Our mental health exists in relationship with others.

As we grow our online platform to talk about and promote our mental health as Asian Australians, I think that it's important now to reiterate the need for inclusivity in this space.

It's probably an unpopular and uncool stance to take however I'd say that we need to bring our white allies with us as we journey forward. Our health exists in relationship with others and if we create more divide, we hinder our ability to heal.

Yes, I think that we need to create a safe space for ourselves, but we need to ensure that this space isn't shielded by a barricade of anger and "wokeness". But as I say this, please know that I would never want to discount the systemic and individual racism that we've endured.

We exist in relationship, and our health exists in relationship with others. To be really simplistic, there are white people around us and we are in relationship with them. Some are incredibly intelligent, good people who are taking action to do better and be better in this crazy world and I welcome our white allies to join us as we grow and heal (in relationship).

I feel like this is a pretty volatile area to navigate, so I'd love to hear if you have any thoughts or ideas that come up as you read this. Please feel free to email me HERE if you’d prefer more privacy.