In this episode of Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District’s A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by community advocate and businessman Balzor Singh and CMHA Kelowna counsellor Sureet Dosanjh for an honest conversation about mental health in South Asian communities.

Together, they explore the realities of stigma, cultural expectations, gender roles, resilience, language barriers and the importance of culturally competent mental health support. Balzor also shares his family’s deeply personal experience navigating mental health crises and how that journey inspired him to become an advocate in the community.

In this episode:

How stigma around mental health continues to affect South Asian families
Why many people “suffer in silence” instead of seeking help
The pressure placed on men and women within cultural and family expectations
The impact of language and cultural understanding in counselling
Balzor Singh’s personal story supporting his mother through mental health challenges
The importance of creating safe, community-based conversations around mental health
Why culturally responsive care can help break barriers to support

Featured Program: South Asian Outreach Initiative

Sureet Dosanjh shares details about CMHA Kelowna’s South Asian Outreach Program, which offers free and confidential counselling services in:

Punjabi
Hindi
Urdu
English

Services are available Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rutland Community Clinic.

Community members can walk in or book an appointment through Foundry Kelowna by calling 236-420-2803.

Memorable moments from the conversation:

“The conversation is what I need to start. I’m not looking to cure or save this person. I’m looking for a quick conversation that can lead to multiple more conversations.” — Balzor Singh

“Resiliency is a double-edged sword. People suffer in silence and convince themselves they are fine.” — Sureet Dosanjh

“Your purpose is to serve. Even if you help five or ten people, that matters.” — Balzor Singh

Resources & Support

https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/SouthAsianCommunities

https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/new-evidence-based-tools-and-training-to-support-mental-health-of-canadians-of-south-asian-origin

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/south-asian-health/south-asian-health-institute

https://www.sochmentalhealth.com/

To learn more about CMHA Kelowna programs and supports, visit: cmhakelowna.com

For questions about the podcast, contact:
awayforward@cmhakelowna.org

About the Podcast

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.