Trishna Singh OBE - The mental health burden of a life lived in 2 cultures

“Living your life in two cultures, mentally and physically, is a huge burden to carry all your life.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Suicide and mental health exist in every community — even when they’re hidden

Mental health struggles and suicide are not confined by geography, gender or ethnicity. Within Sikh and Punjabi communities, stigma and silence can make these issues almost invisible — but absence of statistics does not mean absence of pain.

2. Living between cultures can quietly intensify mental distress

Many people grow up navigating two worlds: traditional cultural expectations at home and mainstream Scottish society outside. This constant balancing act — across generations — can create inner conflict, isolation and pressure that often goes unspoken.

3. Cultural understanding is essential for effective support

Mainstream mental health services do not always recognise cultural nuances such as extended family dynamics, honour, and stigma. Support works best when people feel understood — not explained to. Inclusion, representation and trust‑building save lives.

Suicide does not belong to any single place or population.

Host Pennie Stuart is joined by Trishna Singh OBE, founder and Managing Director of Sikh Sanjog, Scotland’s only Sikh family support charity. Drawing on decades of lived and professional experience, Trishna speaks candidly about mental health, suicide, grief and silence within Sikh and wider Punjabi communities.

Together they explore why suicide bereavement is often hidden, how shame and family honour can prevent open conversation, and the devastating impact this has on grief, vulnerability and support. Trishna also reflects on the lasting effects of migration, intergenerational trauma, discrimination, and the strain of living between cultures.

This is a powerful, compassionate conversation about why multicultural Scotland needs multicultural mental health approaches — and why listening, understanding and culturally informed care are essential if we are serious about suicide prevention.

Useful sources of support:

Black, African and Asian Therapy Network

Scottish Asian Counselling Services

Sikh Your Mind

Sakoon Mind

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