Ep 26 - Breaking Generational Cycles: Poonnamme Speaks On Her Experience As A 1st Born British-Asian

In this episode of Speak Shame we discuss sexual violence, attempted suicide, and eating disorders and with support links are provided below. Dr Connie interviews Poonnamme, a Sikh woman raised between the UK and Punjab, with over 35 years in health and social care, who now also facilitates Kundalini Shakti activation. She shares how being the first-born girl and only child brought intense pressure tied to family honour and community expectations, including expectations around education and status. She describes being sexually assaulted at 17 by someone known to the family and a subsequent attempted suicide. She shares that at 18 she entered an arranged marriage and describes living “two lives” as a Western professional and a traditional subservient wife. Becoming a mother was a turning point in her decision to break cycles for her daughter. Poonnamme reflects on how her experiences shaped her voice, resilience, and ability to feel pride in both who she is and who she was. 

01:40 Introducing Poonnamme

04:43 Firstborn Expectations

08:24 Schooling And Illness

11:14 Career Dreams Clash

12:51 Sexual Assault Silence

16:25 Aftermath And Survival

25:10 Arranged Marriage Begins

26:02 Two Lives At Home & At Work

29:09 A Manager Believes

34:59 Leaving To Break Cycles

36:49 Healing And Sharing

41:42 Trauma In The Body

43:23 Eating Disorder Spiral

47:36 Crossroads With Substances

56:20 Self Healing Awakening

01:00:00 Launching Healing Practice

01:03:37 Identity And Finding Voice

01:13:56 Advice For Feeling Stuck

01:21:02 Where To Find Poonnamme

01:27:51 Remarkable Women And Gratitude

POONNAMME

• Instagram: @JagoSacredEnergy
• Website: JagoSacredEnergy.co.uk

UK SUPPORT SERVICES

• In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies or dial 101 (UK only)
• Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre
• Find an NHS Talking Therapy service near you or contact your GP surgery
• Charities: Mind, The Samaritans, Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Victim Support

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• Join the community:
• @StoriesWithoutShame on Instagram
• Sign up for the Stories Without Shame newsletter to join the movement.