Episode 3

full
Published on:

28th Jun 2023

S2 E3: Unpacking Shame: Navigating Mental Health in the Asian American Community

Trigger Warning: This episode includes descriptions of self-harm 

We can often show one face to the world, and another in the shadows…

This episode takes a dive into what happens in the shadows and how overcoming the shame of self-harm and depression helped Karen move forward.

Join TJ Wey and Karen Zheng as they explore the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans, including the influence of immigrant parents and cultural stigmas that exacerbate the issues related to self-care and identity. The conversation sheds light on the difference between personal struggles and inherent flaws, emphasizing the importance of understanding learned behaviors from a young age.

In this episode:

  • Karen reflects on their college experience, where therapy was made available through insurance coverage, shedding light on the broader issue of affordability. They help us to discover alternative tools and activities individuals can use to manage their mental health.
  • We explore the competitive nature of high school and the prevalent "complaining as connection" phenomenon within the Asian community. The podcast also highlights the host's transition from a diverse neighborhood to a predominantly white college, prompting a deep exploration of their own racial identity.
  • Karen bravely shares their journey of mental health struggles, including experiences with self-harm and coping mechanisms developed during high school. We discuss the role of punishment strategies, seeking pain as a distraction, and grounding techniques. 

Through candid conversations, we navigate the complexities of mental health, cultural barriers, and the challenges of seeking support within Asian American families.


Join us as we unpack the stigma, shame, and silence surrounding mental health in the Asian American communities, providing insights, support, and hope for those navigating similar journeys.


“And then she (my mother) was like, Karen, you don't like girls, right? And I was like, holy f***. And she was like, as long as you don't like girls… Everything's okay.” 

  • Karen Zheng, The Asian Detox Podcast, S2 E3


Keep up to date with TJ's work on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjwey/


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https://www.facebook.com/T.J.Wey/


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Work with TJ - Generational Wealth Building Money Mentorship

Let's chat- https://calendly.com/tj-wey/discovery



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https://www.instagram.com/asian_detox/

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About the Podcast

The Asian Detox Podcast
Reclaiming Asian American prosperity
Welcome to the ASIAN DETOX PODCAST, a podcast made for Asian Americans as we navigate life in two very different cultures, come to terms with our identity and share experiences of adjusting to a new way of being.

On this podcast, TJ Wey, a financial and abundance expert who is on track to retire by the age of 40, will share stories of people escaping the hustle culture in their lives and describing what that journey looks like for them.

As a financial expert, TJ's focus will be on the Asian money mindset, how to shift to an abundance mindset, discussing past money mindsets and how and if they need to be rewired and reframed and what - mind shift changes were needed when choosing the path of business over traditional career paths.

TJ is your #VeryAsian, non-binary, gluten-and-dairy-free money habits coach, helping Asian American small business owners escape the hustle culture and build their abundant life.

Zhi is on track to retire by 40, working independently and earning zir own way, after over a decade of working in corporate America as an IT Project Manager and following the Asian-Parent approved path.

TJ is known for zir work on Abundance and creating wealth systems that help others to reach their financial goals and desired lifestyle.

This is a bi-weekly podcast, with 12 episodes per season. TJ will be doing solo episodes speaking about zir own experiences as an Asian American, how zhi managed to be on track to retire by 40 and helping you understand how to create an abundant lifestyle that feels good to you and your culture. Zhi will also be bringing on guests to share their own shared experiences as an Asian American.

This podcast will leave you inspired, open your mind to understanding how much wealth is available to you and provide amazing lifestyle shifts that will help you feel great about your own culture while choosing to live a life that is off the beaten path.

We look forward to seeing you every other week

We hope that with this podcast you will come to realize that you can design your abundant life in a way that honors your heritage while enjoying a life of ease and alignment. And you can do it while making money and building generational wealth.

Our Links:
TheAsianDetoxPodcast.com

AbundanceFirst.com
RightWey.com

About your host

Profile picture for TJ Wey

TJ Wey

TJ Wey (zhi/zir) is your #VeryAsian, non-binary, gluten-and-dairy free money habits coach. After over a decade in corporate America as an IT Project Manager, zhi is on track to retire by 40. Zhi wants to help Asian American small business owners escape the hustle culture and live their abundant life through better money habits and financial foundations.