Winnia Sithideth never expected to feel this way. As a professional, community leader, daughter, and friend—she was used to juggling responsibilities. But somewhere between back-to-back meetings, answering family calls, and showing up for everyone else, she forgot how to show up for herself.
“I didn’t even realize how much I was struggling internally,” she reflects. “I was so focused on doing everything right—for work, for my family, for the people who depended on me. But I was running on empty.”
Though Winnia now works as a healthcare professional, these reflections come from her time in the corporate world. It was in that environment—where productivity often came before people—that she began to feel the cracks forming beneath the surface. Her story is one many professionals, especially in the AAPI community, quietly carry with them.
At NAAAP-DFW, we believe it’s time to break that silence.
The Unseen Cost of “Keeping It Together”
For professionals like Winnia, particularly in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, the pressure to succeed is deeply rooted. Cultural values such as self-sacrifice, resilience, and humility can lead us to overextend ourselves and deprioritize our well-being.
“I wanted the freedom to choose how to live, I felt like I had no choice ,” Winnia shared. “In corporate life, there was always a new task, a new meeting, a new expectation. I pushed myself hard at work. Then I’d go home and take care of my family. Somewhere along the way, I stopped taking care of me.”
What started as occasional stress slowly grew into emotional exhaustion. But like many Asian professionals, she stayed silent and kept going—until it became too much to ignore.
How the Corporate World Can Help
Winnia’s journey toward healing began with acknowledgment. But more importantly, it highlighted what many workplaces are still missing: empathy, flexibility, and culturally-informed support systems. Here’s what companies can do better:
Normalize conversations about mental health. Leaders and teams that speak openly about emotional well-being help create a culture where it’s safe to ask for support.
Recognize the cultural context. Many AAPI professionals carry unspoken responsibilities—from helping support family to managing generational expectations. Acknowledging this helps build a more inclusive workplace.
Support boundaries and balance. Encourage employees to take their PTO, respect their off-hours, and value rest as much as output.
Offer culturally-sensitive resources. Mental health programs should reflect the diversity of your employees’ experiences, including those from cultures where seeking help isn’t the norm.
A Message to Those Who Need to Hear It
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or like you’ve lost yourself in the shuffle, know this:
You are not alone.
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Your worth is not defined by how much you can endure.
It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to ask for help.
Building a Healthier Future, Together
At NAAAP-DFW, we’re committed to building a community that prioritizes wellness, encourages open dialogue, and uplifts professionals beyond their resumes. Leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s also about knowing when to pause, reflect, and care for yourself.
Winnia Sithideth’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience includes rest—and that healing begins when we stop hiding our struggles. She has co-founded a nonprofit called Become Laoder that focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and creativity. “The aim is to empower individuals with the freedom to make their own choices. After all, the ability to choose is one of the greatest achievements.”
Let’s create workplaces where people can thrive, not just survive.