Asian Women for Health Asian Women for Health
-
- Health & Fitness
-
Asian Women For Health is a peer-led, community-based network dedicated to advancing Asian women’s health and wellness through education, advocacy, and support. We envision a world where Asian women are well-informed, have access to care that is culturally appropriate and high quality, and inspired to live happy, healthy lives.
AWFH first launched its podcast series “Pathways from Resilience to Radiance,” in January of 2019. This program continues to amplify the voices of Asian women as they boldly share their lived experiences and health journeys, and serve as a source of insight, inspiration, and empowerment for others.
Tune in monthly with to hear from these dynamic change makers, who challenge the way we think about our own health, resilience, and self-care.
-
Episode #28: The Healing Power of Personal Narrative & Kidney Health Advocacy
Do you know Asians are at higher risk for kidney disease? At the age of 17, Sabrina Lu Qiao was diagnosed with a rare, autoimmune kidney disorder called Minimal Change Disease (MCD), which affects the filtering capacity of the kidneys and can increase one’s risk of developing Nephrotic Syndrome.*
In this episode, Sabrina recounts how common teenage angst was exacerbated by the side effects of steroid treatment, including water weight gain, body dysmorphia, and emotional distress. She tapped into the healing power of personal narrative and testimony that led her to advocate and share her story with fellow patients and communities. As a passionate writer and journalist, Sabrina draws on her lived experience to inform and empower others along their health journeys. She also reflects on the ways her cultural identity continues to inform her personal growth and resilience.
* Source: https://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/ns-and-other-glomerular-diseases/understanding-minimal-change-disease/ (Dec 2022)
MORE ABOUT SABRINA:
Sabrina Lu Qiao is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in journalism.
She is currently pursuing an MFA in nonfiction writing at Columbia University, where she also teaches creative nonfiction writing. Her reporting often focuses on subcultures, while her personal writing explores patient identity within Chinese culture and feminism within East Asian culture. She is at work on a manuscript about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and is an avid proponent of the Manhattan ferry system.
RESOURCES:
Nephcure - https://nephcure.org/connect/ (a supportive community of patients, their loved ones, doctors, researchers and other medical professionals bound by a common goal: discovering better treatments and a cure for rare, kidney diseases caused by Nephrotic Syndrome)
Inspire – https://www.inspire.com (a resource hub with information on specific diseases as well as access to experts and patient stories for anyone seeking to learn more)
National Kidney Foundation - https://www.kidney.org/treatment-support
SABRINA’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website - https://sabrinaluqiao.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabqiao/
*DISCLAIMER*
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only. -
Episode #27: Healing Work: Defining Survivorship after Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
A cancer survivor’s journey extends well beyond the period of medical treatment. In this episode, we talk to our special guest, Nayonika Chatterjee, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 14. She received treatment while living with her family in India and has been in remission for over a decade. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is among the most common types of cancers that affect teens and their lymphatic systems.
Nayonika reflects on her own healing as a lifelong process of adaptation, struggle, and transition, but a journey that continues to lead her to greater self-awareness, resilience, and hope. She recognizes healing as a non-linear path, where survivors can choose how they share their personal stories.
Some people may speak openly about their cancer journeys as health advocates, while others may prefer to stand in solidarity with fellow survivors or seek counseling and mental health resources for support.
As a graduate student at Brandeis University, Nayonika plans to research how individuals of South Asian descent uniquely experience their cancer journeys and engage in survivor discourse. Her goal is to elevate people’s voices to show the humanity behind their lived experiences and to explore how culture and language intersect and influence their well-being. If you are interested in learning more about Nayonika’s research, you can email her at nchatterjee@brandeis.edu.
Resource Links:
Nayonika’s Social Media
- Instagram: chatterjeenayonika (https://www.instagram.com/chatterjeenayonika/)
- Facebook: Nayonika Chatterjee (https://www.facebook.com/nayonika.chatterjee)
For Reference: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma.html
More About Nayonika Chatterjee
Nayonika Chatterjee is an international student from India pursuing a MA in Anthropology at Brandeis University. Her experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma inspires her research that lies at the intersection of medicine and anthropology, specifically narratives of individuals struck by cancer. Additionally, she is interested in exploring how South Asian socio-cultural and linguistic practices affect the health and well-being of individuals within this community. Outside of academia, she operates as a caffeine enthusiast and finds joy in evocative Japanese animations and graphic novels.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.
** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org). -
Episode #26: Raising the Voices of Lived Experience
May recognizes both Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month. As we navigate our way through COVID, each of us faces challenges that impact our mental health. Many have experienced personal loss and changes at work and in our caregiving responsibilities. The need for community support and healing grows every day.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Pata Suyemoto returns as our special guest (https://soundcloud.com/asianwomenforhealth/pathways-forward-awareness-and-activism-mental-health). Pata has long been a champion of health and racial equity as a feminist scholar, writer, educator, and mental health activist.
As the Training/Program Director for the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and the Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Empowerment Network (NAAPIEN), Pata is reshaping the conversation around mental wellness by engaging more people with lived experiences to share their stories.
Pata has spoken about being a suicide attempt survivor and her struggles with chronic depression and PTSD. She believes there is tremendous value in claiming and sharing one’s lived experiences, knowledge, and perspectives to benefit one another and to help inform health practice and policy.
Learn more about these efforts and upcoming events. Connect and get involved!
Upcoming Events:
*May 18-19, 2022*
21st Annual MA Suicide Prevention Conference
https://web.cvent.com/event/765b74af-2164-4644-a87a-247b7dcf9e89/summary
July 30, 2022
13th Annual Asian American Mental Health Forum
Building Resilience: Healing Trauma Across Generations
https://www.asianwomenforhealth.org/asian-american-mental-health-forum.html
Resource Links:
- NAAPIMHA
https://www.naapimha.org
- NAAPIEN Network / Email: pata@naapimha.org
- Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention Toolkit Resource
https://masspreventssuicide.org/widening-the-lens-exploring-the-role-of-social-justice-and-racial-equity-in-suicide-prevention
- Greater Boston Regional Suicide Prevention
https://www.greaterbostonpreventssuicide.org/
- Suicide Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
More About Dr. Pata Suyemoto
Pata Suyemoto is the Co-Chair for the Greater Boston Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Founder and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) Alliance for Equity.
She is also a master trainer for NAAPIMHA’s Achieving Whole Health Program, a curriculum developer, and a diversity trainer. She earned her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and did her research on anti-racist education and issues of race and racism.
Pata is one of the authors of Widening the Lens: Exploring the Role of Social Justice in Suicide Prevention – A Racial Equity Toolkit. She is a Co-Founder of The Breaking Silences Project, which is an artistic endeavor that educates about the high rates of depression and suicide among Asian American young women. Pata is also a member of several boards and committees including the MCSP’s Executive Committee, the planning committee for the annual Asian American Mental Health Forum, and the board of directors for the American Association of Suicidology. Her claim to fame is that she rode her bicycle across the country in the summer of 2012.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.
** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or suicide ideation, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov), the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org), or the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (masspreventsuicide.org). -
Podcast Episode #25: Telehealth Talk: Healing in A Virtual World
ATTENTION! This episode delves into some difficult subjects including self-harm, trauma, and racism. If these are sensitive subjects for you, please keep that in mind before you listen.
Sandra Myounga Kim, LMHC, is a mental health clinician and founder of a telehealth-based, wellness & life coaching service called Talk Therapy Tuebingen, which supports the mental health and well-being of international students and professionals. Sandra’s firsthand experience as an ex-pat and her background in education, ministry, the arts, and fitness, have informed her understanding and compassion for people’s vulnerabilities and health struggles. In practice and in spirit, Sandra is the consummate advocate of healthy living and a whole health approach to wellness.
In this episode, we discuss the weight of imposter syndrome, suicide loss, and the non-linear path to healing. Be sure to check out Sandra’s list of links and resources!
SANDRA’S LIST OF LINKS & RESOURCES
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talktherapytubingen/
- Website: https://www.talktherapytuebingen.de/
Mental and Physical Health Strategies (Coping with COVID)
Videos by Sandra M. Kim:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vvW2lNSgk0&t=8s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcw37x1hDDw
Internet Resources:
- Breathing Techniques to Calm Self
https://www.verywellmind.com/abdominal-breathing-2584115
- Imposter Syndrome
https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/
https://www.nicabm.com/program/impostor-syndrome/?itl=store
- On Confidence
https://www.theschooloflife.com/article/on-confidence/
3 YouTube Recommendations for Mental Health:
- Kati Morton
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw
- Dr. Tracey Marks
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL2QpphEeZFYwk6-WXD6hpA
- School of Life
https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/theschooloflife
Resources to Find A Mental Health Provider:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
BetterHelp, TalkSpace
Apps to Help Manage Mental Health Symptoms:
Calm, Headspace, Talkspace, Happify
More About Sandra Kim:
Sandra M. Kim is a mental health clinician, fitness instructor, education consultant, former youth pastor, art teacher and higher ed administrator. She hails from sunny, southern California but has lived in 6 different countries and 4 different states (MA, NY, VA, CA), which has influenced her perspectives of the world and people. Having worked/lived in 9 countries around the world, including towns in Germany, Kenya, China, Korea, and the US, she is also well-versed in the triumphs and challenges of feeling like a foreigner, even in her own country. Her hope is to bring an overall health and wellness mindset to all, merging the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, relational, and professional/academic.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.
** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or suicide ideation, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov), the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org), or the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (masspreventsuicide.org). -
Episode #24: An Ode to Healing: The Power of Creative Expression
ATTENTION: This episode delves into some difficult subjects including self-harm, trauma, and racism. If these are sensitive subjects for you, please keep that in mind before you listen.
Amy Manion is a Boston-born, Chinese American, singer/songwriter and spoken word artist. Her journey is one that truly embodies resilience. As a suicide attempt survivor, Amy uses performance art to share her authentic voice and raw struggles with mental health, racism, and trauma. In this episode, we feature two powerful pieces of her spoken word: “Found” and “Ode to Creation”. Amy channels her creative expression to be an advocate for change toward greater justice and healing. Words have their own energy, so enjoy this opportunity to listen and embrace the power of the spoken word and its ability to heal and inspire humanity.
Resource Links:
Amy Manion’s Pages
- https://amyelizabethmanion.wordpress.com/
Check out “You Call Me Corona” (a spoken word piece for the MA Coalition
For Suicide Prevention - https://masspreventssuicide.org/)
- www.amymanion.com
- Project Harmonious - https://www.facebook.com/harmoniousproject/
- Tunefoolery Music - https://www.tunefoolery.org/
More About Amy Manion:
As an Asian American woman and suicide attempt survivor, Amy has struggled with feelings of worthlessness stemming from disempowerment. Interconnected with that is trauma related to sexuality, religion, and racism. Community and creativity provide her strength in knowing that there is nothing wrong with her. Sensitivity to the injustices all around her that her people and others generationally have experienced until this day, the desire for justice, and knowing that God will make all things new is what keeps her in the fight. She believes that by sharing our stories, we all heal.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.
Photo Credit: Zhiyan Xu of OwlsomePhoto.com