Ep 052: Depression: A conversation with the creators of CBC Gem’s Get Up, Aisha
Today we’re talking with two of the creators of Get Up, Aisha, Rabiya Mansoor and Marushka Jessica Almeida. Get Up Aisha is a compelling dramedy series following the intricate life of Aisha Rehman, a Pakistani Canadian student who grapples with her compulsive need for control as she deals with depression. The series, streaming on CBC Gem in Canada, follows Aisha’s story as she is diagnosed with depression after living through a suicide attempt and applies a checklist approach to curing the incurable.
Listen on Spotify | Amazon | iHeart | Any player
Our conversation looks into what depression is, the signs (or lack of signs) that present, what you can do to get help, and how to reframe your experience to allow you to choose yourself. We also discuss using your personal stories of mental health to inform your material as a film and television creator and how to use this work to address the stigmas of mental health both broadly and specifically in the South Asian community.
Listen to Braaains on these platforms (or anywhere you listen to podcasts!)
Music: Deppisch
Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Marushka Jessica Almeida (they/she) is a Middle East-born and raised, South Asian writer/producer, ex-accountant, former music-business-exec and many other failed careers their parents are too depressed to list. Currently, they're part of the CFC's 2024 Comedy Story Room Intensive and have written for shows on Crave, CBC, and other Canadian comedies that haven't seen the light of day. When Marushka isn’t swimming in a whirlpool of existential dread, they can be found complaining about why public nap areas don’t exist.
Rabiya Mansoor (she/they) is a Pakistani-Calgarian comedian, writer, actor, producer, and recovering lawyer. They have written on shows for Disney Jr, CBC Kids, Netflix, and more. They're currently in development on a slate of projects, thanks to the support of funders like the Bell Fund, CMF, Ontario Creates, just to name a few and she's thrilled to be one of Canada's Producers to Watch at Series Mania 2024. In her spare time, they volunteer as a board member of Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival and Breakthroughs Film Festival -- and is also learning how to cure herself of her two left feet, aka learning to dance. If you got this far, their bank password is Yugioh!.
About Get Up, Aisha
After surviving a suicide attempt, Aisha, a Pakistani-Canadian student, battles her compulsive need for control. Diagnosed with depression, she adopts a checklist approach to curing the incurable. Created by Rabiya Mansoor, Nisha Khan, and Marushka Jessica Almeida.
TAKEAWAYS
Depression can manifest differently for each person, and it is important to recognize the signs and seek help.
The pressure to achieve and meet societal expectations can contribute to mental health struggles, especially in the South Asian community.
Open conversations about mental health and personal experiences can help destigmatize depression and create a sense of community.
Reframing moments of struggle and choosing self-care can help manage depression.
Music and other art forms can provide solace and connection during difficult times.
REFERENCES
Marushka Jessica Almeida - Instagram
New National crisis line - 988
Other episodes you’ll enjoy:
BPD and Mental Health Representation in My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend - Episode 045
You’re Not Alone: The Road to Diagnosis- Episode 037
You’re Not Alone: When and How to Disclose - Episode 038
Listen to recent episodes on Apple Podcasts: