Empowering Youth: Krishnni Khanna on Advocacy, Resilience, and Inner Well-being
Introduction
Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes a remarkable young guest, Krishnni Khanna, a high school student, author, and TEDx speaker. Born in India and now residing in Austin, Texas, Krishnni is the founder of Detox In Mind, a student-led movement dedicated to supporting youth dealing with stress, shame, exclusion, and isolation.
Krishnni’s Journey to Advocacy
- From Exclusion to Empowerment:
- Krishnni shares her early experiences of moving to the United States at the age of 10 and facing exclusion due to her background and accent.
- Personal Reflection:
- After moving to Texas, she began reflecting on how these experiences impacted her self-esteem and confidence.
The Birth of Detox In Mind
- Starting Small:
- Krishnni launched Detox In Mind in 2022 with a workshop in India, encouraging participants to anonymously share and support one another through their struggles.
- Growth and Impact:
- The success of the workshop led to collaborations, webinars, a TEDx talk, and podcast appearances to further her mission.
TEDx Talk: Speaking Truth to Power
- The Topic:
- Krishnni’s talk, “How Does a Lie Become True?”, was inspired by her experiences of internalizing false narratives.
- The Process:
- She describes the challenges and preparation involved, including drafting four versions of her speech and practicing with a coach.
- Key Message:
- The importance of thinking critically and questioning beliefs to prevent falsehoods from taking root
Strategies for Resilience
- "Is It True?" Exercise:
- A practical approach proposed by her father to combat internalized negativity by focusing on evidence that supports positive self-perception.
- Building Self-Awareness:
- Krishnni emphasizes the need for consistent practice and effort to overcome negative narratives.
How Detox In Mind Supports Youth
- Workshops:
- Interactive sessions with mental health professionals.
- Digital Resources:
- A dedicated app featuring meditation audios, journaling tools, and a podcast series called “What’s Your Story?”.
- Advocacy Through Social Media:
- Blogs and Instagram posts to raise awareness about mental health topics.
Broader Implications of Misinformation
- Individual and Societal Effects:
- Krishnni discusses how misinformation, both on a personal and societal level, negatively impacts self-perception and collective ideologies.
- The Role of Repetition:
- She highlights how repeated falsehoods can influence individuals and communities alike.
Krishnni’s Message to Youth
- Dare to Think Critically:
- Encouraging youth to question their beliefs and the information they encounter to prevent false narratives from taking hold.
- The Power of Resilience:
- Krishnni’s journey illustrates that even young individuals can make a difference through advocacy and self-belief.
Krishnni’s Book
- "I Am Not Who You See":
- A fictionalized novel inspired by her experiences, told through the diary of a protagonist navigating cultural differences and exclusion.
Future Goals and Vision
- Expanding Detox In Mind:
- Plans to integrate research, collaborate with nonprofits, and write another book.
- Educational Aspirations:
- Krishnni aims to study psychology, business, and neuroscience to continue her advocacy for mental health.
Links and Resources
- Learn more about Dr. Allen Lycka: www.drallenlycka.com
- Check out Krishnni Khanna’s work with Detox In Mind.
BIO:
Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her
parents in 2017. Krishnni is a high schooler, author and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022 she created Detoximind (www.detoximind.com), a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki.
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/krishnnikhanna/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnni-khanna/