Mental health struggles often go unnoticed, even by those experiencing them. The Live Love Laugh Foundation has been working tirelessly to support individuals facing these challenges, providing access to mental health resources, professional help, and a compassionate space for healing. Their mission is to break the stigma and encourage people to seek the help they deserve.
One such powerful story from the Live Love Laugh website highlights the journey of someone who faced immense struggles but found the courage to seek support.
“I Didn’t Recognize My Own Struggle”
“During college, I found myself in one of the toughest periods of my life. Personal challenges were piling up, and the ups and downs in my relationships only added to the weight I was carrying. Despite having studied psychology extensively, I didn’t recognize that I was struggling with my own mental health. It wasn’t until a particular class discussion on symptoms that my examples seemed concerning to my professor. She asked me to stay back after class, and when she gently asked how I was doing, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I broke down, overwhelmed and emotional, yet feeling supported for the first time in a long while.
Fast forward to one night, during a particularly bad spiral. I was alone on my balcony, lost in my thoughts, when I cut my wrist. I had been self-harming for a while, without really thinking much of it. But this time, the cut went too deep, and for the first time, I felt real fear. I still let it be for a while, until I couldn’t anymore. I approached my sister, crying, telling her that I had messed up. She bandaged me up and cared for me. Thankfully, the cut wasn’t as severe as I had feared, but the scare was enough to wake me up. Seeing the concern in my sister’s eyes hit me harder than anything before.
That was the moment I knew I needed help. I sought it, even though I was weighed down by guilt for putting my sister through that. Slowly, I began working through the pain and the spirals, and seeking help became the best decision I ever made. I eventually went on medication, and it saved my life. Today, I can look back and see how far I’ve come—and that’s a testament to the power of reaching out, seeking help, and choosing to live.”
The Role of Live Love Laugh Foundation:
This powerful story underscores the profound impact that timely intervention, emotional support, and professional help can have on an individual’s life. Mental health struggles can often feel isolating, but this narrative highlights the critical importance of recognizing when help is needed and taking that courageous step toward healing.
The Live Love Laugh Foundation, under the leadership of CEO Anisha Padukone, plays a pivotal role in this journey. Anisha, with her background in Psychology, Sociology, and Economics, and her education in Strategic Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School and Ashoka University, provides strategic leadership across program development, fundraising, and policy outreach. Her dedication has been instrumental in positioning the foundation as a leading voice in India’s mental health sector, delivering impactful change and championing marginalized communities.
Through its extensive initiatives, the foundation offers individuals access to vital resources, including counseling, mental health education, and a supportive community. Their work continues to empower people by reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, it’s essential to understand that help is always available. Reaching out, whether to a professional or a loved one, can make an incredible difference in someone’s life. This story highlights that no matter how overwhelming the path may seem, there is always hope, and recovery is possible with the right support.
Disclaimer: The data and information presented in this article have been sourced from the Live Love Laugh Foundation’s official website and other publicly available online resources. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, the views and opinions expressed may be based on the available data.
