The Borderless Podcast

Asian Australian Mental Health: Asami Koike (Founder of Shapes and Sounds)

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Asami is the founder of Shapes and Sounds, the leading voice for Asian-Australian mental health and wellbeing, seeking to normalise conversations about mental health in the community.  

As a registered music therapist, she noticed that many Asian-Australians were falling between the gaps in the Australian mental health system and so she started Shapes & Shapes in 2019 to normalise conversations around racism & cultural expectations in the community and also provide specific resources (like a list of Asian Australian mental health practitioners for those seeking someone who can understand their own cultural background and upbringing).  

Shapes and Sounds Links & Resources:

  • Shapes and Sounds Website
  • Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List
  • Talking Mental Health with Your Family
  • How to Claim your Medicare Rebate for Psychological Services
  • Being Asian Australian

    • Timestamps & Topics: 

    • 2:10 - Asami’s introduction, moving from Japan to Australia, realising the lack of cultural understanding in the mental health industry 
    • 6:55 - What is Shapes & Sounds and the resources available on their website? 
    • 7:54 - Asami’s thoughts on mental health in Japan 
    • 9:20 - Growing up as a Japanese Australian & thoughts on Japanese Culture 
    • 11:05 - Defining mental illness & causes. Asian Australians suffering in silence 
    • 14:00 - Why are Asian Australians less likely to seek help? Lack of cultural understanding in the Australian healthcare system, the impact of culture on mental health and why Asami created a list of Asian-Australian mental health practitioners. 
    • 17:11 - When to reach out for help? The importance of seeking help regardless 
    • 18:52 - Common barriers when trying to find help /  what’s holding people back from seeking help? 
    • 20:18 - Women vs Men when seeking help 
    • 21:30 - Specific issues related to Asian-Australian. Scarcity mindset + trauma. Is it generational? 
    • 26:20 - Self-internalised racism 
    • 28:50 - Impact of Asia-Australia relations (Japan & China). Media narrative. Opportunities for Asian-Diaspora communities 
    • 33:00 - Impact of media, more positive Asian stories (rise of Kpop & Asian stories) 
    • 39:00 - Gaslighting of Asian Australians 
    • 42:40 - Following a non-traditional career path vs thoughts on taking a safe path and following your passions. What to do if you're not feeling better after seeking help.
      • ...more
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      The Borderless PodcastBy Borderless