Letting Go of the Mask: A Raw Conversation with Dr. Shahana Alibhai
Manage episode 494365620 series 3652697
In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Shahana Alibhai opens up about her deeply personal journey through OCD, anxiety, and depression, especially as a physician and mother navigating the pressures of perfectionism. She shares the long road to diagnosis, the non-linear nature of healing, and the pivotal role vulnerability and storytelling play in mental health.
Together, we explore the courage it takes to live authentically and the hope that comes from embracing our true selves. Dr. Alibhai’s wisdom and lived experience offer validation, encouragement, and practical insights for anyone facing similar struggles.
Dr. Shahana Alibhai – Bio
Meet Dr. Shahana Alibhai: TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and powerhouse in the field of emotional health. As a dedicated family physician and Medical Director at Foundry
Abbotsford—British Columbia’s largest youth health centre—Dr. Shahana has made it her mission to empower others with the tools to navigate their emotional well-being.
Her debut book, Feel Better, endorsed by the legendary Mel Robbins, soared to #1 in and Parenting on Amazon. A sought-after speaker, she has worked with top organizations like Yale University, UBC, Scotiabank, and Remax, bringing clarity to the crucial connection between emotional and mental health.
Dr. Shahana’s insights have captivated audiences on major media platforms, including CTV and Global, and her wisdom has even made it to Hollywood—the quote,“We do not suffer from a lack of joy, simply a lack of recognizing it," was handpicked for an award-winning planner gifted to celebrities at the Oscars. She has also been featured in Medium - Authority Magazine, where she shared her expertise on emotional resilience and well-being. In recognition of her impact, she has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
Passionate about education and outreach, she created the groundbreaking "Think Like a Doc" program, where students step into the shoes of a physician, learning about both their physical and mental health. She has also contributed to global mental health initiatives, volunteering her time to support communities in developing nations like Nepal.
Beyond her work in medicine and advocacy, Dr. Shahana is a proud mom to three energetic young boys who keep her on her toes and continuously teach her the true meaning of patience, resilience, and joy. Balancing a thriving career with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, she brings a refreshingly real and relatable perspective to her audiences.
When she’s not on stage, in the clinic, or chasing after her little ones, Dr. Shahana serves as a National Accreditor for the College of Canadian Family Physicians and has been a mentor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency Training Program. Her TEDx talk,n"Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health", has resonated with thousands, cementing her as a leading voice in the space of well-being and resilience.
With a unique ability to blend science, storytelling, and real-world strategies, Dr. Shahana leaves every audience inspired, informed, and ready to feel better.
10 episodes