asha international mental health

We Give Hope

Hope is real. Change is possible.

Hope is real. Change is possible.

Nearly 30 percent of American medical students are depressed, and one in 10 have thought about suicide. And it’s actually even worse for practicing physicians. There’s widespread job dissatisfaction, high rates of depression, and doctors have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession in the United Sates. ASHA Storyteller Diane Kaufman, MD is a poet, artist, and Child Psychiatrist. She is also a suicide survivor, and has Bipolar II Disorder. Diane wants to share her story to break the silence & end the stigma surrounding mental illness. And remind us all that hope is real, and change is...
3 tips to navigate through these difficult times

3 tips to navigate through these difficult times

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a severe impact on my mental health. I am unable to go to school and finish off my senior year the way I had dreamed of for the last four years. I am unable to leave the house unless I am working or need “essential goods”. Staying at home has been extremely overwhelming to the point where I’ve needed to leave home for the sake of my own mental health. I’ve learned to put my mental health first. I realized that being stuck at home all day with people that were not supportive or understanding of my situation whatsoever was detrimental to my mental health. I was so angry and anxious all the time, and when I realized when the root of the problem was, I was able to pinpoint it and fix it. While I can’t go out with my friends, we are definitely staying in contact over Face Time and text. It is very important to me to check in with my friends to make sure that they are okay and doing well during this time as well. I also really enjoy keeping in contact with my school whether that be my principal, teachers, administrators, school counselors, etc. It makes me very happy when I see an email or a message from someone I really look up to at my school because it is a constant reminder that they have not forgotten about me. Here are 3 tips I want to share with you as we navigate through these difficult times: Hope you find them helpful. Try something new: pick up a...
Daring To Say I Am Not Okay

Daring To Say I Am Not Okay

Can a person be not okay and okay at the same time? I want the answer to be “yes” and I do believe this is possible. I want it to be because I am not feeling okay. The coronavirus pandemic is a reality. Here’s a glimpse into my mind’s confusion. It starts like this: I am a child psychiatrist and I am supposed to feel and be okay. This is what my “tyranny of should” tells me. I mean if I don’t feel okay how can I be of help to someone who feels the same or even worse? My inner critic tells me that I should be coping par excellence and not be grappling with anxiety, fear, and sorrow. Or if I do, only a little, not for too long, and it must not interfere with my life. My inner judge also tells me compared with the world’s sorrow and families who are burying their loved ones in the hundreds of thousands, what do I have to feel sad or bad about? Don’t you feel ashamed of yourself? Stop the insipid wallowing. Who do you think you are? What if your colleagues knew you felt this way? Better keep those thoughts and emotions hidden. Be silent. Show only strength. Be a role model of resilience. I’m a mother and isn’t it my job to be strong for my daughter? As a grandmother aren’t I supposed to bring happiness and not a hint of sadness when I arrive for my 6 feet away and face mask visit? As a sister what good does it do to share my worry?...
Speaking up & seeking help helped me heal from PTSD and depression.

Speaking up & seeking help helped me heal from PTSD and depression.

Adverse childhood experiences like abuse and trauma can have a life-long debilitating impact on the mental health & well-being of children. Hoda’s story is a powerful reminder to speak up and seek help. It can save your life. Hoda’s story is also a reminder that all it takes is one person to believe in your story to help you get the support you need. I encourage everyone of you to be that person – Be the...
ASHA International is delighted to launch the My Story MY SUPERPOWER Movement!

ASHA International is delighted to launch the My Story MY SUPERPOWER Movement!

We are excited to announce the launch of the My Story MY SUPERPOWER Movement in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! With over 150 stories of courage, hope & resilience to date, we’re normalizing conversations about mental health and inspiring hope & healing, one story at a time.  Together, we are ending stigma and building communities of empathy, support and inclusion where all of us can thrive.  Please click here to learn more about the My Story MY SUPERPOWER Movement and become a Champion of...
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