EP.89 - Anusha - "Happiness Is Just Another Emotion"

Today we sit down with Anusha, a dedicated Mental Health Therapist based in Dallas, Texas, and co-host of the podcast "Talk South Asian to Me." I first discovered Anusha through an insightful comment she made on a post by a fellow South Asian mental health advocate, and after looking her up, I was impressed by her commitment to supporting South Asians with issues like anxiety, guilt, and people-pleasing.Join us as we look into the complexities of anxiety and how it can both challenge and help us prepare for the unseen. Anusha shares her expertise on identifying emotions using tools like the Emotion Wheel and the importance of emotional regulation. We also explore the cultural nuances of "people-pleasing" and how intergenerational trauma and expectations can influence our behaviors and feelings of guilt. Spoiler Alert: This episode is for our immigrant parents, family members, and anyone seeking to understand the intricate layers of anxiety and guilt within the South Asian community.Key Topics Discussed:The journey of a BIPOC and racialized therapist in the mental health fieldHow anxiety can serve as a preparation toolThe significance of identifying and regulating emotionsUnderstanding scarcity mindset and its impact on mental healthThe connection between physical conditions like PCOS and thyroid issues with anxietyDealing with guilt and weaponized guilt within cultural contextsPractical strategies for managing anxiety and people-pleasingThe importance of meeting people where they are and fostering a sense of comfort and safetyAnusha emphasizes that "anxiety helps you prepare for the things you can't see" and highlights the importance of curiosity in navigating mental health challenges.Tune in for an episode full of practical insights, personal stories, and expert advice on navigating the intertwined paths of anxiety, people-pleasing, and guilt, all while maintaining a balance between caring for others and oneself.Instgram:chaiwithanushaPodcast:talksouthasiantomeSupport the showIf you like what you hear please click on "subscribe" or "follow" -  It's free and you will get notified when the newest episodes are posted!  Check us out on Instagram, X, and YouTube @mfupodcast. Give feedback, middle finger recommendations as well as random thoughts to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.