Perspectives: Melati Wijsen

Hey everyone, I know it’s been a while and I explain it on this. If you can take the time to listen to this, I’d really appreciate it. Just know that even though I went silent, I never stopped believing in this project or what we stand for. Kindness over all. I took a step back because I needed to, I hope you understand. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone and for creating new connections ❤️ Love and light, Sneha

KK is an incredible creator and the lover of all things art. Joining me from the United States of America, KK shares her experience with mental health. She narrates her story of how she understood her mental health and what she has done to help navigate it. It was during this portion of the chat, KK and I got a chance to talk about something that we both love and has been instrumental to our healing journeys- CREATIVITY! I am so grateful to KK for accepting my invitation for a chat :)

This one’s a special one. In this powerful, vulnerable and hilarious heart to heart with easily 2 of the kindest, warmest and inspiring individuals that I have the privilege of calling my friends, D2 and Randi dive deep into conversations of their journeys with mental health, the power of community and the hopes they have for this world and the efforts they are putting to make it a reality.. Our paths crossed because of an incredible organisation called Start the Wave. This organisation is dedicated to making waves of change around the world but at the same time it’s created a community of love, support and family for these 2 and they share it with pride with us all. Oh we definitely had some pure rainbow discussions of PRIDE in every sense! This conversation was a chat I left feeling so full of hope and love and I have faith you will too! Cozy up with a blanket or don't, listening to these beautiful souls talk feels like a warm hug.

HAPPY PRIDE! This month we have queer guests on the podcast but please know not every discussion is about queerness and this is because we don’t believe Pride is only for the month of June but it’s all the freaking time! But today’s guest is in fact here to tell us her story of being queer in a country like India! Out and Proud and trying her best to make it easier for those still struggling to find a place of safeness and acceptance. Prarthana shares how she navigated her sexuality and her mental health while also handling the pressures of a conservative society. We are so grateful that Prarthana took the time to chat with us and share her story.

Melati Wijsen is an inspiring changemaker,  leader and speaker and joins us on Perspectives to share her journey with mental health and activism. As someone who has been on the frontlines from the young age of 12, from founding Bye Bye Plastics,  filming Bigger than Us and launching Youthtopia and the incredible initiatives under it, Melati is no stranger to burn outs, dread and overwork. Mel joins us to tell us about her community, journey, challenges and hopes for this world and the incredible work that is Youthtopia!

Rachel Graff is an incredible wedding photographer joining us from the US, but she is also someone who shares an experience with host Sneha that she has bravely joined MindMatters to share more about. Sibling loss. Last October Rachel lost her sister in an unexpected manner and it changed the course of her life. Rachel joins to share her journey with grief, her struggles with the stages of grief and just understanding and working through the feeling of “everything being pointless” and her unique situation with her nephew. MindMatters is grateful for Rachel taking out time and so bravely sharing such powerful vulnerability on our platform.

Anna joins us from Italy and in this chat we talk about MindField, an  incredible platform to access online therapy all over the world and  therapy services available in different languages. Anna also shares her  own journey into this field and Anna also sheds light on behavioral  traits we often might find “normal” but could in fact be a sign of  mental health deteriorating, we talk about the struggles of suffering in  silence. Anna also takes the time to answer questions sent in by the  listeners related to sleep issues, bereavement and grief, self-doubt  and asking for help.

Shriya is joining us from Singapore and in this chat she gives us  insights of how positive emotions can help us in our lives. What are  some of the coping mechanisms one can integrate when faced with  difficult times. She also gives us her experiences in therapy with  regards to handling couple relationship issues, parenting issues and  also youth issues related to cyber addiction and emotion regulation.  Lastly she also talks about some evidence based therapies which are used in counseling.

Justin is joining us from the UK and in this chat we understand  addiction in depth and what are signs to look for, and if addiction can  always be noticed through signs. Justin sheds light on the intersection  of Mental health and Addiction, the kind of treatments that are  available for addiction and the role of feelings in Addiction. Website: https://www.justinduwe.com/

Lou joins us from the UK and talks to us about her work with the  non-profit MindOut. An organization dedicated to working to support and  uplift the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lou also works closely with a Suicide  Survivors Program and was kind enough to have a very eye-opening  discussion on suicide, self-harm, and the shame that revolves around  suicide. Lou also tells us how to approach these conversations with individuals who might be struggling.