India is one of the largest democracies in the world, however, talks and conversations about mental health issues, especially for women, are still considered taboo in our society. And so, to create more awareness about this, a new book titled ‘Mental Health: Lived Experiences of Resilience and Hope’ by Neha Kirpal and Dr Nandini Murali is now acquired by Westland Books.
As the title suggests, ‘Mental Health: Lived Experiences of Resilience and Hope’ is about reclaiming and mainstreaming mental health narratives through the lens of lived experiences of women from across urban India.
‘The many stories in the book address the stigma, shame, secrecy and silence around mental health, offering reflective and informed perspectives, especially to those going through similar experiences either personally or witnessing it within their families and organisations. They also raise community awareness about the diversity and commonalities of people’s experiences with mental health concerns; nurturing empathy, and support… Women sharing their stories in the book range across cities, age groups and even professional and cultural contexts, offering deep insights through their lived experiences with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addictions, eating disorders, PTSD, suicide loss and adverse traumas,’ reads a statement shared by the publisher.
Talking about the book, co-author Neha Kirpal said in a statement, “There’s no better way for people to understand how to support those struggling with mental health challenges, than to hear first-person stories of ‘experts by experience’. From the wisdom of our lived experiences, we can draw tremendous courage, inspiration and lasting hope.” For the unversed, Neha Kirpal has worked in the the creative and social sectors for nearly 20 years. She is the co-founder of Amaha health, a social entrepreneur, and a recipient of the 2015 Nari Shakti Puraskar.
Adding to it, Dr Nandini Murali said, “Lived experience narratives can heal, empower, transform and radically humanise society. However, lived experience expertise is more than just sharing stories. It involves a nuanced ability to harness our unique insights, perspectives and wisdom, to create lived experience informed and inclusive spaces.” Dr. Nandini Murali has previously authored ‘Left Behind: Surviving Suicide Loss’. She is also a suicide prevention and mental health advocate.
As the title suggests, ‘Mental Health: Lived Experiences of Resilience and Hope’ is about reclaiming and mainstreaming mental health narratives through the lens of lived experiences of women from across urban India.
‘The many stories in the book address the stigma, shame, secrecy and silence around mental health, offering reflective and informed perspectives, especially to those going through similar experiences either personally or witnessing it within their families and organisations. They also raise community awareness about the diversity and commonalities of people’s experiences with mental health concerns; nurturing empathy, and support… Women sharing their stories in the book range across cities, age groups and even professional and cultural contexts, offering deep insights through their lived experiences with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addictions, eating disorders, PTSD, suicide loss and adverse traumas,’ reads a statement shared by the publisher.
Talking about the book, co-author Neha Kirpal said in a statement, “There’s no better way for people to understand how to support those struggling with mental health challenges, than to hear first-person stories of ‘experts by experience’. From the wisdom of our lived experiences, we can draw tremendous courage, inspiration and lasting hope.” For the unversed, Neha Kirpal has worked in the the creative and social sectors for nearly 20 years. She is the co-founder of Amaha health, a social entrepreneur, and a recipient of the 2015 Nari Shakti Puraskar.
Adding to it, Dr Nandini Murali said, “Lived experience narratives can heal, empower, transform and radically humanise society. However, lived experience expertise is more than just sharing stories. It involves a nuanced ability to harness our unique insights, perspectives and wisdom, to create lived experience informed and inclusive spaces.” Dr. Nandini Murali has previously authored ‘Left Behind: Surviving Suicide Loss’. She is also a suicide prevention and mental health advocate.
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