Spark! Discussions
Sometimes, the most important dialogues are start with a spark. From mental health to identity, these mini lesson guides are based on our REALSOUL blogs, comics, and videos, aimed to inspire conversations.
Adult Doesn’t Equal Effortless
with Emily Chen
Emily explores her somewhat chaotic daily routine to find that seamless “adulting” is not a prerequisite for a fulfilling life; that “work harder” does not solve all problems; and that accepting and supporting her brain just as it is has helped her find peace and contentment.
Discussion Questions
- What does “adulting” mean to you?
- What does this suggest about what our society values most?
- How might these values fail people who struggle with “adulting”?
- Consider a typical day in your life. Does it conform to what society considers “normal,” or not? How does this normalcy (or lack thereof) benefit or hinder your everyday life?
- Reflect on a time where working harder did not work. What, if anything, did you do instead?
- How can we begin to deconstruct what we consider “normal adulting”?
Recommended Resources
- ADHD Alien comics
- Dani Donovan comics
- ADDitude Magazine
- Emily’s articles
- How to ADHD
Starting Therapy
with Emily Chen
This comic is based on Emily Chen’s DisOrient Ep. 5, Starting Therapy, a step-by-step, comprehensive walkthrough of the process of finding a psychotherapist and starting therapy, with a focus on Asian American concerns. Emily covers the “why” of starting therapy, logistics (transportation, money, scheduling), types of therapists and therapy, and how to find and reach out to therapists who might be a good fit for you.
Discussion Questions
- What is therapy? What do you know about it?
- If you’ve never been to therapy before, would you ever consider starting therapy? Why or why not?
- If you have had therapy before, reflect on the process of finding a therapist. What parts of the process were surprising? What parts were challenging?
- What qualities would you look for in a therapist? How might these aspects positively affect the quality of your relationship with the therapist?
Recommended Resources
- Psychology Today’s Find A Therapist
- Emily’s DisOrient video series on Asian American mental health
- Your state’s Department of Mental Health (US) for local resources
Adult Doesn’t Equal Effortless
with Emily Chen
Emily explores her somewhat chaotic daily routine to find that seamless “adulting” is not a prerequisite for a fulfilling life; that “work harder” does not solve all problems; and that accepting and supporting her brain just as it is has helped her find peace and contentment.
Discussion Questions
- What does “adulting” mean to you?
- What does this suggest about what our society values most?
- How might these values fail people who struggle with “adulting”?
- Consider a typical day in your life. Does it conform to what society considers “normal,” or not? How does this normalcy (or lack thereof) benefit or hinder your everyday life?
- Reflect on a time where working harder did not work. What, if anything, did you do instead?
- How can we begin to deconstruct what we consider “normal adulting”?
Recommended Resources
- ADHD Alien comics
- Dani Donovan comics
- ADDitude Magazine
- Emily’s articles
- How to ADHD
Discussion Questions
- TBA
Recommended Resources
- TBA
Discussion Questions
- TBA
Recommended Resources
- TBA
The Search for Asian Pride
By: Elizabeth Su
Elizabeth identifies as a mixed race woman. However, it took her a while to claim her Chinese heritage. With her blog “The Search for Asian Pride”, Elizabeth explores that journey it took to get to where she is todahy.
Discussion Questions
- TBA
Recommended Resources
- TBA