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Listen "38: Mrinal Gokhale: Author of Saaya Unveiled Reflects on Mental Health in the South Asian Diaspora"
Episode Synopsis
With the publication of her book Saaya Unveiled, Mrinal Gokhale is trying to help break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in her community. She joins host Nikhil on The Shelly Story this week to discuss the harmful model minority myth, and how it can lead to intense pressures and lack of focus on mental health issues.
Host Nikhil of The Shelly Story, and today’s guest, Mrinal Gokhale, reflect on shared similar experiences of being from an immigrant family. Mrinal and Nikhil have dealt with the repercussions of mental illness, which are compounded by shame and stigma in South Asian culture. However, Mrinal and Nikhil both ultimately found redemption through diagnosis, finding the right treatment plan, and sharing their stories through podcasts, books, and other creative outlets.
Mrinal and Nikhil touch on the irony that South Asians often have closed-minded views on mental health, considering that wellness modalities like yoga and mindfulness originated in India. In this episode, you’ll also learn how self-awareness can help you get through life and career challenges.
Tune in for a personal look into mental health from the South Asian perspective, and the importance of sharing your story!
Topics discussed in this episode:
Mrinal shares her mental health background
Pressures of the model minority myth
Mrinal’s education and career
Mental health is taboo in the South Asian culture
What neurodivergence and neurodiversity taught Mrinal about herself
How the pandemic affected her life and work
The positive outcomes of getting a diagnosis
Do you need a South Asian therapist to feel understood?
Falsehoods surrounding marriage and divorce in South Asian cultures
Eastern philosophies and South Asian modalities of wellness
Finding community through her book, Saaya Unveiled
Learn more about South Asian mental health in Mrinal’s book, Saaya Unveiled!
Connect with Mrinal:
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Resources mentioned:
Brown Girl Magazine
Connect with Nikhil to learn more about The Shelly Story:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Host Nikhil of The Shelly Story, and today’s guest, Mrinal Gokhale, reflect on shared similar experiences of being from an immigrant family. Mrinal and Nikhil have dealt with the repercussions of mental illness, which are compounded by shame and stigma in South Asian culture. However, Mrinal and Nikhil both ultimately found redemption through diagnosis, finding the right treatment plan, and sharing their stories through podcasts, books, and other creative outlets.
Mrinal and Nikhil touch on the irony that South Asians often have closed-minded views on mental health, considering that wellness modalities like yoga and mindfulness originated in India. In this episode, you’ll also learn how self-awareness can help you get through life and career challenges.
Tune in for a personal look into mental health from the South Asian perspective, and the importance of sharing your story!
Topics discussed in this episode:
Mrinal shares her mental health background
Pressures of the model minority myth
Mrinal’s education and career
Mental health is taboo in the South Asian culture
What neurodivergence and neurodiversity taught Mrinal about herself
How the pandemic affected her life and work
The positive outcomes of getting a diagnosis
Do you need a South Asian therapist to feel understood?
Falsehoods surrounding marriage and divorce in South Asian cultures
Eastern philosophies and South Asian modalities of wellness
Finding community through her book, Saaya Unveiled
Learn more about South Asian mental health in Mrinal’s book, Saaya Unveiled!
Connect with Mrinal:
TikTok
Resources mentioned:
Brown Girl Magazine
Connect with Nikhil to learn more about The Shelly Story:
Website
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