Sanjana Gobin-Rambhojun, Clinical Psychologist

10/10/2024

World Mental Health Day 2024

09/09/2024

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be confidently speaking in public, I wouldn’t have believed you. Despite growing up in Mauritius, a bilingual country, I struggled with French for years—even though I had it as a main subject for my HSC. My conversations were mostly in Creole and English, and I didn’t feel confident enough in French.

The real challenge wasn’t just the language; it was the fear of judgment—mostly from myself. I would critique my every word before anyone else had the chance to.

But standing here today, mic in hand, I’ve realized something crucial: At the end of the day, language is just a medium to put across a message. Once you truly master your subject, everything flows. The confidence comes from knowing what you’re talking about, and the words—whether in French, English, or Creole—start to align.

This speech represents more than words—it’s a symbol of personal growth, learning to trust myself, and breaking free from the fear of not being “good enough.”

So, if you find yourself doubting your abilities, whether it’s a language or anything else, remember: be kinder to yourself. The first person you need to impress is you. 🌱

25/08/2024

Empowered women empower women ❤️

19/08/2024

The recent heart-wrenching and enraging r**e and murder of Dr. Moumita has been all over social media, and as a woman, it feels like a growing sense of impending doom with each new incident being reported.

The emotional toll that these incidents take on us as women is incredible. We are constantly navigating the devastating impact of these crimes, not only on the victims and their families but also on our collective psyche. Every report feels like a personal attack, and the weight of these tragedies is heavy on our hearts.

On one side, these incidents fuel the rage to fight for women's safety. The anger and sorrow push us to demand justice, to advocate for change, and to speak out against the violence and injustice that women face every day.

But on the other side, there's a primal instinct of survival that kicks in. I want to fight, but I also want to remain safe while doing it—a terrible dichotomy that many of us grapple with. The fear is real, the risks are palpable, and the balance between activism and self-preservation is a constant struggle.

We shouldn't have to live in a world where this choice exists. Yet, here we are, mourning another life lost while trying to find the strength to keep pushing forward. It's time we collectively acknowledge this emotional burden and continue to support each other in both our fight for justice and our need for safety.

12/08/2024

"I Feel More Connected with One of My Kids! Does That Make Me a Terrible Mom?"

Let’s be honest—how many of us have secretly felt more connected to one child over the other? Trust me, you're definitely not alone in this. But before we dive into a guilt spiral, let’s break it down.

First off, no, it doesn’t make you a terrible mom. In fact, it makes you a human mom! It’s completely normal to feel a stronger bond with one child at certain stages of their development. Maybe one is more like you in personality, or maybe they share your love for a good cup of coffee and a chat—whatever it is, it’s okay to feel this way.

But here’s the thing—just because we feel more connected with one child doesn’t mean we love our other children any less. Love isn’t a finite resource; it’s not like we have a quota to fill and the rest are left in the emotional dust. Parenting is about being aware of these feelings and making sure they don’t translate into favoritism.

So, what can we do about it? Start with self-awareness. Recognize your feelings without judgment. Then, make a conscious effort to engage with each child in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s not about forcing connections where they aren’t natural, but about ensuring that each child knows they’re loved for who they are.

We’re all just trying to do our best here—sometimes that means a little extra effort to balance the scales, and sometimes it means accepting that our family dynamics are beautifully imperfect.

So, no, you’re not a terrible mom—you’re a real one. And that’s something to be proud of! 💪

06/08/2024

"My mum also struggled with..." 💝
Generational Trauma in Mauritius

I have been working as a mental health professional in Mauritius for a decade and the number of times that i have seen mental health being an issue from generation to generation. We obviously understand the genetic factors contributing to this situation but it is equally crucial to take a moment and look at the impact of undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues.
Here are some key points to consider:

1. Impact of Undiagnosed and Untreated Mental Health Issues:
When mental health issues go undiagnosed and untreated, they can profoundly affect family dynamics. Parents with untreated mental health issues might exhibit unpredictable behaviors, which can lead to a chaotic and unstable environment for children. This instability can cause children to develop anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

2. Emotional Availability of Parents:
Parents struggling with mental health issues may be emotionally unavailable to their children. This lack of emotional support can hinder a child's emotional and psychological development, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships and coping with stress later in life.

3. Stigma in the Local Context:
In Mauritius, as in many other places, there is a significant stigma attached to mental health issues. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help, exacerbating the problem and allowing it to continue across generations. Stigma also leads to a lack of open discussion about mental health, perpetuating ignorance and misunderstanding.

💪 Despite these challenges, there is hope. Many individuals in therapy are actively working to break the cycle of generational trauma. They are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and are taking steps to heal themselves and create healthier environments for their children.

As children of someone who struggled with mental health issues, we often feel guilty when even talking about it because we know that our parents didn't choose to have this struggle. But we also understand the impact of not dealing with it, for us and for the future generations. ❤️

This is your cue to !

05/08/2024

As I turned 35 this week, I was overwhelmed by the numerous messages and well wishes from friends, family, and colleagues. Many people told me that I don't look my age, and while I understand this as a compliment, it also made me reflect on a deeper issue.

Our society places immense value on not looking our age, especially for women. There's an underlying pressure to maintain a youthful appearance, often overshadowing the true essence of aging gracefully. This has led me to ponder, what if I look 50 when I’m still 40? Should that diminish my worth or achievements?

Here's what I’ve come to realize:

1. Aging is Natural
Every wrinkle and grey hair tells a story of lived experiences, lessons learned, and resilience. Embracing these changes is a celebration of life itself.

2. Redefine Beauty
True beauty lies in authenticity, kindness, and confidence. Let’s redefine beauty standards to include the wisdom and grace that come with age.

3. Mental Well-Being Over Appearance
Prioritizing mental health and inner peace should take precedence over the pressure to look young. A healthy mind radiates true beauty.

4. Value Beyond Looks
Our worth should be measured by our contributions, character, and the positive impact we have on others, not by how young we appear.

5. Support Each Other
Let’s uplift and support each other in embracing our natural selves, free from the societal pressures of youthfulness.

Turning 35 has been a beautiful reminder to appreciate the journey and the growth that comes with each year. Let's shift the narrative from fearing age to celebrating the incredible people we become with time.

Here’s to aging with grace, wisdom, and authenticity. 🎉💖

31/07/2024

🔕 "Silent burnout" in the generation of "quiet quitters" 🔕

You don't have to wait until you hate your job, have panic attacks, or lose complete interest and motivation to identify burnout. Burnout can also manifest in more subtle ways, such as becoming even more perfectionist while having a cynical attitude about the outcomes. It can look like avoiding social interaction while craving validation.

In this generation of quiet quitting, we also need to start talking about silent burnout, often in millennials who attach so much value to perseverance and gratitude that they do not acknowledge the issue at hand. A burnout is rarely one-dimensional and the contradicting symptoms often make it difficult to recognize one.

Recognizing these signs early can help prevent more severe consequences and promote a healthier work-life balance.

26/07/2024

24/07/2024

24/07/2024

Lately, I’ve met quite a few people struggling with unexplained physical symptoms. These individuals visited numerous medical professionals, searching for answers, only to find themselves considering the possibility that it might all be in their minds. As their last resort, they turned to a mental health professional. The surprising diagnosis? Anxiety!

This experience led me to reflect on the less common symptoms of anxiety that often go unrecognized. Anxiety isn’t just about feeling nervous or worried; it can manifest in many unexpected ways. Here are some unusual symptoms to be aware of: