“As a girl, facing harassment and discrimination and a huge list of dont’s was a part of usual life until I found out a friend was raped in Guwahati and passed away with depression after being ostracized from her family who blamed her for it. I took a gap year after my 12th grade and that was one of the most challenging times I had faced. This incident brought out the suppressed voices and tears inside and pushed me to leave journalism and take up law instead. I became a lawyer in her memory but that wasn’t enough. Something felt incomplete until I started my journey towards getting certified as a Handwriting Analyst and reaching out and helping people. This gave me a chance to connect with people from different walks of life and only encouraged me to further take up and learn other modes of holistic healing and being able to help people. Today, it’s been more than 4 years since I started ‘Profound Divinity’ in her memory- a safe space for anyone to come talk, share their feelings and receive some healing in the most banal way possible – listening and warmth. Being a freelance initiative and spread just through word of mouth it may not seem much, but over 100 people have reverted with joy and positive changes. The recent Mental Healthcare Act has definitely helped, but reaching out for help and therapy is still a stigma around here. I’m hoping we get to make a difference and spread smiles and happiness to the best of our abilities. After all, kindness costs nothing and the world could use more smile-heroes.”

#Educate #Society #Depression #MentalHealth #Stigma #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #Happiness #Hope #Kindness #Life #Hardships #Motivation #Madras #HumansofMadras