January 2025 Newsletter: This newsletter is changing

January

Hello!

Happy New Year!

After a short (but restorative) break, we're now back online for 2025 with a few updates to share.

1. This year, we're excited to launch our Community Events Calendar via this newsletter. Each month, you'll receive a curated list of amazing Asian-run or Asian-focused events for you to explore and connect with others in real life. You'll see a few events below this month, but keep an eye out for our full revamp in February!

2. We've also created a second newsletter that will provide ongoing information about culturally-responsive mental health service delivery for the Asian community. If you or your organisation are interested in joining that list, please reply and we'll add you to our "organisational" newsletter!

In between now and February's newsletter, I'll sign off by wishing you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year ahead!

See you on the other side, in the Year of the Snake

❤️Asami

🦉 Interesting things relating to mental health and Asian Australian identity

📚 Article: In an age of increased extreme climate events and catastrophes, rates of climate anxiety have undeniably increased. This systematic review examines the impacts of extreme weather events on South and South East Asian mental health across the past 2 decades, and the associated risk factors that heighten the prevalence of mental health difficulties post-extreme weather events.  

🤳🏻 Events: Chinese artist Cao Fei will be exhibiting her largest Australian show to date, showcasing a range of contemporary music and visuals up until April 13th in Sydney. 

🎉 Festivals: Lunar New Year falls on January 29th this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake! You will find many Lunar New Year celebrations across the states, such as:

• St Albans Lunar Festival (VIC)
• Bankstown Lunar New Year Festival (NSW)
• BrisAsia (QLD)
• And many more to be announced!  

🎤 Therapist spotlight.

Get to know integrative physiotherapist and pain coach, Ray Chen via our interview:

"Take a breath and just have a moment of pause. Listen to your mind and body. What is really important to you right now?"

Get to know clinical psychologist, Vi Tran via our interview:

"It’s never too late to break the cycle, you’re learning everyday. Growth comes from these moments of challenge and vulnerability."

✨Thank you for reading up to this point!

We rely heavily on your generous support to provide ongoing and free mental health resources to Asian communities in Australia.

Support Shapes and Sounds HERE.

🐌 And last but not least:

Recently in social media land,

We shared our Asian Mental Health podcast tote giveaway! If you would like one as well (there are only 9 available!), be sure to check out the link on our instagram!

Make sure to check out Season 2 on your favourite podcast streaming platform as well!