- The experience of a tragic earthquake inspired Arushi Sethi to launch her mental health start-up with her mother.
- Non-judgemental support from loved ones can help mentally ill people overcome their psychological issues.
Despite progress in several countries, many people with psychological illnesses often experience severe discrimination, social stigma, and human rights violation. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that increased investment is required for mental health awareness and to reduce stigma.
25-year-old Arushi Sethi shared how the experience of a tragic earthquake inspired her to launch her own mental health organization. She shared that she went to Nepal for a vacation in 2015, but never thought that this vacation would be a life-changing one. One day after she reached Kathmandu, the city faced a massive earthquake that took around 9000 lives and left thousands homeless.
Fortunately, Arushi and her loved ones were rescued within 48 hours. But the devastating experience adversely affected her mental health. She experienced poor sleep and gradually developed symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her mental health deteriorated because of insufficient coping mechanisms.
Her mother Anureet Sethi is a clinical psychologist who helped her deal with her symptoms. But the situation forced Arushi to wonder about those people who suffer silently and don’t get the required emotional support. It motivated her to turn her final year ad-design project into a full-fledged startup named Trijog.
The organization aims at eliminating social stigma and mental health problems by providing a broad range of helpful services like counseling and therapies to people irrespective of gender and age.
Being a psychologist with experience of working with several schools and hospitals, her mother Aruneet Sethi is also involved in this start-up organization. “I could have sulked due to the tragic experience in Nepal but instead I chose to use that in my favor and help others beat the stigma,” said Arushi.
She mentioned that she had seen her mother helping patients overcome stress and depression daily. Being a professional, her mother never shied away from telling Arushi about the importance of mental health. When asked about her inspiration, Arushi gave all the credits to her mother for being an influential force throughout her journey. “Forming a company that addresses an issue widely neglected in Indian society was not easy for us,” she added further.
Mumbai-based Trijog currently has a strong client base of 15,000 and is working on the development of a mobile application that can easily provide various services to sufferers. Recently, Arushi became the youngest member appointed to the World Federation of Mental Health.
According to the Mental health Foundation, genuine and non-judgemental support from loved ones can help mentally ill people overcome their psychological issues. Everyone should encourage a person with a mental problem to seek medical help without any hesitation.
