - [INTERVIEW] - Great insights from Vasavi Kumar

21:46 - Recommendations for Anyone Struggling with Mental Health Struggles

27:18 - How to Deal With the Stigma of Mental Health ("log kya kahenge?")

33:00 - How to Deal with Desis Who May Not Understand "Mental Health?"