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She told her parents she was depressed and needed therapy. Their response is at the heart of her new book

·1 min

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South Asians face societal judgment #

The phrase “What will people say?” is a common concern for many South Asians. It encompasses various scenarios like clothing choices, educational pursuits, inter-religious marriages, and divorces. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, a licensed therapist and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, explores this issue in her book “But What Will People Say? Navigating Mental Health, Identity, Love, and Family Between Cultures.” She discusses the clash between her immigrant parents’ collectivist culture and the individualism of the West. The book combines memoir and self-help elements to help children of immigrants process their emotions, improve family dynamics, and develop a stronger sense of self.