Lived Experience. Heard Voices. Real Change
I was honoured to be invited by the Psychology Cell of Government Engineering College to inspire students ahead of World Mental Health Day, 10 October. This year’s theme – “Lived Experience, Heard Real Voices, Real Change”—is deeply personal to me. For me, mental health is not merely a topic to speak about. It is a journey I have lived.
Turning Personal Struggles into Hope, Purpose and Positive Change
During the interaction, I openly shared my own journey of chronic depression—the difficult phases, emotional struggles and moments when life felt overwhelming. But my story did not end there.I gradually learned to accept myself, seek support, rebuild my life and discover a deeper sense of purpose. From those difficult experiences emerged a new direction—Serve Happiness Foundation, through which I found an opportunity to serve society, inspire young people and create positive change.
Over the years, the journey has brought various awards, recognitions and achievements. But beyond every award, certificate or recognition, my biggest achievement is simply being able to live a happy and purposeful life. To spread smiles. To serve society. To inspire others. To positively impact lives. That, for me, is success.
Mental Health Needs a Voice
We have made tremendous progress in technology, artificial intelligence and scientific innovation. Yet, despite all this progress, mental health continues to remain a taboo in many parts of our society. People often hide their emotions because they fear being judged. They hesitate to say, “I am not okay.” They worry about being misunderstood, labelled or considered weak. Sometimes, behind a smiling face is a battle that nobody knows about. That is why we need to create spaces where people can speak openly about their emotional struggles without fear or shame.
Listening Can Save Lives
Mental health awareness is not only about treatment. It is also about human connection.Sometimes, a person does not need immediate advice.They simply need someone who will listen.Someone who will sit beside them without judgement.
Someone who will say: “I accept you.” “I understand you.” “I am with you.”
These may sound like simple words, but for someone going through a difficult phase, they can become a powerful source of hope. A little empathy can make someone feel less alone.
Asking for Help Is Courage
We must change the way we look at mental health. Seeking help is not weakness. It is courage. Speaking about our emotions is not a sign of failure. It is an act of self-awareness. Just as we seek medical help when our body is unwell, we should feel equally comfortable seeking professional support when our mind is struggling. As students and young professionals navigate academic pressure, career uncertainty, relationships, expectations and the fast pace of modern life, taking care of mental well-being must become an essential part of life.
From Lived Experience to Real Change
The real power of lived experience is that it can create empathy.When someone who has experienced mental health challenges speaks openly, it tells others: “You are not alone.” My own journey has taught me that difficult chapters do not have to define the entire story of our lives. Life can change. We can rebuild. We can discover purpose. And sometimes, our deepest struggles can eventually become the source of our greatest strength and our ability to serve others.
A Few Lines from the Heart 
Don’t hide your pain, speak your heart,
Someone will listen—just make a start.
One word, one hand, one moment of care,
Can bring back hope when life feels unfair.
Your difficult phase is only one chapter of your life—not the entire story. Speak your heart, seek help and never hesitate to reach out when you are struggling. Let us listen without judgement, support without conditions and spread hope—because every life deserves a chance to flourish. — Nitin Tailor
Let Us Build a More Compassionate Society
On this World Mental Health Day, let us move beyond awareness campaigns and create a culture of listening, acceptance and compassion.
Let us check on our friends.
Let us listen without immediately judging or advising.
Let us encourage people to seek professional help when needed.
Let us create educational institutions and workplaces where mental well-being is valued.
And most importantly, let us remind people that their life has value, even when they cannot see it themselves.
