EP.15 - The Struggle is Real: Filipinos and Mental Health

Filipino Fridays

Filipinos are the type of people who feel deeply, but yet have a difficult time talking about it. This episode is an eye-opening discussion about mental health and the Filipino community (which is very rare). How our cultural upbringing affects our attitude towards mental wellness and the challenges we face with expressing what we are feeling. In our culture, we have a difficult time being honest with our emotions - we get great advice on how to deal with "hiya" or shame on being vulnerable about the condition of our mental well-being. We go over the concept of "maarte" and how it adversely affects Filipinos from asking for help and how to get started in talking about mental health with Filipino parents. Our special guest for this episode helps us navigate through these emotions. Cynthia Siadat, LCSW (CA #76525) is a Proud Fil-Am trauma psychotherapist for high achievers and caregivers. She shares about mental health & her own mental health process as a speaker and writer. She runs her private practice Living Fully Therapy in Los Angeles and is currently working on Kapwa Therapy (title pending) — a therapeutic approach that encapsulates the Filipinx/a/o Spirit & Values alongside a CBT, existential, & trauma-informed lens.

Content warning: we breach the topic of depression and what to watch out for. If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thought, please call 1-800-273-8255 or 833-456-4566 (in Canada) to reach someone who can help. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please head to your closest emergency room.

Thank you to our partners Potato Corner BC and CiTR 101.9 FM for supporting this podcast.

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