Speak Up: Your Mind Matters

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that one in five people globally suffers from signs of a mental health problem. In India, 60 to 70 million people suffer from both common and serious mental health conditions. This data adds some context and highlights the significance of talking about mental health. We spoke with some notable figures in the city who are all about sparking conversations on mental health.

‘Mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a birthright’

Entrepreneur Miheeka Bajaj Daggubati believes that just as we learnt to treat diabetes when sugar crept into everything, it’s time we treat mental health with the same attitude. With this simple yet powerful intention, a mental wellbeing community and NGO, Mudita Tribe was born. “It starts with one thing: conversation. Because talking about how we feel shouldn’t be taboo — it should be as natural as breathing,” says Miheeka, founder of Mudita Tribe. “Whether online or offline, we wanted to build spaces where people could feel held, informed, and supported without judgment. On the ground, our work spans across different age groups,” says Miheeka, adding, “With children, our focus goes beyond just awareness — we’re developing a layered programme that includes emotional skill-building, teacher training, and drama-based activities that help children feel safe enough to open up. We’re also setting up a dedicated helpline for students and designing specialised schools for those in need of more intensive care, blending therapy, rehabilitation, and education so no child is left out. With elderls, we aim to create community centres that allow them to reactivate their social lives, and rediscover a sense of purpose and connection.”

Why it matters more than ever

It’s time we normalise these dialogues — in our living rooms, boardrooms, and community spaces. “Workshops, especially those rooted in intention and purpose, play a vital role in getting us there. Recently, we moderated a mental health awareness workshop organised by FICCI YFLO — it was a collective pause, a safe space where over 75 women were invited to reflect on their inner world,” says Life Coach Madhulika Appasani, who has conducted various workshops in the city.

Mental health is not a luxury — it’s foundational. “Women often delay their healing, whether emotional or physical, because of fear, guilt, cultural taboos, or simply the habit of putting themselves last. Workshops like these serve as powerful reminders: You don’t have to wait for a crisis to begin healing,” says Madhulika.

The power of conversation

Mental health awareness is an ongoing effort to reduce the stigma around emotional illness and psychological health conditions by sharing our personal experiences, says Dr. Varudhini Kankipati, a psychologist and co-founder of Inner-Connect, a counselling centre that has helped countless individuals on their wellbeing journey. “These workshops are essential because they help normalise conversations around mental health, treating it as a common and important part of overall well-being. It also raises awareness by helping individuals recognise that they are not alone in their experiences,” says Dr Varudhini, who is currently a counsellor for NALSAR University of Law. Listening to others share their challenges can create a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation. “Workshops also provide a space for open dialogue, encouraging the exchange of ideas, coping strategies, and support,” she adds.

STANDALONE QUOTE

In our daily lives, we juggle so many roles – we are professionals, mothers, daughters, friends, and leaders. We pour our energy and dedication into our work, our families, and our communities. But in this constant giving, it’s easy to overlook the very foundation that supports us all: our mental health.”

Pallavi Jain, chairperson, YFLO