Author: Pardeep Kaleka

The month of May is both “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” and “National Mental Health Awareness Month.” In recognition of the many layers and complexities that show up in the South Asian experience, I’m reviewing the work of author, Mrinal Gokhale in her first published book, Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted. As a clinician myself, I am always in search for great resources that could help inform the many diverse mental health treatment modalities, planning, and goals for my clients. Gokhale, in her book, intimately explored the lives of 11 South Asians with upbringings connected...

A few years ago, when I asked my wife if she would like to take the kids to see a movie, she informed me that she doesn’t like patronizing theaters. When I asked her why, her response was not surprising. But it did make me think about how many more people felt the same way. She stated that a movie theater and other public places made her uncomfortable, because she was worried that someone would shoot the place up and she would not be able to protect the kids. In the wake of what seems to be a never-ending...

“And we will open our hands to the feast without shame. And we will turn toward each other without fear. And we will give up our appetite for despair. And we will taste and know of delight.” – Jan Richardson, “And the Table will be Wide” Fear can be an incredibly helpful emotion; however, fear can also serve as the primal root of disconnection. This is because our feelings can at the same time be healthy and yet be manipulated by both ourselves and others. Fear, especially when it is combined with trauma, can cause us to overestimate threats...

“If I cut you off, chances are you handed me the scissors.” – Social Media Meme Our existence begins and ends with relationships. From a very young age we navigate the complexities of connection with our families, friends, associates, and ourselves. It can be understood that if our life was a book then only a few people would remain for a significant portion of that written journey. As the new year approached, I found myself reflecting on this truth as people shared their New Year’s resolution to cut out the toxic people in their lives. This made me reflect...