Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
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Youth Programs
"I was so excited to participate in this program, and I was especially thrilled to see a South Asian mental health organization involved. I had never seen anything like this before, and it was a big reason why I chose this course. I really enjoyed the workshop — even though I had heard some of the terms before, this was the first time I truly related to them."
Isabell
HSCM 2025
"I joined this program mainly to gain internship experience, since I’m an incoming sophomore and wanted to understand what internships are like. I found the workshop really meaningful. Even though I had come across some of the terms before, this was the first time I was able to connect with them in a new way."
Eklavya
Unwind Hour 2025
"I’ve noticed that most people only seek help when they’re already in crisis. But I always tell people: try to seek help earlier — I know it can be hard. You can reach out to anyone you trust and feel supported by. Never feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help; it’s human."
Shreyas Jay
HSCM 2025
"I’m interested in volunteering with RCOZ because I want to be involved with an organization that focuses on mental health. I also feel like I can really relate to and feel comfortable with RCOZ because of how people share their stories through short videos — it’s such a meaningful way to spread awareness and show empathy."
Sopia Tran
HSCM 2024
"I’m deeply interested in pursuing a career in mental health, which is what brought me to this program. I really loved the workshop and have enjoyed everything so far. The content resonated with me personally; even though I had heard some of the terms before, I appreciated the chance to understand them on a deeper level. I was especially surprised to learn there was an internship focused on South Asian health — I jumped at the chance to sign up!"
Sahasra Gudladona
HSCM 2025
"As an intended psychology major, I hope to disseminate mental health awareness and education in a community-based setting. As a Chinese first-generation immigrant who experienced undiagnosed depressive symptoms due to cultural stigma within my household, I’m driven to amplify AAPI mental health voices and advocate for culturally sensitive therapy. The university I’ll be attending, UC Berkeley has a student population that is almost 30% AAPI. With RCOZ’s guidance and training, I know I’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to promote its mission on my campus."
Anonymous
HSCM 2024
"I want to shift the narrative, from "what will people say" to "are you ok?"."
Eesha
HSCM 2025
Adult and Family Programs
"This is such a useful initiative. We have so many people who stop by our center looking for free mental health resources and others with similar stories. Will definitely refer them to viist the Rcoz site."
Josue Covarrubias
Partner
"I'm a part of health equity org and nobody talks about mental health in my community (Malaysian Indian). I broke the cycle with my children. What Rcoz is doing is going to help such a big community in the Bay area."
Anonymous
Eklavya
"I've told Roopali and Sruti, but I tell you too why the library is happy to partner with RCOZ. In our work, we catch glimpses of the stress and anxiety among many students and their families in the Asian community, but we really haven't known how to address that in a culturally-sensitive way. That's what excites me about our partnership with RCOZ."
Joe Stoner
Partner
"This cause has hit close to home for me as I knew people who lost their lives due to health issues fueled by stress. It is important that we start having conversations surrounding mental wellness."
Anonymous
“It helped me open up and showed me that I can talk about it. Once I started talking, I realised how much it was actually getting to me, and that’s when I reached out for help. I stopped hiding my feelings. You’ve got a friend in me and a supporter for life.”
Sree Rella
CBK Attendee & Story Teller
"The event was exceptionally well-organized, with a topic highly relevant to the South Asian community. The speakers were both knowledgeable and engaging, making the discussions insightful and thought-provoking. I truly enjoyed the experience and eagerly anticipate the next event."
Punam Nagpal
CBK Attendee
"This is exactly what was in my mind to bring to life for the community. I'm so glad Rcoz is here, I don't have to build it many more but just join forces to take the cause further."
Pragalbha Doshi
CBK Attendee
"The chalo baatein karen event by Rcoz touched me at a very deep level. Guilt and managing relationships is a topic which needs special emphasis for everyone in the South Asian community. Most of us live in a foreign land with a lump of guilt in our throats about the family we leave behind. Most of the time, we maneuver our life here and relationships while the guilt brews on the back burner.
Dr. Seema was very insightful with her words and ideas. She touched all the raw spots related to the topic and handled it very well. The audience felt safe and heard. Her idea of using a childhood photo as our phone screen clicked something in me. I’ve had that ever since the event and I see a big shift in how I forgive myself and how compassionate I am to myself. I’m so glad that I started with this journey of forgiveness and self compassion as this event gave me a good head start to it."
Shashi Sadhu
CBK Attendee
"The best part of this discussion was getting input from other diaspora people on how families and obligations make you feel. I learnt that there should be no guilt about putting yourself first."
Tanaz Sutaria
CBK Attendee
The Rcoz Gala was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. It was warm, thoughtful, and deeply grounding. When you have family members living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, conversations like these aren’t just informative—they’re essential. There’s so much to learn, and Rcoz is creating a space where that learning feels human and healing.
Anonymous
Gala Attendee
“The gala was really cool—I'd never seen something like that focused on our community and mental health. It reminded me why I started my private practice: helping patients one-on-one is great, but community outreach is where real change happens. What Rcoz is doing really resonated. I’d be glad to join conversations, especially around men’s mental health and suicide awareness—topics that are often overlooked in our communities.”
Dr. Hari Nair
Gala Attendee
“I’ve been searching for a support group specifically for Desis, this is a dream come true!”
Anonymous
Support Group Attendee
For the first time, I didn’t feel alone. Sitting here with everyone, it felt like “apne log, apni baat”
Anonymous
Support Group Attendee
Stories
"By sharing my story with a wider audience, I feel as though a big burden has been lifted off my shoulders while opening the doors for others and helping them in a positive way. I am amazed at the empathy and understanding I have received after the opening up on the Rcoz platform.”
Puja
Story Teller
"I heard the new story about finding friends. I want to share it my nephew, he is finding it really hard to go and meet new people. Hopefully he will get motivated and feel that is is not the only one who has social anxiety"
Sheetal
Story Teller
"I wish the story of postpartum depression was shared earlier. A close friend of mine had a difficult time explaining to her family why she was feeling so blue. This is so important to understand that someone's experiences can be so important to others."
Tina
Story Listener
"I am so glad to have found this! I didn't realise how much I needed this untill now. I do have my own mental health story to share"
Anonymous
Story Listener
Rcoz Team
"It has been an amazing experience working for Rcoz. I started beginning of this year and was not in a good place dealing with my husband passing away. I did not know what I could contribute to Rcoz but here I found my calling - writing, a skill I did not know I possessed and now I am writing poetry! It's been an amazing ride and at the end of 2024 I feel such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at having contributed to the 20+ events which we did this year. A big high indeed! More importantly I have found my own identity and learnt to laugh again!"
Puja
Anjum Khan
"It's been 2 months already! Words fail to express the heartwarming feeling I have to be associated with Rcoz team. Each and every member of the team possess a unique skill and flavor to their personality worth inspiring to give your best. They inspire to learn and push yourself to bring out the best of you. I want to thank Anjum to introduce me to the team, Sruti, our executive Director, for her positive attitude and relentless efforts she puts everyday and Roopali, our founder, for being a leader with warmth, a clear vision and courage to provide a platform for women to safely speak their heart & mind. Kudos to Rcoz team! "
Suparna Chatterjee
"Finding the perfect balance between purpose and career isn’t always easy, but at Rcoz, I’ve discovered that beautiful, blissful blend. My role challenges me in the best way, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and feel truly stimulated. I’m so grateful every day to be part of a supportive team and this exciting journey."
Sruti Ramnath
"I love the Rcoz mission so much, in spite of my job keeping me working long hours I don't want to leave Rcoz."
Harini Jaisankar
"As a volunteer when I was recently doing some research work I came across the ‘Signs of Anxiety’ video, As I watched, I noticed that I could relate to several symptoms, recognizing them within myself. Having grown up as an introverted and anxious individual in social settings, it was a revelation to discover that there was an actual condition beyond just shyness. Dr. Seema's recommended resources at the end of the video proved to be immensely helpful, marking the start of my mental well-being journey."
Harini
"Working with Rcoz has been such a meaningful experience. This small but incredibly dedicated team pours their hearts into raising awareness about South Asian mental health. Everyone is not just hardworking, but genuinely kind, supportive, and welcoming, it truly feels like being part of a caring family. I feel grateful to be part of their mission and to witness the positive impact they’re making every day!"
Kunjal Parikh