From Deepika Padukone to the common man, Tanvi Mehta believes everyone deserves mental wellness
In a world where conversations around mental health are gradually gaining visibility, art therapist and mental health advocate Tanvi Mehta is quietly but powerfully leading a movement that fuses creativity, cultural sensitivity, and emotional healing.
Whether working with young children in India or survivors of gender-based violence in New York, Tanvi's goal is clear: to make mental health care more human, more accessible, and more rooted in individual stories.Tanvi's global journey—from India to Singapore, Italy, and now the United States—has deeply influenced her practice and artistic identity. Currently based in New York, she works with a nonprofit supporting survivors of gender-based violence and serves as the Social Justice Chair for the New York Art Therapy Association (NYATA).
In both roles, she is advocating for a more inclusive and culturally grounded mental health framework.With a master's degree in art therapy from New York University, Tanvi has supported individuals across various life stages and circumstances—from children coping with chronic illness to older adults living with dementia, and survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, to those managing complex conditions like bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis.
But her work transcends traditional therapy models. 'What I've learned,' says Tanvi, 'is that art offers an emotional language beyond words. Especially in communities where verbal expression is stigmatised or unsafe, art becomes a doorway to healing.' As a South Asian woman, Tanvi understands the silence surrounding mental health in many cultures. 'Therapy wasn't a concept that was openly talked about where I grew up,' she shares.
'I knew that if I entered this field, I'd have to do it in a way that felt rooted, familiar, and culturally relevant.' That's why her sessions often include culturally meaningful materials, native languages, and symbolic expressions. 'It's not just about processing trauma—it's about reclaiming identity,' she says.
She also leads workshops across borders—virtually and in person—reaching clients far beyond geographic limitations.
Whether supporting a child in Mumbai or an adult in Manhattan, her approach centers on dignity, self-expression, and emotional access. And it's not just the marginalised or underrepresented who need this work. Even the most privileged aren't immune to emotional pain. 'While celebrities and individuals from upper-class backgrounds may appear to lead glamorous and fulfilled lives, mental health challenges don't spare anyone,' Tanvi explains.
'Privilege might bring access, but it doesn't immunize anyone from emotional struggles. In fact, many public figures are now helping shift the narrative.' She points to Deepika Padukone, who has openly spoken about her battle with depression and launched the LiveLoveLaugh Foundation, and Huma Qureshi, who frequently highlights the importance of mental well-being. 'These women are helping normalize therapy—not as a crisis response, but as a regular form of self-care. Success and struggle can coexist.' As Tanvi puts it, 'Therapy is not about who needs it more—it's about who's ready to look inward. Whether it's a corporate professional managing burnout or a celebrity feeling lost behind the cameras, emotional well-being isn't about appearance—it's about alignment. And therapy is one step closer to that alignment.This summer, Tanvi is set to release her first children's book—a gentle, culturally sensitive introduction to grief for ages 6–9. 'It's designed not just for kids, but for parents, caregivers, and teachers who want to start emotional conversations early—through art and story,' she says. She also hints that the book may be the first in a series exploring emotional literacy and development. Through her quiet resolve and global lens, Tanvi Mehta isn't just practicing art therapy—she's reimagining how the world sees healing. In a time when mental health is often overshadowed by stigma or silence, her work reminds us that vulnerability is not weakness—it's a starting point for transformation, whether you're a Bollywood icon or just someone trying to get through the day.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Wellness and longevity startup Biopeak raises $3 million from Ranjan Pai's Claypond Capital, Accel's Prashanth Prakash, others
Live Events Wellness startup Biopeak has raised $3 million in seed funding from Claypond Capital—the family office of Manipal Group chairman Ranjan Pai—Accel's Prashanth Prakash, and Zerodha's Bengaluru-based startup has launched its first longevity clinic and plans to expand to other metro cities in the coming year. Biopeak offers a personalised preventive healthcare service, combining diagnostics, AI, and concierge-style care to predict health risks and craft tailored intervention plans.'We offer solutions that are predictive, not reactive,' cofounder and CEO Rishi Pardal told ET. The service includes lab tests, imaging such as MRIs and CT scans, and non-invasive diagnostics to assess organ system health and recommend long-term regimens. 'The funding will go towards building our scientific capabilities, expanding the AI platform, and scaling operations,' Pardal at athletes, health-conscious individuals, and people with unresolved chronic issues like IBS, Biopeak's approach integrates traditional diagnostics with AI insights. The startup has partnered with IISc and Longevity India—a scientific forum backed by Prakash—to tailor interventions for South Asian genetics.'There are breakthroughs in cellular tech and AI-led diagnostics, but they're not widely accessible,' said Prakash. 'Medicine 4.0 is about predictive, proactive care using personalised data. Clinics like Biopeak can deliver this new model of healthcare.'Each Biopeak client undergoes over six hours of multidisciplinary consultation, with specialised modules for gut health, women's health, ageing, skin, and musculoskeletal function.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Genetics, poor lifestyle cause premature menopause in more women in Bengaluru: Doctors
Bengaluru: Did you know menopause is happening earlier for many women in Bengaluru, with 6 in 10 of them experiencing it before they reach 40? Doctors are seeing women as young as 38 going through menopause or its symptoms. Reason: A cocktail of modern-day stressors. Dr Rubina Shanawaz Z, senior consultant in uro-gynaecology and gynae-oncology at Fortis Hospital, told TOI, "Menopausal age has been gradually shifting over the decades, and it's influenced by a variety of factors. Genetics plays a significant role. If your mother or sister experienced menopause at 50, you're likely to follow a similar timeline. But it's not just heredity, it depends on your level of physical activity, lifestyle choices, medications, hormone use, etc. " She explained, "Women now have low egg reserves and experience hormonal imbalances much sooner. So while the average lifespan has increased to 75 or 80, the reproductive window is shortening. In earlier generations, probably 1 in 10 women would report early menopause or its symptoms. Today, that number is closer to 6 out of 10." Another major factor is early menarche when girls begin menstruating earlier than the historical average of 12 years. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AC Installation & Repair from Certified Pros Search7 Learn More Undo Doctors now report cases of girls starting their periods as early as 10. "Every menstrual cycle depletes the egg reserve. Since a woman is born with a fixed number of eggs, this can result in menopause occurring earlier than expected," said Dr Sapna Raina, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology at Narayana Health City. Dr Raina said south Asian women, including those in India, typically experience menopause earlier than those in western countries. Here, menopause is considered normal if it occurs after the age of 45. When it happens between 40 and 45, it is termed early menopause. Before 40, it is classified as premature menopause. "While genetics plays a role, if your mother or grandmother had early menopause, you might too. Other factors like cancer treatments, pelvic surgeries and lifestyle habits like smoking can also cause the ovaries to stop functioning earlier," she said. Early menopause leaves the body without the protective benefits of oestrogen for a longer period. Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health. Dr Priya SP Patil, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Altius Hospital, said: "There is an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, memory issues, mood disorders, anxiety and depression post menopause." She said some women are being diagnosed with POI as early as 30. "It means the ovaries have exhausted their egg reserves prematurely, leading to infertility and an end to natural menstruation." Fertility specialists are also seeing more women in their early 30s with hormone and egg reserve levels typical of those in their 40s. "Ideally, menopause should occur between the ages of 45 and 55," said Dr Varsha Samson Roy, consultant and head of embryology at Birla Fertility & IVF. "But today, we are seeing AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels dropping at a much younger age, suggesting a shorter menstrual cycle in their life, which can also lead to early menopause." What can lead to it Genetics Early menarche Exposure to endocrine disruptors Lifestyle stressors Nutritional deficiencies Habits like smoking and alcohol
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
India saw over 32 million disaster displacements in a decade: IDMC report
Natural disasters such as floods and storms displaced 32.3 million people in India between 2015 and 2024, according to a report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). India ranks third globally after China and the Philippines in terms of internal displacements caused by natural hazards. The report highlights that disasters triggered 264.8 million internal displacements across 210 countries and territories over the past decade, with East and South Asian countries among the worst affected. China recorded 46.9 million displacements, followed closely by the Philippines with 46.1 million. 'At the country level, Bangladesh, China, India, the Philippines and the US recorded the highest figures over the past decade,' the report stated. Floods and storms behind 90% of global disaster displacement According to IDMC, 90 per cent of global disaster-related displacements between 2015 and 2024 were caused by floods and storms. Storms alone triggered 120.9 million displacements during this period, while floods were responsible for 114.8 million. Cyclones, including Cyclone Amphan in 2020, accounted for 92 per cent of all storm-related displacements worldwide. The report noted a rising trend in disaster-induced displacement, driven by more frequent and intense hazards, improved data collection at the national level, and enhanced global monitoring capacities. India recorded 5.4 million displacements in 2024 alone In 2024, a record 45.8 million internal displacements were reported globally—well above the decadal average of 26.5 million. India accounted for 5.4 million of these, marking the highest annual figure recorded in the country over the past 12 years. Many of these movements were preemptive evacuations, according to the report, reflecting the efforts of governments and local communities in disaster-prone areas to save lives and minimise injury. However, millions remain displaced for months or years after major floods, storms and other hazards. Vulnerable populations hit hardest The IDMC emphasised that disaster displacement disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. 'They are often forced to flee repeatedly and for longer periods of time, which heightens their pre-existing vulnerabilities and reinforces social inequalities,' the report stated. Climate conditions could displace 32 million annually The IDMC warned that, under current climate conditions, an annual average of 32 million people globally are likely to be displaced due to hazards such as riverine and coastal flooding, drought and cyclonic winds. That figure could double if global temperatures rise more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1890), the report cautioned. 'Left unaddressed, disaster displacement will be a major obstacle to the achievement of global goals, such as those set by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,' it concluded.
