Ranjot’s Path to Psychology
Ranjot grew up with the all-too-common conditioning that, as a South Asian woman, she should serve others - no matter the cost to her mental and physical health. Ranjot often felt like she was not good enough because the culture made boys seem more important and capable. She was constantly sick as a child, needing regular time off school – it was assumed she would not amount to anything in life. At the age of 16, Ranjot was diagnosed with chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and labelled the “sick” one. Suddenly, she became fearful of the future – who will marry damaged goods? What will other people think? Thoughts no 16-year old should have.
Recognition and Acceptance of Mental Health Challenges
Just as Ranjot started to accept her diagnosis at the age of 18, she had an anaphylactic shock which totally shook her. Ranjot developed severe anxiety and panic attacks, refused to go on public transport, stopped going to university, was signed off from work, essentially wrapping herself in bubble wrap because she was too scared to go anywhere or do anything. Ranjot didn’t realise what the anxiety or panic attacks were because they simply weren’t spoken about in the South Asian community - discussing mental health was a big ‘no’. Ranjot decided to see a medical professional and realised then how important it was to speak up about mental health.
Journey to Psychological Expertise and Pioneering Research
This led Ranjot onto the path of gaining a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology – which wasn’t without its setbacks. She initially encountered difficulties during her oral examination (although managed eventually to successfully defend her thesis), lost her grandmother to cancer, and subsequently developed health anxiety herself and ended up needing therapy again. When Ranjot got married, she also started experiencing the double standards so many in the South Asian community experience.
This led Ranjot to undertaking some very important research - the first of its kind in the UK – titled, “Punjabi Depression Inventory: A culturally sensitive measure for Punjabi-speaking migrants residing in the UK”. This enabled Ranjot to capture the cultural symptoms of depression in the Punjabi language and strive for more accurate diagnoses and tailored support, which Western measures would otherwise likely miss. This means that a greater number of individuals from this community will be able to access the support they desperately need.
Community Impact
Ranjot’s also a strong believer that no matter who you are, not all problems can be ‘fixed’ in the 6–12-week timeframe the NHS typically offers, and we shouldn’t have to choose one type of therapy over another… Which is why Ranjot set up her own practice. To help reduce the stigma attached to mental health and to provide a safe space for people to explore their needs. To ensure that no other person has to go through the journey of therapy alone.
Serving the South Asian community will always be part of Ranjot’s life’s mission. As well as offering therapy, she has recently developed an affirmation card deck specifically for South Asian women for self-love, self-care, and mindfulness. She also funds women to get educated so they can live financially independently on their own terms and break free from gender roles and stereotypes. She will never stop being the change the community needs to see.
However, Ranjot has now also become a sought after global psychologist; working 1:1 with clients from all over the world who are struggling with depression and mental health challenges. Her mission has grown, she sees the impact therapy can have, and having lived experience along with extensive qualifications, knows she is here to make a difference to those who need help and support.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional psychological advice.
