At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Vaitika Advani for an exclusive interview with us. Vaitika is a Leader, Internationally Registered Bach Remedies Practitioner, Emotional Wellness Coach, Mental Health Counsellor and Certified Sex Educator. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Vaitika:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey;
I’m an emotional wellness coach, counsellor, sex educator, and Bach Foundation Internationally registered practitioner with the Bach Centre, UK. I’m also pursuing to become an Integrated Somatic Intelligence therapist.
How difficult/challenging is it to create an awareness about mental health, especially in Indian societies?
It can be quite challenging to create awareness about mental health in Indian societies due to the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding mental health issues. Mental health is often viewed as a taboo, and mental illnesses are swept under the carpet or brushed aside as a sign of weakness or laziness.
This makes it difficult to talk openly about mental health and seek help. That said, there are increasing efforts in India, such as campaigns, workshops, and seminars that educate people on mental health and destigmatise it.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
When things get tough, I find strength in the knowledge that I make a positive difference in people’s lives. Knowing that I am helping those struggling with mental and emotional well-being issues keep me going, no matter how challenging the situation.
I also find motivation in the thought that I am empowering individuals to break the stigma associated with mental illness and seek the help they need.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
The keys to success are a combination of the right attitude, hard work and perseverance. It is important to maintain a positive outlook on life, remain determined, and keep striving towards your goals, no matter how difficult they may seem. In addition, it is essential to learn from your mistakes, understand from your experiences and develop resilience.
You also have to keep upgrading your skills and learn how to delegate effectively so you focus on what’s actually essential.
What is your message to our readers?
My message to readers is to prioritise their mental health and emotional well-being. It is essential to take care of ourselves now more than ever before, as mental health crises can no longer be ignored. One of the keys to success is to nurture a positive attitude towards life, be kind to yourself and others, and take small steps to make meaningful changes in your life.
Mental health issues are rising in the workplace. Would you like to see big companies arrange for people to speak to people like yourself to reduce that problem?
Absolutely. I believe that having mental health experts available to talk to employees in the workplace would be incredibly beneficial.
Not only would it provide those struggling with mental health issues with the support they need, but it would also help to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of mental health and the different techniques and therapies that can be used to manage it.
Having access to such resources in the workplace could reduce the prevalence of mental health problems and stress and improve employees’ well-being. When we can have counsellors at all major educational institutes, then we can definitely have such resources at workplaces too.
What about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting
As for my journey, it is satisfying to know that I am making a difference to those struggling with mental health issues and emotional well-being.
I have switched careers, and even when one person feels and copes better, it all feels worth it.
My work gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and I couldn’t have asked for more.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
