#14: Mental Health Journey and Self-Care Practices

(Episode is primarily in English) We continue our conversation from Episode 13 with Tony Hu (胡牧民). In this episode, Tony shares about his mental health journey and self care practices. Thank you for your bravery and vulnerability, Tony! *** (Intro) in English and Chinese.  (2:10) Taiwanese/Asian pop culture recommendations? musicians and artists: Jay Chou (周杰倫), Wang Leehom, JJ Lin (林俊傑), Jolin Tsai (蔡依林).  (3:45) Taiwanese drama series: 我們與惡的距離 (The World Between Us). Deals with heavy issues: capital punishment, the law, justice, and mental health.  (4:45) Undergrad: studied psychology. Currently studying social work. Personal journey with mental health started in high school and university. Lots of factors that led to depression: academic stress, not being able to meet expectations, fear of not being able to keep up, what am I going to say to my parents and friends who have helped put me in this position to be able to go to school abroad. Felt directionless after graduating university, loss of confidence.  (7:30) Went back to Taiwan after college. Had very supportive family. Mental health in Taiwan is still a stigmatized topic. Finding the courage to ask for help. Mom flew from Taiwan to Canada to rescue him. Being depressed is like being smothered by a heavy blanket. Even the little things took a ton of effort.  (9:33) Slowly got better through the support of the people around him. Reframe and self-talk. Had associate success with grades, career, future, and finances. Can be a big pressure point for a lot of people. It's ok to not be ok.  (11:45) Therapy has been incredibly helpful and beneficial.  (14:40) Therapy in Taiwanese and Asian culture is taboo. Talking to a stranger/therapist has been helpful because they tend to be more objective. Friends can give a skewed view.  (16:30) Perception of mental health, therapy, social work, resources and support in Taiwan and Canada. People are becoming more open about talking about mental health in the west, and that it's ok to seek help. In Taiwan, there's a perception that mental health is intertwined with violence and best to keep quiet about because it's still a shameful topic to bring up. In recent years, there are resources and support groups at college counseling centers.  (20:00) Umbrella of therapy and treatment: meditation, yoga, medication, therapy, mindfulness, art, exercise, self care. Practicing good self-care: taking breaks; treating yourself; caring for your heart, mind, and body; giving yourself space; surrounding yourself with caring people; being more confident in yourself; accepting that failures and setbacks don't define you. Take life one step at a time.  Connect with Tony on Instagram @tonyhu0_0. US-based metal health resource: National Alliance on Mental Health https://www.nami.org. *** Say hi! 來打招呼！If you like what you hear, have a story to share, or are curious about exploring other mental health related topics on this podcast, send me a note! Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @twdiaspora.  Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]. www.taiwanesediaspora.com