Emerging from Cultural Stigma and Giving Back 

Tara’s journey with NAMI-NYC began during a difficult chapter in her life. “I was in college, going through my own mental health crisis,” she recalls. “A friend saw me in a terrible state and said, ‘I think people can help you.’ Around the same time, I was working on my thesis at Pratt, focusing on mental health, and I ended up interviewing people at NAMI-NYC. It felt like a sign.” 

Tara found understanding and connection in NAMI-NYC’s Young Adults support group, especially after arriving in the U.S. from India, where discussions around mental health were often stigmatized. “It was so taboo back home. I didn’t expect NAMI-NYC to be what it was, but it really helped me at that time in my life. I felt like I wasn’t alone anymore.” 

Joining the Young Adults group opened doors to other NAMI-NYC programs for Tara, including the Bipolar Group, NAMI Connections, and the AAPI Family & Friends. The latter had a significant impact on her: “The AAPI group made me feel connected, especially as someone who grew up in India. There are unique experience within our community, and I was able to relate to other members. It was a healing exchange, knowing someone else was in the same position, struggling with the same stigma.” 

One of Tara’s major challenges has been navigating her relationship with her family, especially in the context of cultural expectations and mental health. “I have family members who struggle with mental illness. NAMI-NYC helped me understand that it was their symptoms, and that made it easier for me to heal. I’ve learned to cope, but it’s still hard, especially when my family doesn’t believe in therapy.” 

Tara has also embraced NAMI-NYC’s lessons around self-care and boundary-setting. “The support groups teach you to ‘put on your own (oxygen) mask’ before you help others. I learned how to set boundaries and not blur the lines, especially with family and friends who don’t understand my journey.” 

Today, Tara is a hypnotherapist, studying trauma-based modules, volunteering as a support group facilitator, and continuing her own healing journey. She finds strength in both her work and in her connection with NAMI-NYC. “It’s healing for me, too,” she says. “NAMI-NYC gave me a toolkit for managing my mental health challenges, and now I want to give back. I want to volunteer and be part of this community, not just for others, but to maintain my own well-being.” 

To find a support group or other program that’s right for you, call, chat, or email our Helpline. Learn about volunteer opportunities here.