Mental health, on Mental Health Day.

Sharing this is deeply personal, but perhaps this is what gives meaning to this day.

October 10th, the day after my father's birthday, is Mental Health Day. I've generally refrained from posting on this day because I never felt comfortable.

Today, my partner asked if I planned to post. I hesitated again, and then decided to just be authentic. Isn't that what this day celebrates?

Raising awareness through authenticity.

I find solace in the fact that terms like mental health, therapy, anxiety, and depression have become more common household discussions and I get to contribute my bit in it too.

My father's lifelong battle with mental health was shrouded in silence. Phrases like 'It's all in your mind,' 'shaadi ke baad sab theek ho jayega,' or 'Bacha karlo sab theek ho jayega' were futile remedies, but with his suffering, society's ignorance prevailed.

When I chose to study Psychology, I was really just hoping to unravel his struggles and in any way support him. Little did I know, it would shape my life and career.

I feel grounded now to have been able to see through the ripples of his predicament on us as a family, and to know that it is only in empathy that I will find my resolve.

I can't help but wonder how different our lives would have been if seeking help was acceptable back then.

If you're struggling, seeking therapy, in any form that suits you, will not only help you find relief from your suffering, but can also transform your relationship with the ones you love.

It's never too late to rewrite your story. :)