We believe some of the best conversations happen over a cup of warm chai. Founded in 2024, our women-owned start-up is committed to facilitating active dialogue about mental health in South Asian communities. We aim to establish a space to share personal narratives and foster growth.
Cultural Context
South Asian culture centers on a family-oriented lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of keeping personal challenges within the intimate circle of family. This perspective creates an idea that presenting issues regarding mental well-being is a failure of a strong family foundation and at times, even selfish. As a result, preserving a “respectable” reputation and avoiding community judgment is prioritized over seeking professional help and pursuing resources. The collectivist approach often denies self-advocacy and discredits individual reactions to unmet needs.
The Need
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Understanding Mental Health Stigma
Recognizing mental health stigma reveals a tendency to dismiss signs of issues and perceive symptoms as weakness, hindering intervention and public awareness efforts.
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Breaking Barriers to Dialogue
Promoting open dialogue encourages sharing personal experiences and self-validation, crucial steps in overcoming stigma and fostering a culture of support.
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Navigating Mental Health Complexity
Understanding the multifaceted contributors to poor mental health and acknowledging cultural context are vital for effective, individualized treatment approaches.
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Addressing Mental Health in South Asian Communities
Confronting stigma, raising awareness, and implementing culturally sensitive strategies are essential to combat rising rates of mental health issues in South Asian communities.
Meet the Team
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Vanshika Goel
Founder
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Sweena Kalamkar
Founder
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Ayman Yousuf
Product Designer
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Shadmani Shaikh
Product Designer
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Sana Hakim
Visual Designer
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Siqin Shen
App Developer
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Sandhra Sageer
Marketing Specialist
Advisor
Tina Chummun is an accredited Person Centered Trauma Specialist Psychotherapist & Wellness Coach, experienced in working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her experiences at the Woman’s Trust, Wandsworth Bereavement Service, One in Four, and within the NHS for The Havens, Kings College London, as well as in a part-time private practice for over 11 years have enabled her to support her clients in tackling a wide range of personal issues.
As someone who identifies as British Indian Mauritian, she believes it is important for her to work with clients to explore and uncover what their experiences have meant for them in relation to their emotional processing surrounding their cultural identity. She is passionate about creating a mutual understanding of racial and cultural identities to navigate conversations about achieving their mental health goals.