You're Not Alone... Really
coping with the ups and downs of being an expat by Andrea McKenna Brankin
Diving Deep into Deepavali
Honoring Different Holidays and Yourself, as Well
it anger, depression or anxiety. However briefly, we may feel demoralized, even beaten, and we just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This issue is dedicated to celebrations from all cultures. When we look inside our heads, we can feel the feelings of each of our own familiar holidays. We go back in time to memories of past Christmases. Or maybe we look to
It’s in times like these that we may reach out to our family or greater community (like the AWA Listen Ladies) for strength and hope. I realize it’s hard to ask for help sometimes, but I hope you will believe and know that the
Rangoli rice flour decoration
the future when we can share a Thanksgiving meal again with our families at home. In many ways, we defer to the familiar to create a sense of mental well-being so we’re okay with living overseas and what we might be missing. All FOMO aside, many of us are here for the holidays. So, let’s take a look at a different holiday and explore how its meanings might apply to our own life and our mental well-being. I really like the colorful, vibrant and enigmatic holiday here called Deepavali, celebrated on the 15th day of the holiest month of the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, it falls on November fourth. Deepavali is a variation of Northern India’s Diwali (one day apart) and is generally celebrated by Southern Indians here who predominantly speak Tamil. Although there are a variety of iterations of the holiday’s basis in folklore, its overarching theme is the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. I have it on good authority that it is possible to triumph over evil, ignorance and darkness. As a bipolar person, I’ve experienced some spectacular lows. My book Bipolar Phoenix, released last year at this time, talks mostly about this "overcoming" theme. I worked hard and I made it. But I continue to battle bipolar disorder. And I’ve learned a few things. Whether or not you have a mental illness, surely all of us have been in the depths of strong negative emotion, be 24
AWA Magazine Nov/Dec 2021
light shines strongly on mental health issues these days, and many people are ready to see and listen to us when we’re down and out. Finding a reason to go on, to keep persevering and heading toward the light can be just one phone call, text or Facetime, or coffee meet-up away. We all have the wherewithal to overcome darkness in our minds, in our hearts, in our worlds. Looking to our foundations—family, friends, dogs, cats, values, dreams, and even holiday celebrations—can help you make that connection that brings you back to who you want to be. You can be your own hero who triumphs over evil, ignorance and darkness. Regardless of the holidays you choose to celebrate, remember that there are many people here and elsewhere that are celebrating right along with you. So, light those sparklers and Diya candles, don your best outfit from the 2nd floor of Tekka Market and dance to some Bollywood tunes around Little India or even your condo. You will surely not be alone on this Deepavali.
Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support for members at regular meetings. listenladies@awasingapore.org
