In this powerful episode of S&S Diaries, Sha sits down with disability and chronic illness advocate Priya to discuss her incredible journey of resilience, invisible disability, family caregiving, mental health, migrant identity, and navigating Australia’s healthcare and NDIS systems.
From growing up in her parents’ spice shop to becoming a full-time carer at just 13 years old, Priya opens up about surviving on two hours of sleep, being repeatedly misdiagnosed, collapsing in public, and ultimately finding purpose through advocacy.
Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, caring for a loved one, working in healthcare, or simply looking to understand invisible disabilities better, this conversation is one you won’t forget.
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Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to Priya
0:56 Priya’s background and Brisbane upbringing
1:30 Her father losing eyesight and starting a family business
3:13 How business shaped her work ethic
3:47 Seeing disability as something to navigate differently
5:43 Growing up as a carer for her father
8:10 Caring for grandparents with dementia and stroke
11:00 South Asian family pressure and cultural expectations
19:35 Guilt around caring for elders in migrant families
24:33 Priya opens up about her own disability
25:54 Understanding ME and chronic illness
37:05 First symptoms and 13-year diagnosis journey
46:17 Collapsing in public and being ignored
56:24 The importance of self-advocacy
1:06:23 Priya’s NDIS journey and reform work
1:14:23 Final message: think differently and pave your own path
If this conversation resonated with you, don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to SNS Diaries for more inspiring conversations with incredible people sharing real stories that matter.
#ssdiaries #DisabilityAwareness #InvisibleDisability #ChronicIllness #MECFS #NDIS #MentalHealth #SouthAsian #Australia #Podcast
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Connect with Priya Fernandes :
Website:
https://priyafernandes.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/priyafernandesadvocate/
TikTok:
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCU54KBP/
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You can also connect with us:
Website:
https://thestandardbysha.com/
Email:
hello@ssdiaries.com
pj@thestandardbysha.com
sha@thestandardbysha.com
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@ttssdiaries
Insta:
https://www.instagram.com/ipjsel/
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https://www.instagram.com/qlivfe/
Insta:
https://www.instagram.com/ttssdiaries/
Insta:
https://www.instagram.com/ssheissha/
Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ipjsel
Tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ttssdiaries
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ssheissha
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ipjsel
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This podcast is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences, opinions and real-life perspectives of the hosts and guests. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes financial, legal, tax, business or other professional advice. The content does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice tailored to your circumstances. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness or results of any information shared, and individual outcomes will vary. Before making any financial, business or legal decision, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified and, where relevant, licensed professional in Australia.
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