Episode 24: Mental Health Experiences as an Asian Person

In Episode 24, hosts Beki and Olivia are joined by guest, Salena, to talk about her experiences as a second-generation Asian Person living in Canada. Salena chats openly and honestly about living with the duality of western culture and her traditional culture, her experience of mental health and stigma,  what it took for her to reach out for support, and the pressure she experienced as a young person. Salena also discusses the impact of microaggressions, racism, and anti-Asian hate crime on herself, her family, and the Asian community. 

In this episode, you’ll also hear what Salena has found to be supportive for herself, from counselling, having allies, to mindfulness techniques to naps! 

For more resources and support, you can click here.

Want to know more about Salena? Salena (she/her) is currently pursuing a Teaching Degree at the Okanagan School of Education in Kelowna, BC. Having previously obtained her BA in Political Science and Sociology, she has a passion for Canadian Politics and Social Justice. She hopes to inspire her students to think critically and to empathize with others. When Salena isn’t studying or working, she can be found swimming, exploring new places to eat, and playing board games with her friends.