Is it just me or does it feel like the world has collectively decided to implode? I mean, a debilitating global tech crash, a catastrophic genocide that continues to rage on, climate change making NYC feel like a furnace, while large swaths of the West Coast are actually engulfed in flames, I could go on, but you get it.
Then I open social media for some distraction, only to be greeted by mindfulness gurus, health & wellness bloggers, a life coach, and everyone in between telling you the benefits of journaling, the miracles of manifesting, the newest IV spa treatment that can reduce your anxiety… and it hit me suddenly — mental health and well-being is a HUGE privilege! And yet, it is presented to us in a way that makes it seem like you’re not doing anything right if you don’t have it all going for you.
Mindfulness is the Lululemon of Mental Health
Let's face it, mindfulness is everywhere these days. It's the perfect #selfcare Sunday Instagram post, the trendy meditation app you keep forgetting to use(guilty as charged!), and the "solution" your co-worker throws at you when you mention feeling overwhelmed.
I’ve been pondering about the fact that mindfulness, often presented as the cure-all for anxiety and stress, is in fact a privilege that is yours to experience only if you belong to a certain section of society. Think about it:
Free Time Fancy: Sitting in silence for 20 minutes surrounded by nature’s serenity sounds great, but not everyone has the luxury to experience it, when you're juggling work, bills, and a screaming toddler perhaps!
Financial Fitness: Meditation apps and retreats cost a lot of money, which is not feasible for many among us. It almost feels like everyone is looking at an escape route from real life!
The "Perfect Peace" Trap: Like I was saying, social media makes mindfulness look effortless, with influencers radiating zen vibes. The reality? It's hard work, and feeling like a failure when you can't achieve instant enlightenment isn't exactly helpful.
So, what now?
Mindfulness is a useful tool, I cannot deny it, since it is exactly what got me started on my journey to healing, but as someone who has had access to it at varying degrees in recent years, here’s what I’m committing to doing.
Acknowledge the Privilege
Focus on Equity: Affordable mental health resources and accessible coping mechanisms should be the norm, not the exception. This is something that I have faced firsthand. Like sorry, you’re a great therapist but no, I cannot afford $250 a session for something weekly.
Expand the Conversation: There is no one-size-fits-all, so let’s celebrate diverse self-care practices that meet everyone's individual needs.
Practice Empathy: Listen to those struggling, even if their experiences differ from yours.
Be a Resource: Share mental health hotlines, support groups, or free/low-cost therapy options within your circle. If you’re looking for affordable therapy options, since the beginning of my journey I’ve explored a few and found KIP: they offer sliding scale services for as low as $65 an hour for quality therapists.
What are your thoughts on mental health privilege? Share your experiences (good or bad) in the comments below or just hit reply to this email and it’ll land straight in my inbox.
☎️ London Calling
Speaking of creating a space where everyone, regardless of background, can find the support they need to thrive. Through the podcast, I’ve had the pleasure of having #chaiversations with incredible women whose values are firmly set around purpose and impact.
One such guest, is Ragini Jha, the founder of Cardamom Counselling, from season 2 of the podcast. Ragini is a qualified counselor (BACP) and has worked in a variety of clinical and educational spaces around the world. With a background that includes psychological research at Harvard University and the London School of Economics. She is also trained in cultural-relational, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
What stands out to me is Ragini’s approach, she’s on a mission to build a community of like-minded folks in the London area that extends beyond her counseling services to thoughtfully curated IRL community events.
She just announced an incredible opportunity for folks in the UK, students, new immigrants, and whoever else needs it — lower cost, online sessions, a great way to make counseling more accessible while fairly compensating trainee counselors.
If you know anyone who has been looking for culturally competent mental health services, please send them our way. All trainees are BACP members and receive regular clinical supervision. - Ragini Jha
PS: If you're based in London, her monthly workshops are simply the best!
In the final episode of this season, we sit down with Ektha Aggarwal, a licensed clinical health worker. She is a distinguished mental health leader, pioneering holistic therapies at Shakti Therapy and Healing Services, and addressing the unique needs of the South Asian community as the Founder of Jiva Mental Health.
Here’s an exclusive sneak peek! Here Ektha’s talking about the importance of exercise on our mental health, and we share a light moment talking about how going on walks after a meal is something everyone in the South Asian community does!
The meat of the episode is talking about holistic mental health, the techniques, the benefits, and why it is one of the most effective forms of therapy that takes into consideration your entire being - physical, mental, and spiritual.
If you’ve enjoyed our newsletter, please consider sharing this with your like-minded friends. We’re building a tight-knit community of listeners from across the globe; chances are other South Asian women like you might be interested in the kind of #chaiversations we’re having.
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