Yashna Verma

Born in Punjab, Raised in Nova: Navigating Two Worlds

My name is Yashna, and my journey began in Punjab, India, before my family and I moved to the United States when I was just 2 years old. Growing up in Northern Virginia (NoVA), I lived in two worlds—the traditions of my Indian heritage and the pressures of American life. My parents worked tirelessly to build a life for us, leaving behind family, culture, and familiarity, all while ensuring we had every opportunity they never did. But with that came expectations—excelling academically, thriving in extracurriculars, and constantly comparing ourselves to other “brown kids” to prove our family’s worth.

As a child, emotions were never a topic of discussion. We didn’t talk about feelings because we weren’t taught how. Instead, we were encouraged to focus on achievement. I internalized that mindset and thrived academically, landing myself a spot at TJHSST, the number one high school in the country. From the outside, it seemed like the ultimate success. But inside, I was struggling.

The Silent Struggle

At 15, I didn’t know what mental health meant, but I was living in the depths of depression and anxiety. My self-worth was tied to my achievements, and I felt like a failure when I couldn’t keep up with the workload and pressures. I developed unhealthy coping mechanisms—food, sleep deprivation, and self-criticism—but I kept pushing forward because I had to succeed.

Things didn’t improve in college. I followed the same toxic patterns: chasing a career I didn’t love, sacrificing my health and happiness for validation, and never truly addressing my struggles. By junior year, I hit rock bottom. I was lost, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by depression. I felt like I was sinking deeper into a hole I couldn’t escape. Then, COVID hit. The world paused, and so did I. It was the break I didn’t know I needed.

The Turning Point

During this time, I experienced my first panic attack, and it was a wake-up call. My mental health could no longer be ignored. I decided to give therapy a chance—a real chance—and it changed my life. Through therapy, I discovered I was a people-pleaser who had been living for everyone else but myself. I didn’t even know who I was. I learned how to express my emotions, prioritize my well-being, and, most importantly, embrace my authentic self.

I dove into meditation, yoga, self-care, and emotional intelligence. I rediscovered hobbies like dancing and painting, made new friends, and transformed my lifestyle through proper sleep, diet, and exercise. I became unrecognizable to my former self. I even shifted my career, choosing a path that aligned with my values rather than society’s expectations.

Coming Full Circle

As I transformed, so did my relationship with my parents. Therapy not only healed me, but it helped us bridge the emotional gap that had existed for so long. We started talking—about emotions, relationships, mental health, and more. They became my biggest supporters, and our bond grew stronger than ever.

Looking back, I couldn’t have imagined that my life would look like this. What began as a personal journey of survival and growth became the foundation of my purpose. Today, I’m a coach dedicated to helping others who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless, just like I once did. My personal belief is that love has the power to heal anything, and it’s my mission to help people embrace that love for themselves, as they are. I’ve lived through the struggles of balancing cultural expectations, mental health, and self-worth—especially within the South Asian community—and I understand the weight of those challenges firsthand.

Why work with me?

I don’t just offer tools; I’ve walked this path myself, and I know what it takes to transform. I’ve been in that space of feeling lost and disconnected, and I’ve emerged stronger, more balanced, and deeply in tune with who I am. My journey of embracing both my cultures—my Indian roots and my American upbringing—has given me a unique perspective to guide others who feel they don’t quite belong. If you’re struggling, I want to be the person who helps you find peace, balance, and your true self again. Let me show you how love, self-compassion, and holistic wellness can change your life just as they did mine!