Ep 26 - Breaking Generational Cycles: Poonnamme Speaks On Her Experience As A 1st Born British-Asian

In this episode of Speak Shame we discuss sexual violence, attempted suicide, and eating disorders and with support links are provided below. Dr Connie interviews Poonnamme, a Sikh woman raised between the UK and Punjab, with over 35 years in health and social care, who now also facilitates Kundalini Shakti activation. She shares how being the first-born girl and only child brought intense pressure tied to family honour and community expectations, including expectations around education and status. She describes being sexually assaulted at 17 by someone known to the family and a subsequent attempted suicide. She shares that at 18 she entered an arranged marriage and describes living “two lives” as a Western professional and a traditional subservient wife. Becoming a mother was a turning point in her decision to break cycles for her daughter. Poonnamme reflects on how her experiences shaped her voice, resilience, and ability to feel pride in both who she is and who she was. 01:40 Introducing Poonnamme04:43 Firstborn Expectations08:24 Schooling And Illness11:14 Career Dreams Clash12:51 Sexual Assault Silence16:25 Aftermath And Survival25:10 Arranged Marriage Begins26:02 Two Lives At Home & At Work29:09 A Manager Believes34:59 Leaving To Break Cycles36:49 Healing And Sharing41:42 Trauma In The Body43:23 Eating Disorder Spiral47:36 Crossroads With Substances56:20 Self Healing Awakening01:00:00 Launching Healing Practice01:03:37 Identity And Finding Voice01:13:56 Advice For Feeling Stuck01:21:02 Where To Find Poonnamme01:27:51 Remarkable Women And GratitudePOONNAMMEInstagram: @JagoSacredEnergyWebsite: JagoSacredEnergy.co.ukUK SUPPORT SERVICESIn an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies or dial 101 (UK only)Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral CentreFind an NHS Talking Therapy service near you or contact your GP surgeryCharities: Mind, The Samaritans, Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Victim SupportGET IN TOUCHJoin the community:@StoriesWithoutShame on InstagramSign up for the Stories Without Shame newsletter to join the movement.