What lies beneath the surface of a troubled mind? Fear, despair, confusion or perhaps strength, resilience, and untapped courage? Mental health is not just a condition to be diagnosed; it is a journey filled with struggles, strategies, and moments of triumph. It is raw, unpredictable, and deeply human. BENEATH: MIND MATTERS is not just a book; it is a mirror reflecting the silent battles fought behind closed doors, the whispered cries for help, and the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to give up. This collection brings together real-life stories of individuals who have faced the darkness of mental health struggles some emerging victorious, others learning to navigate their storms with courage and wisdom. Here, you will find stories of courage, failures that paved the way for comebacks, and the harsh truths hidden beneath statistics and medical jargon. It discusses facts, explores research, and engages in thought-provoking discussions, all while holding space for the deeply personal and emotional journeys of those who have lived through it. Mental health is a conversation that needs to happen not behind closed doors, not in hushed tones, but openly, fearlessly, and with compassion. Whether you are someone struggling, a loved one trying to understand, or a professional seeking deeper insight, BENEATH: MIND MATTERS is here to remind you that no mind should suffer in silence. Let this book be the beginning of a conversation, a step toward healing, and a ray of hope for those who need it mos"We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for an ear infection something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently.” — Michelle Obama "Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it’s first brought out into the open.” — Steven Aitchison "Not all battles are visible and neither are the victories.” — Brittany Burgunder “The advice I’d give to somebody that’s silently struggling is, you don’t have to live that way. You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent." — — Demi Lovato

PROLOGUE : A Cry Behind the Smiles

A Cry Behind the Smiles As a doctor, I have spent years treating the human body, meticulously diagnosing ailments and applying interventions to save lives. Yet, amidst all my training, practice, and dedication, I came to realize that the most intricate and fragile organ, the human mind, often suffers in silence. It hides its scars behind smiles, suppresses its screams beneath laughter, and eventually succumbs to the unbearable weight of invisible burdens. I know this not just as a medical professional but as someone who has personally walked the paths of mental illness. There was a time when I, felt the crushing grip of despair—a silent war raging within me that no stethoscope could detect, no textbook could explain. I ignored the early signs, believing I was invincible, and that I could will my way through it. But mental illness does not discriminate. It is an uninvited guest that breaks the strongest of walls, leaving behind the skeleton of the person you once were. Through my journey, I developed an acute sensitivity to the struggles of others, particularly the younger generation. I have seen brilliant, promising students crumble under the pressure of academic expectations. The endless cycle of grades, goals, and comparisons transforms them from dreamers into survivors, and for some, the battle becomes too much to bear. I have lost count of the young faces who have crossed my path in the ER—some brought in unconscious after swallowing a cocktail of pills, others with deep, self-inflicted wounds. Some we managed to save, stitching their bodies back together, yet I knew that their minds remained broken. And then, there were those we could not save—the ones who left behind a void, their desks empty, their laughter lost, their potential gone forever. Mental Health Issues in the elderly are another growing concern. As people age, they often face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. Those past 60 are particularly vulnerable to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and grief, stemming from a variety of life events. The loss of a spouse, retirement, and a resulting sense of purposelessness often leave many older adults feeling isolated and lonely. Some grapple with seeing their children struggle, others feel disheartened when their guidance is disregarded, and many endure emotional distress from neglect or misbehavior by their children. Compounded by physical health challenges, societal stigma around mental health, and a shrinking social circle, these issues can remain unaddressed, leading to a decline in overall well-being. Addressing the mental health needs of the elderly requires sensitivity, understanding, and a collaborative effort among families, caregivers, and communities. Mental health struggles are not uncommon in homemakers, who succumb to the burdens of responsibilities. There are mental, emotional and resultant physical health challenges among people of all ages, gender, economic and social classes. This book is a small effort toward further discussions, attention and resolution of this growing problem. In India, mental health disorders have a high prevalence, impacting a considerable proportion of the population. Epidemiological studies report prevalence rates for psychiatric disorders varying from 9.5 to 370 per 1000 people in India. This prevalence encompasses a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, reflecting the diverse challenges individuals face in the country. The prevalence rates of mental health disorders in India highlight the need for effective interventions and support systems to address the mental well-being of the population. Mental health is one of the most important but least talked-about topics. According to the CDC, one out of five people live with a mental health condition. Unfortunately, despite how common it is to have some kind of struggle with mental health, there can still be a lot of stigma around the topic. This prevents people from sharing their experiences and worse, can make people reluctant to seek out the help they need to thrive. This book is a call to action, a whistleblower, a plea to parents, children, families, educators, policymakers, caregivers and society at large to open their eyes to the quiet epidemic of mental illness that is claiming peace, physical & emotional health and life. It is a deeply personal exploration of the pressures we impose on young minds, the aging hearts, the stigma that surrounds mental health, and the tragic consequences of ignoring the signs. Through stories of resilience, case studies, and insights from my medical career, I aim to shine a light on this dark corner of human existence. I will also share my own story—not as a tale of victory but as living proof of the possibility of survival and recovery. Mental illness is not a weakness; it is an illness. Suicide is not an act of cowardice; it is a tragic outcome of unchecked pain. This book seeks to dismantle these misconceptions, offering hope, understanding, and solutions. Together, we must create a world where asking for help is seen as an act of courage, where emotional well-being is prioritized as much as physical health, and where no young soul feels the need to whisper their final goodbyes in the silence of their room, where no aging parent is left to die in depression, where no professional succumbs to work pressure, where families do not crumble due to relationship disharmony and where sexual abuse and gender discrimination do not lead to mental health issues The world's progress and growth are undeniably commendable, but they come at a cost—an alarming surge in mental stress, emotional strain, and its inevitable impact on physical health. It is high time we confront this pressing issue with the urgency it demands. Let this book be voice for the unheard, the support for the struggling, and the reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found