Mental health issues have long been a prevalent concern in society. In response to this pressing issue, Manasi Gupta, founder of 'Huesofthemind,' leads a youth-driven non profit organisation aimed at destigmatising mental health through open conversations and awareness initiatives. Through the foundation, Gupta has impacted over 50,000 lives through innovative campaigns, projects, and events held globally. She recently received the Diana Award in recognition of her impactful work.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Manasi discussed her organisation promoting mental health, receiving Diana award and more.
1) Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting ‘Huesofthemind’ and what motivated you to address mental health issues?
At around the age of 19, I embarked on a journey spurred by a realisation: many of us navigating that pivotal phase of life encounter overwhelming uncertainty, leading to stress and anxiety. It struck me that amidst these challenges, there's often a lack of guidance on coping mechanisms. Inspired by conversations with peers facing similar struggles, I felt compelled to take action. I launched a community initiative with a twofold mission: to make a positive impact on society and to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. This platform served as a safe space for people to share their stories openly, fostering unity and mutual encouragement. That’s how Huesofthemind was born—an online platform where individuals bravely shared their experiences of mental health battles and life's trials.
2) How does 'Huesofthemind' tackle mental health stigma and promote understanding and acceptance?
At the core of our organisation's approach to mental health care lies a commitment to holistic support. Our fundamental values of empathy and compassion permeate every aspect of our work. We've developed a three-pillar model to guide our efforts: education, community engagement, and empowerment through innovative initiatives. Firstly, in prevention, we collaborate with schools, colleges, NGOs, and other groups to tailor educational campaigns, raising awareness about mental health care. Secondly, community engagement involves utilising various platforms such as social media, newsletters, podcasts, and publications to connect with and inform our community. Lastly, empowerment focuses on providing resources and connecting individuals with the support they need, whether it's therapy or other forms of assistance, often at subsidised costs.
3) How was the experience of receiving the Diana Legacy award?
The word that encapsulates my experience is "surreal." I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity presented to me. What struck me most was the remarkable diversity among the awardees and the causes they championed. This diversity continues to inspire me, showcasing the vast potential for impactful work across the globe. The Diana Award team orchestrated a flawless experience, providing ample opportunities to connect with fellow changemakers and mentors worldwide. Engaging in conversations with Prince William and Prince Harry was incredibly motivating—they encouraged us to persevere despite the challenges we may encounter as social impact change-makers. This experience will always hold a special place in my heart.
4) How does ‘Huesofthemind’ ensure that its initiatives are inclusive and accessible to everyone who may need support or education regarding mental health?
India's rich diversity in ethnicity, religion, and language underscores the complexity of our mission. We prioritise accessibility by offering free services to nonprofits and schools, tailoring campaigns in many Indian languages. Ensuring inclusivity, we mandate that our therapists are queer-friendly, creating safe spaces for marginalised groups. For instance, we collaborated with a Kannada-speaking member to engage with teachers in government schools. Our commitment is to raise awareness about mental well-being and provide tailored support to diverse populations, including low-income communities in urban slums.
Our first in-person workshop took place in Manchester at the One Young World summit, a remarkable platform for young changemakers. It was an honour to share the stage with renowned organisations like Deloitte, McKinsey, and Government organisations. As a member organisation of the United Nations SDSN Youth, we've gained valuable global exposure, collaborating with communities and countries to raise awareness and forge partnerships with international governments. We've also observed varying levels of openness to discussing mental health across different countries, underscoring the need for tailored approaches. During my visit to Manchester, I was inspired by the emphasis on emotional well-being resources for children, a practice not widely seen in South Asia. While there's still progress to be made, I'm confident that change is on the horizon.
5) Looking ahead, what are some of the key goals and aspirations you have for ‘Huesofthemind’?
At an individual level, I'm currently pursuing a master's in psychology and completing a course in expressive arts therapy. Drawing from these experiences, I'm passionate about advocating for a holistic approach to mental health care. Firstly, I aim to enhance our repository of mental health professionals and extend our reach to India and beyond. Secondly, I emphasise the importance of in-person interaction in our services, incorporating group sessions, expressive arts therapy, and somatic therapies to offer diverse experiences beyond traditional talk therapy. Thirdly, our focus remains on innovation, particularly in leveraging technology for positive impact. We continuously research ways to integrate emerging tools and skills into our practices.
