Kashan's Volunteer Story: Caregiving, Self-Care, & Giving Back

In this episode we talk with TogetherWell volunteer, Kashan Masud, about how his experience raising an 8-year-old son with special needs raised his awareness about caring for his own well-being. Kashan’s son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder with an array of associated symptoms, from heart problems to autistic behavior. 

Kashan initially struggled to accept his son’s special needs. But over the years, he has adopted many strategies that enabled him to face the challenges surrounding his son’s situation. By engaging in activities that support Kashan’s own physical and mental well-being, he’s able to more effectively cope and support the needs of his family. 

This episode includes discussions about caring for someone with a genetic disorder. Viewpoints expressed represent the unique lived experience of our guest. If you are interested in getting more in-depth information about genetic or neurodivergent disorders, a great place to start is by contacting your medical doctor, a mental health professional, or the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

TogetherWell’s Gratitude Resources:

https://www.togetherwell.org/articles?q=gratitude

The neuroscience of gratitude

The power of gratitude

Practicing Gratitude - Part One

Practicing Gratitude - Part Two

Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gtr/conditions/C2675369/

https://22q.org/

22q11.2 duplication syndrome - About the Disease - Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (nih.gov)

Helpful TogetherWell Links:

TogetherWell Website: https://www.togetherwell.org/

Join our free emotional well-being workshop every Wednesday: https://www.togetherwell.org/wellnesswednesday

Donate: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/togetherwell-inc

Become a Volunteer: https://www.togetherwell.org/volunteer

Are you a mental health professional? Offer workshops: https://www.togetherwell.org/become-a-professional

Join us on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/togetherwellorg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togetherwellorg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/togetherwellorg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13625381/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU5IYy3v0UepcZpJKtnAALQ

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@togetherwellorg?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mentalhealthexplored.substack.com