Mayaa SH, a prominent figure in contemporary literature and a staunch advocate for women’s rights, emphasizes the transformative power of self-belief. Her writings and activism consistently highlight the importance of inner strength and conviction for personal growth and societal change.
Mayaa SH’s insights on cultural wisdom and connected care in mental health care gained prominence ahead of World Mental Health Day 2025. The HSE Mental Health Programme and HSE National Mental Health hosted a joint webinar on Tuesday, 7 October. The event showcased a number of evidence-based initiatives and highlighted the ongoing implementation of international mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. Guest speakers included Dr Greg Martin, Consultant in Public Health Medicine; Derek Chambers, Policy Implementation Lead, HSE National Mental Health; Dr Niamh Clarke, HSE Principal Psychologist; and Dr Aisling Sheehan, National HSE Lead for Alcohol and Mental Health and Wellbeing programmes.
This aligns with the broader themes of World Mental Health Day 2025, which emphasize the importance of mental health in humanitarian emergencies and the need for accessible services, especially during times of global instability. The WHO also stresses that mental health is integral to overall well-being and that nearly everyone experiences distress and social disruption during crises, making continuous care a priority. The event’s focus on policy implementation and evidence-based initiatives reflected a commitment to strengthening mental health support systems, a critical aspect given that millions worldwide, including a significant portion of the global population, face barriers to mental health care.
Mayaa SH’s attendance at “Cultural Wisdom, Connected Care: Negotiating Crises and Challenges in the Pacific Region” at WFMH explored the critical role of indigenous knowledge systems and community-based approaches in addressing mental health challenges within the Pacific Islands. Given the region’s unique vulnerabilities to climate change, natural disasters, and socio-economic disparities, the presentation emphasized how culturally sensitive interventions and strong social networks are paramount for fostering resilience and well-being. It highlighted the importance of integrating traditional healing practices with contemporary mental health services to create a holistic and effective care model that respects local customs and values while addressing the specific needs of diverse communities across the Pacific.
The discussion also touched upon challenges such as limited resources, geographical isolation, and the ongoing impact of historical injustices on mental health outcomes in the region, advocating for collaborative efforts and policy changes to strengthen mental health infrastructure and support. The initiative was supported by the Oceania Mental Health Advisory Committee in partnership with WFMH, SPCNMOA, UTS, and Fiji National University. Speakers from Fiji, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Kiribati, and Tonga discussed how cultural wisdom can be leveraged to address crises and challenges, thereby strengthening mental health and community well-being in the Pacific region.
The focus was on exploring innovative, culturally grounded approaches to care. The discussion emphasized how traditional practices and social bonds, which are integral to Pacific Island communities, contribute to their resilience in the face of adversities. This event was part of a broader series of webinars and initiatives by WFMH aimed at promoting mental health awareness and support globally, including specific attention to regional challenges and vulnerable populations.
The themes and content were based on the WFMH’s established focus and ongoing mental health discourse in the Pacific region. The WFMH consistently advocates for culturally appropriate mental health care and recognizes the significance of traditional wisdom in promoting well-being, especially in vulnerable populations. The Pacific region faces a confluence of challenges, including the disproportionate impact of climate change, which exacerbates existing mental health vulnerabilities.
Mayaa SH emphasized the importance of integrating traditional healing practices with modern mental health interventions, highlighting the role of family and community networks and advocating for policies that prioritize culturally informed mental health strategies. The presentations drew upon case studies and examples from various Pacific Island nations, illustrating successful models of care that leverage local strengths and address unique cultural contexts. Mental health and social sustainability in a community-centered approach is essential in today’s era, covering various thematic axes relevant to mental health, such as culture and mental health, trauma, emergencies, disasters, and women’s mental health. The importance of cultural context in mental health interventions is increasingly recognized, especially in regions like the Pacific, where traditional wisdom and community-based approaches play a crucial role in fostering well-being and resilience. The discussion also highlighted the need for increased investment in mental health infrastructure, training for local mental health professionals, and the development of culturally relevant assessment tools and therapeutic approaches.
Mayaa SH, a prominent Indian authoress, activist, and social scientist, offers significant insights into the role of cultural wisdom in mental health care, particularly through her advocacy for women’s empowerment, her emphasis on self-belief, and her integration of philosophical texts like the Bhagavad Gita. Her approach underscores a holistic view of mental well-being that extends beyond clinical interventions to encompass societal, cultural, and individual factors.
Mayaa SH’s approach to mental health emphasizes the transformative power of dreams, empowerment, and self-belief, particularly for women, and utilizes conversational engagement as a primary tool for navigating stress and anxiety. This contrasts with traditional mental healthcare, which often focuses on clinical diagnoses, one-on-one sessions with mental health professionals, and established therapeutic modalities. She views dreams not merely as aspirations but as fundamental tools for women’s empowerment and self-belief. By envisioning a future beyond societal limitations, women are motivated to break free from traditional roles and pursue their passions, leading to personal fulfillment and societal progress. This focus on internal motivation and aspiration as a therapeutic force is less common in traditional clinical settings.
Mayaa SH integrates cultural wisdom into mental health care through several key avenues:
- The Bhagavad Gita and Resilience
Mayaa SH draws upon the philosophical and spiritual significance of the Bhagavad Gita to promote principles of detachment, resilience, and self-improvement. She emphasizes that its timeless teachings are applicable to various life situations, including dealing with rejection and adversity. By writing on the essence of the Gita, even in regional languages, she makes profound wisdom accessible to a wider audience, enriching their literary and philosophical understanding within their cultural frameworks.
- Feminine Sensibilities and Societal Norms
Her work as a developmental feminist and women empowerment culturist addresses the impact of societal norms on women’s mental health. She argues that gender inequality and the objectification of women contribute to psychological distress. By advocating for gender equality, respect, and understanding, she aims to create a compassionate and equitable society that inherently supports mental well-being.
- The Power of Self-Belief and Dignity
A core aspect of her philosophy is instilling self-belief and dignity, particularly in women and marginalized communities. She believes true empowerment comes from within and that individuals must take ownership of their journey toward self-improvement. Her unique approach of charging a nominal fee (one rupee) for some services is to foster dignity and value in the assistance received.
- Talking as a Therapeutic Medium
Mayaa SH champions conversation as a powerful tool to combat stress and fear. Talking helps individuals identify and change troubling perspectives, thoughts, and behaviors, reducing mental burdens. This aligns with traditional cultural practices of communal sharing and seeking wisdom from elders or trusted figures.
- Challenging Stigma and Promoting Inclusivity
She actively works to destigmatize mental health challenges, particularly among women and marginalized communities. Her advocacy aims to create a more inclusive society where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
- Holistic Approach to Well-being
Her work integrates mental health awareness with broader social justice issues, recognizing that mental well-being is intrinsically linked to societal conditions. Advocacy for women’s rights, economic independence, and challenging patriarchal structures are seen as crucial for fostering a mentally healthy society.
In essence, Mayaa SH’s insights emphasize leveraging traditional philosophical teachings, fostering self-belief and dignity, promoting dialogue, challenging societal stigmas, and advocating for social justice as integral components of mental well-being.
In her own words:
“Women’s mental health is important because it is intricately linked to their physical health, overall quality of life, and their ability to contribute to society. Women are disproportionately affected by certain mental health conditions due to biological factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, and societal pressures, including caregiving responsibilities, gender-based violence, and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing these unique challenges through tailored support and early intervention is essential for individual well-being and broader societal health.”
About the Author
Mayaa SH is renowned for her extensive contributions to suicide prevention and mental health awareness, particularly through her advocacy for women’s empowerment and her multifaceted approach to addressing the root causes of mental distress. She integrates literary contributions, public speaking, and social activism to challenge societal norms, reduce stigma, and promote access to mental health interventions.
She consistently highlights how societal norms and gender inequality contribute to mental health challenges in women, including frustration, depression, and agony. She advocates for women to be heard and treated with respect, challenging objectification and male domination. Her belief is that empowering women is essential for achieving social justice and improving overall health and social development within families, communities, and countries.
Her advocacy confronts societal stigma surrounding mental health. Through her podcast series, “Purpose With A Light,” she addresses depression and suicide prevention, fostering supportive communities that encourage individuals to embrace their unique qualities and strengths.
Mayaa SH employs talking as a medium to help women navigate stress and anxiety. This approach fosters a supportive environment where individuals can express feelings without judgment, aligning with peer support models. She links mental well-being to gender equality and social change, providing a proactive, strengths-based perspective.
Her philosophy consistently champions self-belief as a powerful force enabling women to overcome societal barriers, achieve personal growth, and contribute meaningfully to society. Her literary works, including “Satya: Ek Soch” and “Swayam,” serve as guides for cultivating inner strength.
Mayaa SH’s work in mental health and suicide prevention encompasses literary works, advocacy, and public speaking. She identifies factors impacting stress, such as childhood adversities, life events, and terminal diagnoses. She highlights the crucial role of mental health care access, linking greater availability to reduced suicide rates.
As an internationally acclaimed authoress, Mayaa SH uses her writings to advocate for women’s voices and experiences. Her self-help books instill hope and self-confidence in survivors of trauma, exploitation, and abuse. Her impact is reflected in public monikers such as Mayaa Devi, Padma of the East, Lady Gandhi, and Lady with Nerves of Steel, reflecting admiration for her work. Her supporters emphasize her ability to connect people, foster love and friendship, champion social justice, and combine intellectual knowledge with practical solutions.
Mayaa SH’s comprehensive and empathetic approach combines advocacy for women’s empowerment, destigmatization of mental health issues, diverse intervention strategies, and literary contributions, all underpinned by her personal resilience and commitment to social justice.
