Our lives have undergone a major shift in recent years. What was once a simpler time has quickly transformed into an era of interconnectedness and a fast-paced lifestyle. While these advances bring more convenience and easy access, they also introduce new challenges. Despite our many online connections, a lingering sense of loneliness often defines our tangible reality. From the sweeping impact of a pandemic to heartbreaking acts of genocide, we as a generation have witnessed a lot and as a result, our mental health, often overshadowed by the demands of our daily grind, now holds greater importance than ever.
In the wake of a rising number of celebrities attempting suicide and athletes going on mental health breaks, the resounding message is clear, that success and external accomplishments fall short of replacing the internal battles individuals may grapple with. This harsh reminder emphasises that even those seemingly living perfect lives can fall victim to the effects of anxiety, depression, and trauma, sparking conversation on the importance of acknowledging and tackling these concerns, irrespective of societal perceptions or personal achievements.
Mental Health Monday, Soigné Middle East’s latest series, is aimed at starting a conversation on mental well-being and shedding light on the importance of healing. Readers can tune in every first Monday of the month as we bring them insightful conversations with experts, influencers, and mental health professionals, exploring the various aspects that shape our mental health journey.
In this exclusive interview, Niya Sohan Roy, the Forbes 2023 30 Under 30 healthcare leader, co-founder of Aries Dental and Aesthetics Clinic, and top 7 UAE podcast host award-winner, discusses various aspects of mental well-being, such as anxiety, depression, generational trauma, and the delicate balance of masculine and feminine energy, as well as valuable perspectives on overcoming the fear of failure and achieving work-life balance. Inspired by her own battle with the autoimmune condition psoriasis and her ability to cure it with the power of her mind, Niya brings a wealth of research and expertise about the importance of mental well-being in our daily lives.
“We don’t realise how much memory we carry within our DNA that has been passed down from generations to generations. There isn’t a single mole in your body that doesn’t have a deeper meaning or a story behind it. It all comes down to memory—the way we react to how easily we get triggered by certain things. For example, if your grandfather has gone through war and your parents have lived through it, you’re more likely to get triggered by watching a war scene or anything that resembles what your parents or ancestors went through.”
“If you look at social media or technology today, everything is so wired, simple, and quick that it’s almost like things are served to us on a platter. Everything is so tailored to our desires that when it comes to things that require perseverance, patience, and hard work, it is so easy to get caught up in the trap of fear of failure,” she commented.
One important piece of advice she always gives to people looking to improve their mental health is to acknowledge the presence of these conditions in the first place. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or generational trauma, you can only heal when you understand that, like our bodies, our minds require healing and care.
Watch the full interview here: