Away - Ashwin's story and why it matters
Mental health is something that affects all of us. But in many communities, including the Tamil community, it can be hard to talk about. Some people might feel embarrassed or think that talking about mental health is a sign of weakness. At Thadam, we believe it’s time to change that.
That’s why we’ve created a five-part video series, Away, that follows Ashwin, a young man moving away from home for the first time. His story shows the ups and downs of dealing with change and reminds us why taking care of our mental health is so important.
Why Ashwin's story matters
In our Tamil community, it’s not always easy to talk about how we feel. Some of us have grown up in families where emotional struggles are kept private, or where people believe you just need to be strong and push through. But the truth is, everyone has feelings, and it’s okay to feel anxious, unsure, or even a bit lost when big life changes happen.
Breaking the silence around mental health
Ashwin’s journey is a reflection of what many of us experience, especially when we face big changes. Whether it’s moving away for the first time, starting a new job, or adjusting to a new environment, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
We believe that sharing stories like Ashwin’s can help break the silence around mental health. By starting conversations, we can make it easier for people to share their own feelings and seek help when needed. There’s no shame in asking for support—it’s a strength.
Watch the series
To kick things off, we’re sharing the first episode of Away with actor and writer Niranjanan Sriganeshwaran, who is also Thadam’s Vice-President. In this episode, you’ll get to see the beginning of Ashwin’s journey and how he navigates the challenges of moving away from home. It’s a powerful story that we hope will inspire you to think about your own mental health and the mental health of those around you. Watch the rest of the series.
Join the conversation
We invite you to watch Ashwin’s story and share it with your family and friends. Let’s make it easier to talk about mental health in our community. By having open conversations, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels safe to share their experiences.