MindVerse: nurturing souls through words

Today was one of those deeply reflective days when I paused and asked myself why being left out still stings at 40, and how much of that ache comes from the way we were shaped as children. There’s a strange heaviness that sits in the chest when you feel left out, even as an adult who pays bills, manages a home, raises a child, and solves “real” problems every day. It often arrives quietly: a plan you weren’t included in a group chat that moved on without you a gathering you only found out about later. And suddenly, even at 40, the same familiar ache returns. An ache we thought we outgrew. An ache we were told to ignore. For the longest time, I believed something was wrong with me for feeling this way. But the more I understand psychology and human behavior, and the more I look back at how we were raised, the more I realize the story is bigger than just one moment of being excluded. It’s about conditioning. It’s about childhood. And it’s about the things no one ever taught us. Why it st...

  Every year when Navratri begins, I feel an inner shift. It’s not just the rituals, the fasting, or the devotion, it’s almost like being given nine gentle reminders to pause and look inward. Each form of Maa Durga holds up a mirror, showing us qualities that are not only divine but also deeply human, qualities that, when embraced, can guide us towards better mental health. Here’s how the nine forms of the Goddess connect with our well-being, and what we can all take away from them: Day 1: Shailaputri – The Mountain Daughter Shailaputri is the first form of Durga, born as the daughter of the Himalayas . She rides a bull and carries a trident, symbolizing strength and resilience. ✨ Lesson for us: Just like the mountains remain unmoved in storms, our mental health depends on grounding ourselves. Practices like mindful breathing , steady routines, or simply walking barefoot on grass can give us the steadiness to face life’s challenges. Day 2: Brahmacharini – Devotion and Disciplin...

 May 2025. I walked across the stage, heart pounding and eyes welling up, to receive my PhD in Epidemiology. After ten long years, I wasn’t just a graduate, I was a warrior, a mother, a wife, a full-time professional, and now, a doctor of philosophy. Yes, ten years. This wasn’t your traditional academic timeline. It was a marathon, a part-time PhD done alongside a full-time job and a full-time life. And at 43, with my 8-year-old daughter cheering me on and my husband proudly holding the camera, I felt something that’s hard to describe, an overwhelming mix of exhaustion, joy, relief, and above all, pride. Here are the lessons I learned through this extraordinary journey, lessons I hope will inspire anyone walking their own long, winding road toward a dream. Sometimes the Plan Will Break, But You Don’t Have To In 2015, I began my PhD at Indiana University with stars in my eyes and a scholarship to back it. I had already earned my MPH there the year before and had a couple...

  Today, I sat down to write this article because my heart feels unusually heavy, weighed down by a deep-seated anxiety triggered by an endless stream of alarming news. Wildfires consuming forests, volcanic eruptions displacing communities, earthquakes shaking the foundations of lives built over decades, tragic plane crashes, and heartbreaking images of wars displacing millions, each headline adds another layer of unease. This heaviness extends into economic uncertainty. Friends, family, and colleagues grapple with job losses driven by recession, geopolitical tensions, and a technological wave, artificial intelligence, that promises incredible innovation yet disrupts traditional employment models. Every day, another crisis headline emerges, fueling our collective anxiety. Compounding these challenges is the rapid spread of misinformation in our hyper-connected digital age. Social media amplifies both genuine news and baseless rumors at lightning speed. Astrology influencers confide...

  A Crisis of Uncertainty, Not Purpose   Right now, it’s hard not to feel discouraged. Across the U.S., public health departments are facing shrinking budgets, hiring freezes, and painful layoffs. I’ve seen friends and colleagues, some of the most dedicated professionals I know, lose their positions. I’ve felt the stress ripple through my own work as an epidemiologist and public health consultant. For many of us, especially those who gave everything during the COVID-19 response, this feels like a harsh and confusing reward. But as painful as this moment is, it’s not a signal that public health is failing. It’s a signal that public health is evolving. We've Been Here Before: A History of Grit and Ingenuity Public health has never had it easy. When Dr. John Snow traced a cholera outbreak in 1854 to a single water pump in London, he had no lab, no funding, and no real institutional support. What he did have was curiosity, data, and a deep concern for his community. From t...

In today's hectic world, where productivity is often glorified and celebrated, it's easy to get caught up in the constant pursuit of doing more, achieving more, and being more. Like many others, I too found myself entangled in this web of productivity, until it began to take a toll on my mental well-being. However, through my personal journey, I have come to realize the importance of prioritizing mental health over productivity. In this article, I want to share my experiences and shed light on the significance of taking breaks, embracing stillness, and nurturing our mental health. The Pressure to Be Productive:  From a young age, society conditions us to believe that our worth is tied to our productivity and achievements. We are constantly bombarded with messages that emphasize the need to be busy, efficient, and constantly working towards our goals. Moreover,  in today's digital age, our lives are intertwined with technology. We have become reliant on gadgets a...

    In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life. We often find ourselves racing from one task to another, leaving little time for self-reflection. However, taking a moment to pause and reflect on our thoughts, actions, and experiences can have profound benefits for our personal growth and well-being. Self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows us to gain insight into ourselves, make better decisions, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around us.   Personally, I learned the importance of self-reflection during challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The circumstances compelled me to slow down and reevaluate my life. In that solitude, I discovered hidden talents and strengths while confronting my weaknesses. I asked tough questions, challenged assumptions, and gained valuable insights into myself. This self-discovery transformed self-reflection into my anchor during chaos and challenges. It prov...

  Mental illness and substance use disorders are two complex conditions that often coexist, sharing an intricate relationship that researchers and medical professionals have been studying for decades. Understanding the association between mental illness and substance use is crucial in order to provide effective treatment and support to individuals struggling with these challenges.    As a resident doctor in India, a researcher, and a public health professional in the United States, I have observed the challenges and disconnect that exist between the treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders. Over my 15 years of experience in this field, I have witnessed the detrimental effects that occur when these conditions are treated in isolation, neglecting their interconnected nature. In fact, my dissertation as a PhD candidate in epidemiology focuses specifically on exploring the relationship between mental illness and substance use in young adults. This demographic...

In the summer of 1996, as a wide-eyed 10th grader, I embarked on a remarkable trekking trip to the enchanting Dhauladhar Range. Accompanied by 50 fellow students and two adventurous teachers, we set off on a memorable journey that would test our resilience, bring us closer to nature, and create lasting memories that still hold a special place in my heart. Although I don't possess any tangible photographs to capture the essence of this unforgettable journey, the memories of my trekking expedition to the Dhauladhar Range are etched vividly in my mind. Every moment, every sight, and every emotion from that remarkable adventure is preserved within the corridors of my heart. Taking permission from dad: Securing permission from my dad for this monumental trip was no small feat. Growing up in a protective environment, it was understandable that he had concerns about my safety and well-being on such an adventurous journey. As a result, convincing him to grant me permission to embark on t...

Passion, a driving force that fuels our actions and propels us towards our goals, plays a pivotal role in the field of mental health and substance use. As we reach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial to reflect on the significance of passion in this field and how it can drive change, inspire hope, and create a healthier society. In this blog post, drawing upon my 15 years of experience as a doctor, researcher, and epidemiologist in the field of mental health and substance use, I will take you through the enduring power of passion and its impact on the well-being of individuals suffering from these issues. Empathy Amplified I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of passion in amplifying empathy while working in this field. Passionate professionals in mental health and substance use understand the importance of genuine care and connection in building trust with individuals facing these challenges. Their unwavering commitment stems from years of dedicati...

Motherhood is a remarkable journey filled with love, joy, and immeasurable rewards. As we celebrate Mother's Day, it is essential to recognize and prioritize the mental wellness of moms. As a mom myself, I have struggled with maintaining my mental wellness and questioned my sanity multiple time. It's not that I don't enjoy being a mom, but the responsibilities and hardships that come along with the role could be challenging and overwhelming.   I realized very early on in this journey  that taking care of one's mental health is crucial, and we as mothers deserve particular attention and support in this regard. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of mental wellness for moms and discuss some strategies to promote their well-being. The Importance of Mental Wellness for Moms: Motherhood brings about a multitude of responsibilities, ranging from managing household tasks to nurturing the emotional and physical well-being of children. Often, these de...

Introduction: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the importance of prioritizing our mental well-being. In the pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling work life, one often overlooked aspect is harnessing the power of our creative minds. In this blog post, we will explore how engaging in creative activities not only increases productivity but also contributes to our overall mental health and well-being. Unlocking the Creative Potential: When we tap into our creative side, we awaken a wellspring of imagination and innovation. Engaging in activities such as painting, writing, dancing, or photography stimulates different parts of our brain, expanding our cognitive capabilities. By embracing our creative potential, we open doors to fresh perspectives, new ideas, and enhanced problem-solving skills, which directly translate into increased productivity at work. Enhancing Focus and Mindfulness: Creative pursuits require us to be fully present in...

Introduction    You must have been advised multiple times by people to believe in yourself, love, and value yourself and and always have a healthy self-esteem, and all that is good stuff, but have you ever wondered what self- esteem really is, why is it important, what healthy self-esteem really is and what causes you to have low self-esteem.       What self-esteem really is and what do the experts say    According to psychology, self-esteem is your opinion about yourself i.e. how much you value, respect and believe in your own abilities. It depends on multiple factors including your personality, thoughts, experiences, circumstances, and environment. You only start actively working on or giving attention to it when your other basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, safety, love etc. have been met.    Why is it important and why are we talking about it    Healthy self-esteem impacts each and every aspect of our life,...

I was born in India, in a very humble, middle class joint family of doctors who knew nothing beyond the noble profession of medicine, and you could totally imagine this, given the fact that there were very few white collared jobs present in India during 1980s. So as an obedient and bright daughter, I finished my bachelors in medicine & surgery (MBBS), but by that time the bug of Psychology, mental health and complexities and mysteries of human mind had bitten me hard! So I worked for some time as a resident doctor in Psychiatry, where I realized that mental health stigma is rampant and awareness is scarce. I was always moved by the plight of these patients and their families, not just by the disease itself but by the prejudices and discrimination against them in the society. Therefore to do something about this, I made up my mind to pursue MD Psychiatry as that was the only way I was aware of, at that time to make me eligible to help those who are affected. To accompli...