Imogen Barnes
Imogen Barnes
Cultural Influences That Complicate Experiencing A Mental Illness w/ Varsha Yajman
Cultural Influences That Complicate Experiencing A Mental Illness w/ Varsha Yajman
Cultural Influences That Complicate Experiencing A Mental Illness w/ Varsha Yajman
Sunday 10th April 2022
Varsha Yajman discusses her mental health journey, exploring cultural complexities and emphasizing self-compassion on IMPOWERED: ED & MH Recovery.
57 minutes
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Imogen Barnes
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Empowering Recovery Journeys
Recovery Reimagined
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Cultural Complexities in Mental Health: Varsha Yajman's Story
It was like that time my family was like, okay, we obviously need to do something here, and I think that was a breaking point where it started affecting other things in my life and not just like me thinking about it all the time, where obviously that did have an effect.
Imagine navigating the stormy seas of mental health challenges while also contending with cultural expectations and stigma. That's exactly what Varsha Yajman, a passionate mental health and climate justice advocate, shares in this episode of IMPOWERED: ED & MH Recovery. Varsha’s lived experience as a person of color adds an extra layer of complexity to her mental health journey, making her story both unique and deeply relatable.
She dives into how cultural influences and family dynamics can shape one's experience with mental illness, often adding barriers to accessing support. Varsha also discusses the impact of generational differences and the stigma surrounding mental health within her community. She sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of normalizing diets and weight loss, which can exacerbate eating disorders. Throughout the episode, Varsha emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and validation, urging listeners to disconnect their self-worth from academic or productivity achievements.
Her story is a powerful reminder that everyone's mental health journey is different, and understanding these cultural nuances can lead to better support and empathy. If you're interested in how culture intersects with mental health, or if you’re looking for practical tips on self-care and compassion, this episode is a must-listen.