I have shown signs of mental illness from when I was as young as 3 years old, so a large chunk of my life passed by with me trying to (unsuccessfully!) get some sort of help. When my psychology textbook finally helped me understand what was going on with me, my family was still reluctant to take me to a psychologist. Too many disastrous episodes and several years later, I finally took myself to a psychologist. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality … and so the story goes. I want to do my part and help people who are going through a rough time understand themselves, and get help without elements like shame and stigma getting in the way.

My aim is promote knowledge and awareness of mental health, and provide a platform for people to learn more about mental health. Providing strategies for coping and healing is also an important part of my work. I hold a variety of events, from storytelling and body art experiences to full-fledged, interactive, activity-based workshops that allow for people to explore their own selves, and understand mental health in relation to themselves and the people around them.

Everything! Getting to interact with a plethora of individuals who come with their own stories, and watching their eyes sparkle as they uncover parts of themselves they have never considered before. I am excited to see the society function as a heterogenous community, without ostracising those who undergo mental health struggles. And the meeting of like-minded people – in the form of co-facilitators and mentors, who are usually psychologists, psychiatrists and alternate therapists – really helps me progress as an individual and design better experiences!

It gives people multiple perspectives in one single platform, so people do not feel so alone. It allows for free dialogue. It allows for instant support – hugs, a kind word, a hand to hold – whenever people need it. And it allows for friendships!

Everyone has a mental health to be taken care of. Every single person. It doesn’t matter where they are from or what they are going through. Also, people have developed really unique ways of building resilience, and there is much to learn from each individual!

My high levels of energy, openness, knowledge and understanding of mental health concerns, warmth.

Read novels and poetry, sketch, write bad poetry, study about mental health!