Music Healing: Overcoming Trauma, ACEs & Schizoaffective Disorder | You. Me. Honestly.

In this powerful and honest conversation, classical violist and social worker Neesa Sunar shares her journey through early trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), schizoaffective disorder, and her discovery of being autistic and learning about neurodiversity. Through music and mental health advocacy, Neesa has transformed her own struggles into strength, working to empower others facing similar challenges. She offers unique insights on balancing mental health as a musician, the importance of personalized mental health care, and living with aphantasia. Watch this empowering You. Me. Honestly. interview with Neesa Sunar and host X. ARI, and hear from Neesa about the role of resilience in overcoming adversity, how she found healing through creativity, and the inspiring philosophy she embraces to thrive with neurodiversity. TOPICS DISCUSSED: - Childhood trauma and mental illness - The role of music in healing and expression 🎻 - Living with aphantasia as a musician - Schizoaffective disorder and finding effective treatment - Embracing autism and neurodiversity - The dignity of risk in personal growth If you or someone you know is navigating mental health challenges, our hope is that this interview will inspire you and remind you that healing is possible. For more stories of resilience and hope, check out the full You. Me. Honestly. playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUgJ4qB-APXn84vJ8RFJJmi17MYcS9055 KEY MOMENTS 00:00 - Introductions 01:24 - Medication for Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia 02:10 - Music & Mental Health 07:38 - Childhood Trauma & Mental Illness 09:48 - Psychosis Experience 15:54 - Schizoaffective Disorder Diagnosis 23:32 - Discovering Autism & Neurodiversity 26:40 - Aphantasia & its Impact on Music 31:30 - Neesa Sunar on Personalized Care ABOUT ONE MIND One Mind is the leading brain health nonprofit committed to healing the lives of people impacted by brain illness and injury through global, collaborative action. One Mind catalyzes visionary change through science, business, and media to dismantle stigma and discrimination and transform the world’s mental health. One Mind accelerates collaborative research and advocacy to enable all individuals facing brain health challenges to build healthy, productive lives. FOLLOW ONE MIND Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onemindorg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OneMindOrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OneMindOrg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onemindorg Website: https://onemind.org #MentalHealth #Music #Hope #Aphantasia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #Trauma #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Science #BrainHealthForAll #OneMind