But What Will People Say?

A paradigm-shifting book from therapist and founder of @browngirltherapy, offering powerful insights and guidance for multi-cultural readers to better understand, accept and nurture their mental wellbeing

Sahaj grew up as a south-asian girl in a white American community, constantly trying to reconcile her two identities, always feeling like she wasn’t enough of either. Her mental health suffered but her worries were met with shame and the all-encompassing question: But what will people say?

After years of attending therapy in secret and finding the same gaps in the mental health world, Sahaj decided to train as a therapist herself. Now, with over 225k followers from around the world, Sahaj is on a mission to make mental health advice accessible for people from all cultures and, ultimately, help others free themselves from shame. There are sections on:
- Generational trauma
- Breaking down stigma
- Celebrating cultural duality

But What Will People Say? elegantly weaves together Sahaj's personal narrative with anecdotal analysis, and comprehensive research to create a revolutionary guide that will democratize and decolonize the way we think about our mental health. It is nothing short of a revolution.

'This book is a must read' Layla F. Saad, New York Times bestselling author of Me and White Supremacy

Review

This touching, refreshing and insightful book is so needed! I congratulate Sahaj for sharing her own journey and struggles with our culture and values, that me and so many will relate to. She provides guidance, compassion and essential change that will heal and transform lives. This is a must-read for any child of immigrants ― Lavina Mehta MBE, author of The Feel Good Fix

Much-needed and beautifully-written, I loved this book ― Emma Reed Turrell, psychotherapist and author of What am I Missing?

'For children of immigrants looking to do the intergenerational work of healing, decolonization, and collective liberation, this book is a must read' -- Layla F. Saad, New York Times bestselling author of Me and White Supremacy

A deeply personal, delicate yet decisive guide to navigating mental health. The cross section between culture, psychology and the individual is fascinating ― Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, Masterchef winner and author of Kazana

'It bridges gaps where Western mental health drops the ball. It is accessible, truthful and healing -- what we need to decolonize our therapies and address our people's historical trauma' -- Dr. Jennifer Mullan, author of Decolonizing Therapy

'Sahaj writes with great insight, clarity, and an uncommon grace and warmth [...] this book approaches with nuance (and love) the complex and multi-dimensional challenges and blessings, heartaches and joys that we go through as we grow into ourselves' ― Farnoosh Torabi, author of 'A Healthy State of Panic'

'With radical honesty and empathy, Sahaj breaks the traditional self-care model for community care, returning us to true belonging rooted in love' -- Valarie Kaur, bestselling author of 'See No Stranger'

'Sahaj Kaur Kohli [...] compassionately shares her own story, and guides readers through the nuances and pain of assimilation, individuation, and mental health' -- Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, author of 'It’s Not You: Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic People', Professor Emerita of Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles

'Sahaj writes with compassion and expert authority, guiding us along a path to honor where we come from, our communities, and ourselves. A heartfelt, thought-provoking, and deeply tender book that I will carry with me for the rest of my life' -- Sarafina Nance, author of 'Starstruck'

'This wonderful book is a compass, a blueprint, a mirror, and a friend. Kohli gives language to what many of us feel but can’t yet articulate' -- Erika L. Sánchez, New York Times bestselling author of 'I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter'

About the Author

Sahaj Kohli is a licensed therapist, a columnist for the advice column ‘Ask Sahaj’ in The Washington Post, and the founder of the Instagram page @browngirltherapy, the first and largest mental health and wellness community organization for children of immigrants. Sahaj has sat on panels and delivered workshops and keynotes at companies including Amazon Inc., Google and Accenture. This is her first book.