Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Nov 24, 2020 | #BIPOCMentalHealth, #MyStoryMYSUPERPOWER, Mental Health Matters, Youth mental health
Thank you for being part of the ASHA International family. Because of your support, we could empower Brian to share his story. Brian says “Growing up with depression was hard, but hiding it from everyone was harder.” Brian grew up in a culture that emphasized achievement and endurance above all else. In high school, after being the model-minority for his whole life, his depression got to an all-time high and he started getting panic attacks. These events led him to be honest about his struggles with depression for the first time in his life to his family, and to himself. He hopes that by sharing his story he can change the stigmas within his own community regarding mental health and encourage other Asian-Americans to speak up about their own battles with mental health by showing them they are not alone. At ASHA International, we are acutely aware of the significant barriers to mental health faced by underserved and underrepresented communities – immigrants, refugees, black, indigenous, people of color and LGBTQ+. And, we are dedicated to empowering them to share their stories to inspire hope & ignite change. In 2020, your support empowered ASHA Storytellers like Brian to reach 5,113 people with an inspiring message of hope & well-being. Together, we are shining a light on mental health and ending stigma, one story at a time. This Thanksgiving, all of us at ASHA International want to let you know how grateful we are to have you as part of our family. Your love and support have helped us bring hope and healing to healing to thousands of people, especially during...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Sep 12, 2020 | #MyStoryMYSUPERPOWER, #SuicidePrevention, Mental Health Matters
Healthcare providers are an at-risk population for stress, vicarious traumatization, burnout, as well as mental illness including depression and suicide. When the healthcare system, and we as healthcare students and providers, can understand and accept the fact that we are all “human” without shame, it is more likely that those in mental health need will be empowered to seek out and receive help. Experience how sharing mental health stories inspires hope and can help save lives. Please join ASHA Storyteller Diane Leslie Kaufman, MD at the Grand Rounds: https://ohsu.webex.com/ohsu/j.php… Meeting password: Kv6MAp82P3e Phone (audio only): 1-206-207-1700 US & 1-503-907-9144 Portland, OR...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Sep 6, 2020 | #MyStoryMYSUPERPOWER, #WomensMentalHealth, Mental Health Matters
“Stories are living and dynamic. Stories exist to be exchanged. They are the currency of Human Growth.” Jean Houston, PhD Twenty-five years ago, these words flowed out of me: “Balanced within exultation and despair is the state of mind called reality.” The words were written above the title, States of Mind, and beneath the title was the author’s name: Leslie D’Angelo. The self-publisher? Resources for Living. And what was States of Mind? The chaos in my mind. The yearning in my heart. An embodied voice that needed more than anything else to feel, to write, to speak, and be heard. My name is Diane Kaufman. What experiences have I had and how do I allow them to define me? Or do I dare to define myself? Here goes…. I am a suicide survivor. I am a poet, artist, child psychiatrist, humanism in medicine awardee, and founder of Arts Medicine for Hope & Healing, ARTS for Living, and Creative Life Lines. I am still becoming who I am. I am a hurt little girl who grew into a sensitive and brave woman. I have Bipolar II Disorder. I am a mother, a grandmother, a sister, Aunt, and friend. Most of all I want to be a humane human being and I don’t want to stop growing. I want to cultivate and share the gifts I was born to give – just as we all are born with special gifts to help illuminate the world from human inflicted darkness. Who was this Leslie D’Angelo? My middle name is Leslie. Perhaps I wanted to be an angel. D is first initial of...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Sep 6, 2020 | Mental health & wellness, Mental Health Matters
Doing yoga at home is one of the best ways to stay grounded and stay active when you’re self-isolating. Not only does yoga keep you fit and toned, it comes with mental health benefits such as decreased anxiety and depression. Starting yoga at home is also one of the most affordable ways to stay in shape. Below, learn about the gear and technology you can use to have an uplifting and wallet-friendly yoga practice at home. Get Set Up for Streaming If you regularly go to the yoga studio, you probably know how much it takes out of your budget each month. However, there are numerous ways to stream sessions at home. Many yoga sessions can be viewed for free by using YouTube or other services that you already pay for, such as Amazon Prime. If you have a smart TV, Roku stick or other smart tech, you can usually stream videos by downloading the YouTube app on your device. This allows you to watch videos on your TV rather than looking at your phone. If your devices are paired, you can even use your phone as a remote to select videos you want to cast to your TV. When you already have the tech, this is a completely free way to bring yoga sessions into your living room. Take Advantage of Apps Like streaming services, you can also get guidance for your home yoga practice by using apps. Women’s Health ranked these apps as the best ones available. Yoga apps are usually free to download and come with a selection of free content. However, most require paying a monthly...
Tags: by Gayathri Ramprasad | Jul 2, 2020 | BIPOC Mental Health, Mental Health Matters, My Story MY SUPERPOWER
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame hooper and Olympic gold medal winner Chamique Holdsclaw has dedicated her life to end the stigma of mental illness and be a voice for those who feel marginalized and voiceless. Watch Chamique’s inspiring story and share it with your family and...
