Mental Health, Multi-Hyphenate Life, and Kamala Harris: A Conversation with Hitha Palepu

In this episode of The Mental Balance Podcast, we sat down with Hitha Palepu, a multi-hyphenate powerhouse, CEO, author, and mental health advocate. Hitha shared her journey of balancing a demanding career, motherhood, and her mental health, while also diving into her latest book, We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris. This candid conversation is packed with insights on mental health, self-care, and the importance of representation in leadership.

Who is Hitha Palepu?

Hitha Palepu is a CEO, author, and content creator who has built a career around empowering women through her work. She is the founder of Rosarium Pharma, a pharmaceutical company, and the author of We’re Speaking, a book that draws life lessons from Vice President Kamala Harris. Hitha is also a mental health advocate, openly sharing her journey with bipolar disorder and the importance of therapy and self-care.

The Multi-Hyphenate Life

Hitha describes herself as a multi-hyphenate, someone who thrives on doing multiple things at once. For her, this isn’t just a career choice—it’s a way of life. She believes in living life to the fullest and pursuing her passions without regrets.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Act: Hitha balances her technical career in pharma with creative outlets like writing and content creation. This duality helps her maintain mental balance and avoid burnout.
• Permission to Explore: Hitha encourages others to embrace their multi-hyphenate identities and pursue their passions, even if it means juggling multiple roles.
• The Importance of Self-Care: Hitha emphasizes the need for self-care, especially when managing a busy life. She prioritizes meditation, journaling, and movement to stay grounded.

Navigating Mental Health: Hitha’s Journey with Bipolar Disorder

Hitha was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder in the summer of 2023, a diagnosis that came as a shock but also provided clarity. She shared how this diagnosis has shaped her approach to life and work.

Key Insights:

• The Diagnosis: Hitha’s diagnosis came after a history of postpartum and prenatal depression. She credits her psychiatrist for helping her understand the patterns in her mental health.
• Medication and Therapy: Hitha is on medication and sees her psychiatrist regularly. She also prioritizes therapy, which has been instrumental in her mental health journey.
• Self-Compassion: Hitha has learned to be kinder to herself, recognizing that her mental health is not something she can control alone. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and seeking help when needed.

The Role of Therapy in Hitha’s Life

Therapy has been a cornerstone of Hitha’s mental health journey. She shared how therapy has helped her navigate the challenges of her diagnosis and build a healthier relationship with herself.

Hitha’s Advice on Therapy:

• Breaking the Stigma: Hitha encourages others to seek therapy without shame. She believes that mental health care should be treated with the same importance as physical health care.
• Cultural Relevance: Hitha emphasizes the importance of finding a therapist who understands your cultural background and experiences.
• The Power of Community: Hitha reminds us that we are never meant to navigate life alone. Seeking help and building a support system is crucial for mental well-being.

Saying No: A Skill Worth Mastering

One of the most valuable lessons Hitha has learned is the art of saying no. She shared how this skill has helped her prioritize her health, family, and career.

Hitha’s Tips for Saying No:

• Filter Your Yeses: Hitha uses a three-part filter for every request: Does it add value to her work at Rosarium Pharma? Does it take her away from her family? Does it impact her health? If the answer is no to any of these, she declines.
• The Power of No: Saying no is a full sentence, and the more you practice it, the easier it becomes. Hitha reminds us to focus on what we’re saying yes to when we say no.
• Self-Dates: Hitha advocates for weekly self-dates, where you take time to connect with yourself and do something that brings you joy. This practice helps reinforce the importance of saying no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

We’re Speaking: Lessons from Kamala Harris

Hitha’s latest book, We’re Speaking, is a tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris and the lessons we can learn from her life and career. Hitha shared how Kamala Harris has been a role model for her and why she wrote the book.

Key Themes in the Book:

• Kamalaisms: Hitha coined the term “Kamalaisms” to describe the powerful phrases and lessons she’s drawn from Kamala Harris’s life. These include “Eat no for breakfast” and “Do something about it and don’t do it half-assed.”
• Representation Matters: Hitha believes that Kamala Harris’s leadership represents a new kind of patriotism—one that is inclusive, diverse, and focused on creating opportunities for all.
• Manifesting the Future: Hitha hopes that Kamala Harris will become the next president of the United States, bringing with her a vision of leadership that prioritizes collaboration and empowerment.

The Importance of Representation

Hitha emphasized the importance of representation in leadership, particularly for South Asians. She believes that having more South Asians in government will lead to better policies and a more inclusive America.

Hitha’s Vision:

• South Asian Leaders: Hitha highlighted the unique perspectives that South Asian leaders bring to the table, from healthcare to technology. She believes that their experiences as immigrants or children of immigrants make them uniquely qualified to address the challenges facing America today.
• A More Inclusive America: Hitha envisions a future where South Asians are represented at all levels of government, creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Final Thoughts: A Message of Hope

Hitha left us with a message of hope and empowerment. She encouraged listeners to embrace their multi-hyphenate identities, prioritize their mental health, and believe in the power of representation.

Hitha’s Call to Action:

• Date Yourself: Take time to connect with yourself and do things that bring you joy. This practice will help you stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.
• Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s therapy, medication, or support from loved ones, you don’t have to navigate life alone.
• Believe in the Future: Hitha believes that the future is bright, especially with leaders like Kamala Harris paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear more from Hitha Palepu? Listen to the full episode of The Mental Balance Podcast here (embed podcast player).