Amar Banga

I’m Amar — the founder of TherapaJi and a Punjabi mental health advocate based in the Chicago area.

I grew up navigating California’s melting pot — from beach towns to the Bay Area — before life brought me to the Chicago suburbs. Like a lot of desi guys, I was taught that handling everything yourself was just what you do. Asking for help? That was weakness.

My Story

I found out I had ADHD as an adult, and suddenly, so much made sense. But getting to that point meant pushing through years of struggling alone, because “we don’t do therapy.” That experience changed everything.

I realized how many of us are suffering in silence — not because help doesn’t exist, but because our community hasn’t been told it’s okay to seek it.

Why I Do This

TherapaJi is my attempt to change the conversation around mental health in South Asian communities. I’m particularly focused on reaching men and teenagers — the groups often told to “man up” or “just focus on school.”

I speak Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu. I understand the pressure of family expectations, the exhaustion of code-switching, and the weight of being “the strong one.”

What I Offer

• Speaking Engagements: I speak at universities, community organizations, and corporate events about South Asian mental health, men’s mental health, and breaking stigma
• Media Commentary: Available for interviews, podcasts, and expert commentary on mental health in South Asian communities
• Workshops: Interactive sessions on navigating cultural identity, family conversations about mental health, and self-care for men
• Consulting: Helping organizations better serve South Asian populations

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for someone to speak at your event, contribute to your publication, or collaborate on mental health advocacy — I’d love to hear from you.