Category: South Asian Culture

Are you even allowed to have a mental illness?

by zenergycounselingblog, posted in Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Boundaries, Caretaker Burnout, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Communication, Coping Skills, Depression, Grief, Life Transition, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationships, Self-Esteem, South Asian Culture, Stress Management, Therapy, Triggers

You have a great life. You love your career. Your relationship with your parents has improved tremendously. You are in a good place romantically. But you still struggle with anxiety. You repeat the mantra you grew up with: “there are so many others who have it much worse than you; be thankful for what you … Continue reading Are you even allowed to have a mental illness?

Understanding the unhealthy norms

by zenergycounselingblog, posted in Abuse, Anxiety, Boundaries, Communication, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence, Habits, Mental Health, Relationships, Self-Esteem, South Asian Culture, Therapy, Triggers

We have often heard that the meaning gets lost in translation. The intensity of an experience can definitely get diluted in the balancing act of living a bi-cultural life. In honor of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to offer some culture-specific examples that may help with understanding the importance/impact of these experiences.  … Continue reading Understanding the unhealthy norms

When decisions conflict

by zenergycounselingblog, posted in Anxiety, Boundaries, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Communication, Coping Skills, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Goal Setting, Intimate Partner Violence, Life Transition, Mental Health, Relationships, Self-Esteem, South Asian Culture, Stress Management, Therapy, Triggers

We all make numerous decisions every single day- from what to wear to what to eat for lunch. Early on, we become experts at decision-making such that, generally, small decisions are no longer mentally taxing. However, making a large life decision can be anxiety-inducing and cause tension in our relationships. Humans are incredibly complicated creatures. … Continue reading When decisions conflict

Generational Trauma

by zenergycounselingblog, posted in Anxiety, Boundaries, Caretaker Burnout, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Communication, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Grief, Incest and Childhood Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Self-Esteem, South Asian Culture, Stress Management, Therapy, Triggers

How do you tie your shoelace? Who taught you? Do you know who taught them? Chances are that it was a parent or a family member who taught you just like they were taught by the generation before them. When we talk about family “inheritance,” we mostly assume money, traditions, or even genes but it … Continue reading Generational Trauma

What is Mental Health?

by zenergycounselingblog, posted in Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Boundaries, Caretaker Burnout, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Communication, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Emotional Intelligence, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Goal Setting, Grief and Loss, Habits, Incest and Childhood Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence, Life Transition, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Self-Esteem, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Social Work, South Asian Culture, Stress Management, Therapy, Triggers, Women's Issues

Let’s start today with a pop quiz. What is Mental Health? a)    Understanding what mental issues we struggle with. b)    Understanding our overall well-being. c)     A diagnosis so we can get help from insurance. d)    Everyone is just crazy! If you answered B, you are correct! Mental health is so much more than just understanding … Continue reading What is Mental Health?

Caregiver Burnout: The Balancing Act

by zenergycounselingblog, posted in Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Caretaker Burnout, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Coping Skills, Goal Setting, Habits, Life Transition, Mental Health, South Asian Culture, Stress Management

The month of celebrating love is not complete without recognizing the hard work of caregivers. It truly requires someone special to take on the physical and emotional challenge of caring for a loved one unconditionally. A caregiver can be a paid helper or a family member who looks after someone who is unable to care … Continue reading Caregiver Burnout: The Balancing Act