My friend Sameer Varmani shares his story of going to university in a new city without knowing anyone. He talks about how he made friends and how befriending people that were different from him helped him to grow and evolve. He talks about turning fear and apprehension into curiosity and excitement in pursuit of connecting with others. 

We had to record this episode remotely - thanks for putting up with our audio :) 

We mentioned the Wellness Peer Program at UBC, check out more info on the UBC Wellness Centre here: https://students.ubc.ca/health/wellness-centre

A bonus episode with my dear friend Emma Millichamp, who shares the story of why she decided to be her own best friend. We talk about finding joy in moments of solitude and our favourite activities to do when we're alone. 

My friend Karina Fabregas and I talk about how to better understand others by learning about different cultural traditions and upbringings. We talk about how culture can shape our ways of living, how learning about different cultures can boost our empathy towards others, and ways to expand our cultural horizons. 

My friend Cindy Lin talks about her journey dealing with depression. She talks about the immense pressure to thrive academically, dealing with self-criticism, and coping with feelings of loneliness. From dropping out of high school to becoming a university graduate, Cindy finds support and builds resilience along the way. We talk about the value in sharing our stories and the courage to be vulnerable. 

Note: The content discussed in this episode regarding mental health is for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for individualized professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. 

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the Crisis Services Canada line at 1-833-456-4566. If you are located outside of Canada and in crisis, call your local emergency line.

Crisis Centre BC: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/

Mental health resources: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

My friend Janyn Zoccoli talks about an experience that prompts her to find personal growth through goal-setting. Janyn walks us through her process of making and accomplishing her goals. We talk about ways to set achievable goals, how to feasibly stick with them, and how we deal with disappointment when we don’t reach them. We also talk about when to give up or restructure your goals. 

Today’s guest is Dr. Benjamin Cheung, a professor in the department of Psychology at UBC. Ben joins me to talk about supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing from a faculty perspective. We talk about how he promotes social connection inside and outside the classroom, the role culture plays in instilling belonging and community, and ways to better support racialized students on campus. We also discuss the cultural barriers that deter students from accessing mental health services. 

Note: The content discussed in this episode regarding mental health is for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for individualized professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. 

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the Crisis Services Canada line at 1-833-456-4566. If you are located outside of Canada and in crisis, call your local emergency line.

Crisis Centre BC and more mental health resources: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/

My friend Rit Charoenpanon joins me to talk about his experience coming out to his traditional, Asian parents. We talk about how the coming out experience differs in North American versus Asian cultures, dealing with parents with different values, and how coming out affects mental health. We talk about how to best support others going through a similar experience. 

My friends Marissa and Vanessa join me to talk about our experience quarantining at home with our families. We talk about navigating the challenges of living with others, dealing with anxious family members, and adjusting to new routines. Marissa and Vanessa share how they’ve been maintaining their mental health during quarantine. 

We filmed us recording this episode! You can watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nsVZlZGfKJU