South Asian Mental Health Initiative

This is your reminder that you are doing a good job and you should be very proud of every step that you are making to improve your mental health.

If trauma can be passed from one generation to another, then so can healing.

In every mental health awareness campaign, we should ensure that we take stock of the connections made, resources shared and support that has been given or will be actively given to all those struggling with mental health issues.

Often times, when we speak, we help another person validate their experience and emotions and lets them know that they are not alone in the mental health journey.

Our dedication to changing the narrative on mental health in the South Asian region is focussed on helping people understand how they can apply the knowledge that they already have to their lives in trauma-informed ways.

Open and candid conversations surrounding mental health can help us to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the community. It helps us to raise awareness on mental health struggles, and provide timely and appropriate support for those struggling with mental health issues.

Self-care can be a powerful tool for healing intergenerational trauma within the South Asian community. It opens avenues to challenge and have conversations surrounding the stigma of mental health, creating a ripple effect of healing that will extend to future generations.

In a society that traditionally places immense pressure on achievement, it's crucial to address anxiety within the South Asian community. Creating safe havens where self-care and well-being are valued above external expectations, as is being done by The Tech Academy is a good first step to ensure this, and the coming generations thrive.

The notion that self-care is a luxury for the few who have the time and the resources is misguided. Self-care is a necessity for all of us and we hope as the weekend begins, you take the time to practice self-care activities for your mental, emotional, and physical wellness.

Do you have any self-care activities you would recommend we try this weekend?

Community is essential for the South Asian region. We are creating a program that will strengthen communities to promote mental health awareness and destigmatize seeking help.

Learn more: https://imha.ngo/south-asian-mental-health

The South Asian Mental Health Initiative is using its voice to change the perception of mental health in the South Asian region. We aim to support individuals to help reduce stigma, help increase access to mental health care, and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for those struggling with mental health.

The current focus of our capacity development is mental health literacy, cultural exchange, and learning & community connection events.

Have ideas on how we can make South Asian mental health more inclusive? Reach out to [email protected]

Shams Jaber(pictured), the founder of the Tech Academy, also co-founded the Blue school in partnership with The International Mental Health Association.

The Blue School is a youth-based, gamified, trauma-informed entrepreneurship development program.

The emphasis is placed on building upon the STEM foundation students already have and focuses on emotional development through a Blue Ocean lens integrating mental health into every piece of the curriculum.

Whether by practicing emotional resilience skills or by providing a trauma-informed classroom experience, mental wellness is central to the program.

Learn more about the program here: https://imha.ngo/south-asian-mental-health

Our founder Sarah Fardeen not only brings her years of knowledge and experience to the initiative, but she brings a lot of joy and laughter.

She is dedicated to building The South Asian Mental Health Initiative as part of changing mindsets and empowering the next generation of South Asians to grow in approaches to wellness.

Visit https://imha.ngo/south-asian-mental-health to learn more.

Be kind to someone today, tomorrow, and always.

It is important to prioritize taking care of one's own physical, mental, and emotional well-being in order to be able to effectively care for others.

How are you practicing self-care this weekend?

Tomorrow, catch our program director, Sarah Fardeen as she joins Babu Biko to talk about the South Asian Mental Health Initiative; what was the inspiration behind it, what work has been done so far and the direction the program will take to enhance pathways to mental healthcare through mental health literacy, cultural exchange and learning and community connection events.

Instagram Handles: and
Date: 31st January 2023
Time: 9.30pm EAT, 2.30pm EST, 12.30am BDT.

New Year, New Self Love Challenge ❤️
Happy New Year from the South Asian Mental Health Initiative!
As the new chapter begins, we want to hear your new year's resolutions and how you will incorporate your mental health and self-care into your daily lives. Post a picture of your beautiful self telling us how you will love yourself more this year, and tag two or more friends challenging them to do the same. We are active on both Facebook and Instagram.
Remember to tag us and use the following hashtags

We are excited to announce that Sarala Pradhan has joined us as the first South Asian Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI) fellow. She will be doing a capacity-building fellowship focused on developing partnerships and resource-building in Thimphu, Bhutan. Sarala is pursuing her masters in human rights at the University of Denver. We thank the University of Denver for supporting this fellowship.

The shame associated with mental illness limits people from living wholesome lives. It’s time to change the narrative and reflect on the importance of learning to process and live with trauma. The communal culture of South Asian can be the biggest asset to help us move forward, together as families and as communities towards destigmatizing mental illness.

Diwali/Tihar represents the victory of good over evil. For a wholesome festival, let's align our mental, spiritual, and physical health to the joy, sparkle, and love shared during Diwali/Tihar.

We're officially live! Welcome to the South Asian Mental Health Program and happy 🌱

https://imha.ngo/south-asian-mental-health