There was a time when the only person I had to talk to was the blank page in front of me.

After my relationship ended while I was in Europe, I came home early carrying more heartbreak than luggage. I felt lonely, lost, and overwhelmed by everything I couldn't say out loud. So I started journaling—not because I knew what I was doing, but because I needed somewhere for all of it to go.

What began as an outlet became one of the most meaningful habits of my life. My journals became the receipts of my becoming: proof of the person I was, the pain I survived, and the life I slowly built afterward.

In this episode, I share how journaling transformed my mental health, why it's become a daily practice, and how you can begin your own journey—one page at a time.

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In this episode of The Queer Shelf Book Club, we’re diving into A Dash of Salt & Pepper by Kosoko Jackson. This story goes beyond romance and into something more layered—exploring identity, pride, vulnerability, and what it means to be truly seen. 

Through Xavier and Logan, we unpack the tension between who we present ourselves to be and who we actually are… and how love has a way of challenging both. This conversation touches on emotional honesty, ego, connection, and the work it takes to choose someone—not just when it’s easy, but when it requires growth.

And yes… I had a few very strong reactions along the way.

Cheers! 

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In this episode of What Helps You?, I sit down with my personal trainer turned close friend, Matt Gagnon, for a conversation that’s equal parts chaotic, philosophical, and unexpectedly profound.

From wild Cinco de Mayo stories to reflections on resilience and losing the only dream you ever had, this episode moves seamlessly between laughter and life lessons.

Matt opens up about growing up as the minority in his school, losing his hockey career to injury, navigating reckless seasons of life, and the mindset shift that ultimately grounded him: appreciation. Together, we unpack what it means to make instantaneous versus situational choices, how character is built through discomfort, and why sometimes getting “punched in the face” is part of the shift that shapes us into who we’re meant to become. 

Buckle Up & Welcome to the Fray!

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An hour and a half. A change of scenery. A reminder that my life isn’t on pause.

In this episode, I talk about falling in love with day trips — the kind that don’t require plane tickets, packed itineraries, or big plans. I share how small adventures, good friends, and a little novelty helped me step out of routine and back into living.

If life has been feeling a little stuck, this might be your sign to pick a direction, call a friend, and go touch grass — literally.

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In this Queer Shelf Book Club episode, we discuss Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh — a tender, heartbreaking novel about queer love, survival, and longing in a world that makes softness dangerous.

Through excerpts and reflection, we explore Obiefuna’s journey from boyhood to adulthood, first love and chosen family, and what it means to love openly when safety is never guaranteed.

Blessings asks a simple, devastating question:
Is it better to have loved and lost — or never have loved at all?

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In this episode, I’m taking you back to the cabin — the spontaneous trip that turned four friends into a family. This is a love letter to the people who steady us, lift us, and make adulthood feel a little less lonely. A story about laughter, belonging, and the kind of friendship that becomes part of your mental health scaffolding. Settle in. This one’s for the people who help you feel like home 🌻.

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A quiet conversation about what it means to feel safe in your own body. Zach shares how yoga became his daily checkpoint—showing up whole, one breath at a time. Follow Zach on IG @thezacharyan

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In this episode, Aida (IG: @aidakhalv) reminds us that healing doesn’t always look like big breakthroughs — sometimes it’s as simple as drawing a bath, lighting a candle, and giving yourself permission to exhale. We talk about the art of romanticizing the everyday, the power of letting go, and what it means to protect your peace when life feels out of control.

This one’s for anyone learning to slow down, soften, and find calm in the ordinary.

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Hi everyone — I’m Kashavíyah: a medical student, future psychiatrist, and the host of What Helps You?, a mental health podcast about the small but powerful practices that keep us grounded.

In this first episode, I open up about heartbreak, resilience, and the moment sunflowers taught me that beauty can bloom even in broken places. What started as a simple scene outside a Marine Corps chow hall became a lifelong reminder to keep turning toward the light—no matter how heavy life feels.

My hope is that this story gives you something gentle to carry into your own life—whether it’s one sunflower in a glass or a whole counter full when your spirit needs lifting. Life can still be beautiful even when it isn’t pretty, and you can stay radiant even in rocky soil.

Thank you for being here for the very beginning of What Helps You?.
If this resonates, follow along on Instagram @shavie4ever21 , and if you’d like to be a guest, send me a DM.
We’re building a community where our shared humanity becomes our healing.

Love y’all — and until next time, maybe go get yourself some sunflowers. 🌻

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In this introductory episode of What Helps You?, I share why I created the show and what I hope it becomes. I’m Kashaviyah and I believe mental health is shaped just as much by our everyday practices as it is by therapy.

Here, I’ll talk with real people about the small and big things that keep us grounded—how we found them, how we use them, and how they help. I want this to be an open, judgment-free space where your story matters, because what helps you might help someone else.

New episodes drop every 1–2 weeks. If you’d like to share your story, DM me on IG @shavie4ever21  or email [email protected] 🌻🫶🏾

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