Have you ever felt consumed by grief and loss, struggling to cope with the overwhelming void it creates? Whether it's the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, a devastating breakup, or even a job loss that shatters your identity, grief comes in many forms.Yet, there's an unspoken pressure to "move on" quickly, leaving many to grapple with complex emotions alone. How do we process the numbness, anger, and guilt that often accompany grief? How can we find closure when loss leaves us with unanswered questions and regrets?In this powerful episode, we dive into the depths of grief and loss with Dr. Shikha Soni, a Clinical Psychologist at DocVita and expert in positive psychology. Through empathetic storytelling and candid insights, Shikha reminds us that healing isn't about letting go, but carrying our loved ones' memories forward.So, grab a cozy spot and let's enter the therapy room.About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our Smitha Murthy and Ankit Narasimhan talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Quote from the conversation"It's the labels or the words which people talk about that move on. Just leave it in the past…those memories and the person and the kind of moments which you have shared will always move forward with you."We talk aboutUnderstanding positive psychologyDifferent types of lossChallenges in grievingWays to process grief Managing guilt in grieving Understanding and practising gratitudeMen and emotions Shikha's bio Shikha Soni is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in positive psychology to help clients deal with loss and grief through their life stories. She integrates several other approaches like psycho-diagnostics and therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, behavior therapy, marital/family therapy, and various other therapies. Shikha has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology. She completed her M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and then obtained a PhD in Psychology from IIT, Hyderabad.Connect with ShikhaWebsite | LinkedIn Our partnerThis episode is made possible thanks to support from Docvita, a platform that aims to make mental health more open, supportive, and accessible through their services.ResourcesWhat is positive psychology?A practice towards achieving your best positive selfUnderstanding and practising gratitudeThree good things: A way to tune into positivity in lifeWrite to us  - podcast@myndstories.com. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Socializing can be great -  it can help build connections, it helps you learn from different perspectives and it can help take your mind away from a bad day. It can also be challenging, especially if you go through social anxiety because it can force you to face your imperfections. If you’re unable to be comfortable in your own skin, things can spiral downwards very quickly because people are bound to judge and attaching your self worth externally is never a great idea. How do we work through this? We understand more in this episode with Pranav Varma.We discussWhat social anxiety feels like and where it stems from.Pranav’s journey of dealing with social anxiety.Navigating through the feeling of not belonging and not being accepted.Authenticity and strengthening sense of self.Connecting with people and building more meaningful relationships.How parenting influences social dynamics down the line.Social skills that you can hone in on.Pranav’s bioPranav Varma is a counseling psychologist and psychotherapist who has a private practice in Hyderabad. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore. In terms of methodology, he finds himself drawn towards psychodynamic and relational frames of thought with a particular interest in working with groups.Connect with Pranav LinkedInQOTDHow do you manage social anxiety? Write in and tell us your story - podcast@myndstories.com Resources Understanding social anxietyHow to live with authenticity and be your truest selfCultivating meaningful relationshipsWrite to us  - podcast@myndstories.comVisit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Attachment styles - we all have one, but do we really understand how they impact our relationships? In this fascinating episode of The Therapy Room, host Smitha sits down with therapist and Unfix Clinic founder Aanandita for an enlightening discussion on the different attachment styles and how they play out in romantic relationships. Whether you're anxious, avoidant, or somewhere in between, this is an eye-opening look at where our patterns come from and how to manage them with more awareness and compassion. Listen to the full episode and get ready to rethink your thoughts on intimacy, attachment, and more.About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our host Smitha Murthy talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal. Quote from the conversation"I think as human beings, you're flawed, I'm flawed, all of us are flawed, I think we justneed to kind of find the kind of flaw that we can work with."We talk aboutThe four main attachment styles How an anxious attachment style can lead to clinginess and a strong fear of abandonment, while an avoidant style causes someone to be highly independent and avoid intimacyThe challenges of pursuing a relationship when one partner has an anxious style and the other is avoidantUsing effective communication during conflictsThe concept of a "relationship gratitude list"Why no attachment style is inherently good or badPractical advice on managing attachment stylesHow to manage conflicts with authenticity and patience Aanandita's bio Aanandita Vaghani is the founder of UnFix, a mental health counseling firm. As a counselor and mental health behavioral therapist Aanandita works towards enhancing her clients/ patients emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships. She has accumulated significant experience in addressing a wide spectrum of mental health issues, spanning from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders. Aanandita has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and has completed her MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University.Connect with AananditaWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramResourcesTypes of attachment stylesHow attachment issues affect relationshipsConflict resolution communication tipsEffects of expressing gratitudeThe 5 love languages quizFind us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Email us- podcast@myndstories.com*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

In this thought-provoking and emotionally candid conversation episode, Smitha Murthy talks to Renuka, a mental health advocate and suicide prevention activist, unfolding Renuka's life journey. It's one that has traversed darkness and light, tragedy and renewal, pain and profound healing.Renuka peels back the layers to reveal how creative self-expression through art became a sanctuary during her deepest bouts of depression, anxiety, and the trauma of an abusive relationship. Her story is an inspiration, showing how she mustered the courage to face adversity head-on, silence her harsh inner critic, and ultimately rebuild herself piece-by-piece using the vibrant colors of her paintbrush.Quote from the conversation"It's important sometimes to accept that we don't have to go anywhere. That sometimes the past is a constant companion and we don't, we can't just push it away."We discussHow art can be a great coping mechanismDealing with imposter syndromeManaging the trauma of an abusive relationship and suicideConnecting with her inner child Renuka's inspiring perspectives on her journey of healing and self-discoveryRenuka's bio Renuka S is Senior Manager, Analytics at Pure Storage. She is based in Bangalore and helped organizations solve challenges using big data.She is also an enthusiastic toastmaster, a bird photographer, and an artist who shares her stories and pursuits on her blog - https://renuszone.blog Connect with Renuka LinkedInQOTDHave you tried art therapy? Write in and tell us - podcast@myndstories.comFind us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer – The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Entrepreneurship is a roller-coaster. It’s a journey that takes tremendous courage to even start because there’s nothing guaranteed. In a lot of ways, it’s a great metaphor for life. It teaches you life lessons - how to fail, how to handle adversity, and how to get back up.Ultimately it’s worth it because you get to truly make an impact on people’s lives.We explore the intricacies of this journey with Anmol Arora - CEO and Co-founder of DocVita, a telehealth company that connects people with therapists and psychiatrists. We discuss:The story behind DocVita.Anmol’s take on finding meaning and purpose in life.How he deals with the fear of external judgement and failure.Managing possible mismatches of drive and work-ethic among his team.What the best version of himself means to him.State of mental health care in India.Anmol's biggest learning till date.Anmol’s bioAs the Founder of DocVita, Anmol is passionate about connecting individuals with the right doctors & therapists and supporting startups by helping them prioritize their team’s mindset & mental health.He is an IIT Indore alumnus from the class of 2016. Before pursuing his startup full-time, he has worked as a Trainee at CERN(European Centre for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland. He is an expert in marketing & fast product-led growth.Connect with AnmolInstagram | LinkedInQOTDWhat does becoming your best version mean to you? Write in and tell us your story - podcast@myndstories.com ResourcesState of mental health in IndiaHow to move past your fearsEnjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice!Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Can we outrun loneliness? In The Rider, poet Naomi Shihab Nye seems to suggest that we can. Loneliness can be escaped. The rider, then, is you, me, and anyone who wants to escape this crushing feeling. Loneliness, that most ubiquitous of emotions, goes from abstract to concrete in this conversational, free-verse poem. Loneliness gains a persona and if you leave it behind you can be a champion. The poet says that doing so is "A victory! To leave your lonelinesspanting behind you on some street cornerwhile you float free into a cloud of sudden azaleas"Srividya Sivakumar brings this poem to life through her magical and compelling reading, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem. Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow. Read the poem here: https://poets.org/poem/riderMeet Srividya SivakumarSrividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.QOTDCan you recall a poem that delves into loneliness, like The Rider? Would you like to share it with us?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Have you heard of glimmers? They are the opposite of triggers. Glimmers are small moments of safety, joy, love, and contentment. This episode of Dear Mynd explores the sense of wonder essential to finding glimmers that help in enjoying a fuller life. It makes a case for holding on to a sense of wonder and awe and what it can bring to a person’s well-being. 'What the Dark Sounds Like’ is a charming look at the world from the eyes of a child. His ready acceptance of the presence of magic all around us is a timely lesson for all of us.Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories through shared experiences that teach us that we are not alone. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us. Details of the episodeObserving the world around us has multitudes of benefits.Awe can create better positive feelings and health.Magic is above, below, and all around us. Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self-avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker, and voiceover artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle – one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm, and encourages you – to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio What the Dark Sounds Like is written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi. Most of Aparna Kapur’s friends are imaginary, and she is happiest when making things up. When not writing or editing children’s books, she can be found poring over a book or pouring herself a large cup of coffee. She has completed a master's degree in wild writing from the University of Essex.Krishna Bala Shenoi's illustrations, spanning a variety of styles, have accompanied children's literature in books produced by esteemed publishing houses across India. Resources and attributionWhat the Dark Sounds Like is written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi. It is published on Storyweaver.org. To readDevotions: The Selected Poems of Mary OliverWild: An Elemental Journey by Jay GriffithsBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererThe Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow LindberghThe Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven PinkerAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerQOTDWhat does the dark sound, look, and feel like to you?Write to Srividya - podcast@myndstories.com. Visit  www.myndstories.com. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn

What about joy makes us feel a tad worried about embracing it wholeheartedly? Nightmares about bad luck and the evil eye hold us back from truly enjoying the good times, revelling in them so they leave a shining mark on our souls.In his poem, Little Stones at My Window, Mario Benedetti writes a tender letter to joy, to its miraculous properties of creating well-being and delight, to its patient waiting at the window, throwing little stones to get our attention. Except, our attention is elsewhere- pursuing other things. As the poet says, how about thinking, “I'm convincedjoy doesn't need to throw any more little stonesI'm comingI'm coming.”Srividya Sivakumar brings this poem to life through her magical and compelling reading, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem. Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow. Read the poem here: http://tinyurl.com/2p8z4598 Meet Srividya SivakumarSrividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.QOTDThe poet uses ‘little stones at my window’ to describe joy. How would you describe joy?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Kindness moves the world.  And so does gratitude.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the lasting effects of good deeds and how kindness and gentleness brings joy to everyone. 'Lulah, the Fish, and the Whale,’ is an unusual exploration of the power of gratitude and the magic of empathy all while having a whale of a time!Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories, through shared experiences that teach us that we are not alone. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us. Details of the episodeA small deed can have gigantic results. Kindness is neither big nor small - it just is. Everyone is capable of kindness- child, adult, creature. There is nothing random about random acts of kindness. Gratitude can bring a lot of happiness and unexpected beauty to life.Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self-avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker, and voiceover artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle – one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm, and encourages you – to slow down, one story at a time.Author bio "Lulah, the Fish, and the Whale" is written by Jade Maitre, and illustrated by Anna Vilchynska. Jade is the founder of Storyberries.com, which offers free children's stories online, and enjoys more than 20 million reads a year.  Jade’s first work of adult fiction was shortlisted for The Australian Vogel Literary Award 2011.Jade previously worked as a lawyer, an editor for human rights publications at UNESCO, a communications consultant for NGOs, and as the Digital Media Editor for MTV Australia and New Zealand. She has also been published as a travel writer and a journalist.Resources and attributionLulah, the Fish, and the Whale is written by Jade Maitre, illustrated by Anna Vilchynska and is published on Storyberries.To readMy Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises by Fredrick BackmanWonder by R J PalacioThe Rabbit Listened by Cori DoerrfeldThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charles MackesyThe One and Only Ivan by Katherine ApplegateQOTDTell us about the kindest thing someone has ever done for you. Write to Srividya - podcast@myndstories.com. Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice.Visit www.myndstories.com. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

ADHD has challenges. But it also has its superpowers.Join Ankit Narasimhan in this enlightening episode of The Therapy Room as we delve into the complex world of ADHD with Vaishnavi Madarkal, Psychologist, Life Coach and Trauma Therapist. From dispelling misconceptions to exploring the nuanced manifestations of ADHD, Vaishnavi shares her views on the importance of early diagnosis, and the role of individualized approaches. She also explains the power of occupational therapy, the importance of parental guidance, and the role of societal awareness in fostering empathy for those navigating the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD. About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our hosts Smitha Murthy and Ankit Narasimhan talk to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal. Quote from the conversation"Healing yourself is so underrated because the impact is not just for yourself, it's for everyone around you and for generations to come."We talk aboutThe need for sensitivity and understanding ADHDThe causes and manifestations of ADHDMisdiagnosis and the importance of early diagnosisGender differences and challenges The role of parents, self-work, and occupational therapy in healingADHD's superpowers and how to rise above its struggles Vaishnavi's bio Vaishnavi Madarkal is a Psychologist, Life Coach and Trauma Therapist who specializes in ADHD, personality disorders, and depression, anxiety and stress management. She has over 4 years of expertise in counseling and has facilitated various mental health workshops. Vaishnavi seeks to empower individuals on their mental health and personal growth journey by integrating Indic Psychology with contemporary, evidence-based approaches like Scehma Therapy, IFS, CBT & DBT.Connect with VaishnaviLinkedIn ResourcesWhat is ADHD?Causes and symptoms of ADHDHow parents can help a child with ADHDHow occupational therapy can be helpfulAre there benefits to ADHD?ADHD misconceptionsWrite to us  - podcast@myndstories.comVisit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the struggles of everyday life? Do you feel the pressure of being a "good" person? In Mary Oliver's poem ‘Wild Geese’ she urges us to focus on staying true to ourselves. In her gentle way, the poet says, "You do not have to be good.You do not have to walk on your kneesfor a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.”Instead, she suggests turning to the beauty of the natural world for inspiration and light.Srividya Sivakumar brings this beauty to life through her magical and effective reading of Wild Geese, accompanied by a short reflection on the poem. Listen to it on The Poetic Pause, a podcast that explores the hidden life of poems, the joy they give us, the beauty they offer and the comfort they bestow. Read the poem here: http://tinyurl.com/4f577da8 Meet Srividya SivakumarSrividya Sivakumar is a critically acclaimed poet, TEDx speaker, teacher, and a Voiceover artist. She believes in using her voice as a vehicle to drive change, spark conversations, and encourage you to slow down.QOTDWhat are some of your favorite Mary Oliver poems?Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

What are mental health conversations without the diversity of neurodivergence? Smitha Murthy talks to Akshay CM, who was diagnosed with C-PTSD and Autism last year. But Akshay is more than that. He tells us just how he leads life through all the invisible disabilities, finds joy in everyday conversations and interactions, and the power of manifestation. It's not a conversation about neurodivergence, really. It's about life. About pain. A lot of fun. And a remarkable tree. Quote from the conversation"I believe a lot in being gentle. In being kind."We talk aboutInvisible disabilitiesLife as a person with autism and being an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)A manifesting treeMasking and its impact in neurodivergent individualsAkshay's bio Akshay is a DEI and talent management consultant who works to make workplaces more diverse and inclusive. He has a Master's degree in Sociology and a Master's in Communication and Media Studies. Akshay is a mental health advocate and frequently talks about being neurodivergent on his LinkedIn profile. Find Akshay on LinkedIn.QOTDWrite to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Swati Nair and Srividya Sivakumar dream about buttered popcorn and cold coffee as they talk about books and movies and the indelible connection between the two. Which is better? Books? Or movies? No matter which camp you pledge allegiance to, you’re sure to enjoy this episode. Some of the movies will come as no surprise. The Godfather. Atonement. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Others might have you looking for the nearest library - The Tea Dragon series and Birds Art Life, for example.It's all on the Mynd Readers, a podcast that explores mental health through literature, reading, and culture. This podcast is devoted to the magic of stories and how they transform us. Details of the episodeHow books and movies are connected.  What images take shape in a reader’s mind about characters.What constitutes a comfort read.  Recommendations from listeners.ResourcesTo read:The Tea Dragon book series by Kay O'NeillBirds Art Life: A Year of Observation by Kyo MaclearThe Middleman by SankarBehold the Dreamers by Imbolo MbueShantaram by Gregory David RobertsThe Lincoln Highway by Amor TowlesTo read and to watch:V or Vendetta by Alan Moore, and illustrated by David LloydAtonement by Ian McEwanThe Help by Kathryn StockettRemains of the Day by Kazuo IshiguroThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.The Harry Potter series by JK RowlingThe Godfather by Mario PuzoWaltz with Bashir by Ari FolmanWild by Cheryl StrayedTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken KeseyRita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen KingInto the Wild by Jon KrakauerGone with the Wind by Margaret MitchellPonniyin Selvan by KalkiThe Devil Wears Prada by Lauren WeisbergerAttributionDialogue from Atonement courtesy RomComs.The Godfather theme music courtesy SeasonalMantis.Dialogue from The Godfather courtesy Paramount Movies.QOTDWhat is your favourite book-to-movie adaptation? Tell us about it at podcast@myndstories.com.This is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice.Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on  Instagram and LinkedIn.

Do you think anger is a "bad" emotion? Is there a difference between emotions and feelings?In this episode of The Therapy Room, we talk to Kanika Choudhary, Lead Clinical Psychologist at DocVita about examining our inner selves with curiosity and compassion.  Kanika shares some powerful guidelines on understanding emotions, and the underlying needs/stories they communicate. She gives us some suggestions on how to allow them space to transform from reactions to responses by being vulnerable and curious.Listen to the full episode to get in-depth answers to how you can cope with anger, trauma, sadness, and other important emotions which we tend to avoid or not address.About The Therapy RoomThe Therapy Room is a segment where our host Smitha Murthy talks to mental health professionals for insights on life's challenges, which range from managing everyday stressors to chronic anxiety. Tune in as we explore topics around mental health issues, emotional wellbeing, and techniques to help you heal. Quote from the conversation"Anger is a vessel that's carrying something for you."We talk aboutHow emotions give us information about the world and orient our actionsThe difference between feelings and emotionsHow anger can be helpful when channeled wellDifferent ways to process trauma Practical tips on responding vs reacting, and managing "bad" emotionsKanika's bio Kanika Choudhary is a queer-affirmative, licensed clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with over 9 years of experience online and offline. She consults for families, couples, children, and young adults. She helps individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, stress, grief, anger, trauma, and others.  Kanika is trained in third wave CBT, trauma management, and emotion-focused therapy. Connect with KanikaWebsite | LinkedIn Our partnerThis episode is made possible thanks to support from Docvita, a platform that aims to make mental health more open, supportive, and accessible through their services.ResourcesWhat is neurodiversity?Anxiety and neurodivergenceEmotions vs feelingsHow anger can be helpfulNegative emotions are key to wellbeingPrimary and secondary emotionsEmotional curiosityWrite to us - podcast@myndstories.comListen to more episodes on www.myndstories.com .*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

This was one of the most vulnerable conversations you can find. One where two people who really don't know each other all that spoke about the raw beauty of pain, the small glimmers of everyday gratitude, and the iridescent rays of hope.  Quote from the conversation"Just tell people you love them"We talk aboutWhy pain and vulnerability are both essentialAdopting practices to improve our mental well-beingMeditationHow to pull yourself out of dark placesWhat it is to find out that you are asexualGarima's bio Garima Behal is a Content Team Lead at Oslash and a columnist at MyndStories. She writes frequently on social media, tracing her life's journey through words that shimmer with poetry. And fun fact: Garima has been writing since she was 9-years-old and is an ardent Harry Potter fan.Find Garima on LinkedIn.QOTDWrite to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

Srividya Sivakumar and Swati Nair dig deep into what makes works of literature iconic and unforgettable. Why novels like Rebecca and Wuthering Heights stand the test of time and how mental health is a strong, enduring theme.  Along the way they ask questions about the characterization of women characters in the novels, how mental health is depicted in books, and how atmosphere and language creates an unforgettable experience for the reader. It's all on The Mynd Readers, a podcast that explores mental health through literature, reading, and culture. This podcast is devoted to the magic of stories and how they transform us. Details of the episodeHow books and stories are related to childhood memories. Why some stories continue to endure. The definition of a classic. The characterization of mental conditions in the classics. ResourcesTo readRebecca by Daphne du MaurierWuthering Heights by Emily BronteThe Collected Works of William ShakespeareI Felt a Funeral in my Brain by Emily DickinsonHope is the Thing With Feathers by Emily DickinsonThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark TwainPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenOliver Twist by Charles Dickens1984 by George Orwell Lord of the Flies by William GoldingAround the World in 80 Days by Jules VerneGora by Rabindranath Tagore The Gift of a Cow (Godaan in Hindi) by PremchandOther recommended readingAnne of Green Gables by L M MontgomeryBlack Beauty by Anna SewellThe Railway Children by E NesbitQOTDWhat classics do you go back to time and again? Tell us about it at podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey. Find us on  Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, Smitha talks with author Shreya Ramachandran about writing, books, and mental health. Well, that's a given. Shreya talks about how she managed anxiety from a young age and the process of writing a fictional book about a girl who lives with depression. Shreya gives us simple ways to manage anxiety, including meditation, investigating our thoughts, and being curious about the thoughts themselves instead of accepting them as truth. Quote from the conversation"How to focus on yourself means, maybe, making difficult decisions for yourself, including asking for health-related help." We talk aboutWriting and journalingAnxiety and meditationWorking with our thoughtsChoosing the right therapistWhy sleep is the best marker of happinessShreya's bio Shreya Ramachandran is a writer based in Mumbai, and her debut young adult novel, 'The Worlds Within You,' was published by Penguin India in 2022. It was shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar Award, 2023.Find her book online on Amazon.Authors that Shreya recommends:Andaleeb WajidUrvashi BahugunaGayathri PrabhuManjiri IndurkarA book that Smitha recommends:The Book of Angst: Understand and Manage Anxiety by Gwendoline SmithThe Bell Jar by Sylvia PlathFind Smitha's book online.Write to us to be part of the conversation to make mental health cool - podcast@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn*Disclaimer - The content in this podcast is only for educational purposes. It cannot be considered as individual therapy advice or counseling and is not to be taken as medical or mental health advice.

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Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all: our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.This episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of courage in adversity, the sheer dint of self-will and the ability to look at a glass half-full, never half-empty. In his well-loved poem, Invictus, William Ernest Henley touches upon themes such as finding strength in times of loneliness, the importance of always being hopeful, and the acceptance of the realisation that we have the ability to control our own fate and destiny. Details of the episode• The importance of hope and holding on it, especially in difficult times. • How suffering is often dwarfed by the surety that it is the spirit, not the suffering that is unconquerable.• That triumph over adversity is not just a thought, but something we can all practise.  Meet the hostSrividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device.  Books. Yes, she’s a self avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.  A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle - one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you - to slow down, one story at a time.Poet bio Poet, critic and editor, William Ernest Henley has numerous collections of poetry including, A Book of Verses and Hawthorn and Lavender. His poetry contains themes of inner strength, and determination. Henley was the editor of the Scots Observer, and the Magazine of Art. It is believed that William Ernest Henley is the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's character Long John Silver in Treasure Island. His poem, Invictus,the one we are visiting today, is the piece he is most identified with. Resources To Read:Wild: From Lost to Found by Cheryl StrayedThe Checklist Manifesto by Atul GawandeBewildered by Laura WatersTo Listen:‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem‘Girl on Fire’ by Alicia KeysQOTDHow do you navigate the need for social interactions and the need to have solitude?Write to Srividya - srividya@myndstories.comThis is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this very first episode of our new podcast series, The Therapy Room, we talk to Sanchita Agrawal, a licensed Clinical Psychologist at DocVita for some answers. Very often, every day, we are all dealing with unresolved emotions, past experiences, and behaviors that act as triggers. Sanchita shares insightful tips and outlines grounding and relaxation exercises to calm ourselves in difficult situations. We talk about:How to manage anxiety in everyday lifeUnderstanding triggers and how to cope with them What to do when you feel overwhelmed and panickyHow to perform a grounding exercise and what tools you can useA breathing exercise that brings immediate relief when stressedSanchita's bio Sanchita Agrawal is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both in-patient and outpatient departments in the government and private sectors. She practices cognitive behavior therapy, motivation enhancement therapy, behavior modification, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and her aim is to help individuals of various ages with emotional and behavioral difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, and others. Connect with SanchitaWebsite | LinkedInOur partnerThis episode is made possible thanks to support from Docvita, a platform that aims to make mental health more open, supportive, and accessible through their services.ResourcesThe difference between counselors and psychologistsLack of mental health professionals in India  Tap into the 5-4-3-2-1 or Five Senses grounding/coping technique for anxietyManage anxiety with these 5 grounding techniquesA guided video demonstrating the five sense techniqueUnderstanding triggersUsing mindfulness to improve your mental healthFinding calm with the 9 breaths purification techniqueCore emotions in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)How to do paced breathing for relaxation Building an emotional vocabularyWays to take time out and practise self-careWrite to us - podcast@myndstories.com or visit www.myndstories.com