Welcome to “Multicultural Matters- Mental Health Edition,” a safe space where we break down stigma, foster understanding, and highlight the resilience that comes from navigating mental health in multicultural contexts. In each episode, we delve into the intersections of culture and mental health, featuring insightful interviews with mental health advocates and practitioners, as well as medical professionals. Through this podcast, we hope to better understand how our communities view and respond to mental health in Canberra and the wider ACT region.
Each episode will feature one of five communities- Tamil, Urdu, Swahili, Nepali and Tongan. We also have two special bonus episodes for you featuring an interview with Dr Elizabeth Moore, Coordinator General, Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing, ACT Health and a Cross cultural panel with community broadcasters.
Together, let’s navigate the complexities, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a more compassionate understanding of mental well-being.
We are grateful to our broadcasters and the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing, ACT Health for their support.
If your situation is life-threatening, call Triple 000 immediately for help or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
18 Oct 2023, 5:42pm Episode 1: Swahili episode with Titus, Jacky & Lilly This episode highlights what our Swahili storytellers knew about Mental Health, back when they were growing up and how that has changed as they grew up, and also as they interact with other cultures as immigrants in Australia. This episode talks about the stigmas and misconceptions associated with mental health, and highlights the support services available for persons living with mental illness. Guest: Purity Goj Broadcasters: Lilly Rotich, Titus Rotich & Jacky Mbonzi
18 Oct 2023, 5:40pm Episode 2: Blue Trees with Preethi Arvind In this episode, Tamil broadcaster, Preethi Arvind chats to Dr Mugundhan Jeganathan – a GP practising medicine for 23 years now with extensive experience in anaesthesia, surgery, general practice and mental health. Together, we explore how mental health matters in multicultural communities sharing insights, stories, strategies to promote well being and mainly, how to access these resources to support one another in this journey. Guest: Dr Mugundhan Jeganathan Broadcaster: Preethi Arvind
18 Oct 2023, 5:51pm Episode 3: Tokoni kihe Mo'ui Lelei Faka-'Atamai with Lavinia & Naite In this episode, our guest, Lavinia Pohiva, a Mental Health practitioner, touched on the stigma associated with mental health in our Tongan community and the repercussions of the pandemic and how it affected our young people. This episode brings to you candid and honest advice on parenting and the difference in raising our children who are born and bred in a foreign country (Australia) which is actually home to them in every sense of the word. It highlight the dilemmas they face when growing up in a Western culture and environment while still strongly attached to original homeland and its own culture and traditions which parents wish to instil in them. Title translation: Tokoni kihe Mo'ui Lelei Faka-'Atamai- Guest: Lavinia Pohiva Broadcasters: Naite Hausia and Lavinia Tunitau
18 Oct 2023, 5:54pm Episode 4: Wellness Wisdom Waves with Pradeep Timalsina In this episode, the host, Mr Pradeep Timalsina, dives deep into the realms of mental health alongside the insightful Mrs. Supriya Gyawali. As a Mental Health Nurse and Clinical Manager, Supriya brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate heart to the discussions. Hailing originally from Nepal, she offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the Nepalese community and immigrants, shedding light on the nuances of mental health stigma. This episode also explores the waves of resilience, discussing the importance of social connectivity in our journey to mental well-being. Mrs. Gyawali not only shares her expertise but also provides valuable resources, including essential contact numbers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), creating a lifeline for those seeking support.
18 Oct 2023, 6:19pm Episode 5: Culture of wellness with Sahana Sehgal Explore the intricacies of mental health across across in our latest episode! Join us as we bridge cultures, break stigmas, and share stories that transcend. Let's dive into the universal journey of well-being and discover the diverse ways different cultures navigate the landscape of mental health. It's a conversation that knows no borders—because mental health is a language we all speak.
RESOURCES
If you need immediate support and assistance call Access Mental Health on 1800 629 354 or 6205 1065 24 hours, 7 days a week.
If you are having very strong feelings of worry, unease or fear and you are struggling to cope it is important to seek support:
- Access Mental Health provides supports 7 days a week on 1800 629 354 or 6205 1065 24.
- Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Lifeline crisis support chat
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or Beyond Blue online chat
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or Kids Helpline WebChat counselling
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1 300 659 467 or Online chat and video chat counselling
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 or Online counselling
Additional Resources:
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health or Multilingual information | Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (embracementalhealth.org.au)
- Resources – MIEACT – MIEACT & Podcasts – MIEACT – MIEACT
- Mindmap is a mental health portal for young people aged 0 – 25
- Head to Health is Canberra’s new and free mental health support service
- Safe Haven Belconnen is a warm, welcoming, non-clinical, safe space that people can freely go to if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health concerns, isolation or loneliness and are seeking connection and support.