The world stands at a precipice, bracing against the raging epidemic of mental health issues, more so in the young. Tender minds struggling to cope with situations and impressions that never existed a decade ago. The triggers are multifaceted and complex. It is imperative to comprehend these factors to provide better support and intervention. And who can do this better than young and beautiful Shanaya Tuli. She knows what it is like out there, in that cold dark lonely place inside, where reason and logic do not exist, only the frenzy to end it all. And she did – end it all with a leap from a high rise. It takes the courage of a superhuman warrior to come back from where she ended up. But she did – the slow crawl back to live again. And to help others, she created a beautiful journal – MINDSORTER. A blueprint of sorts, that helps one to peek within one’s own self, guided by the carefully outlined notes and steps. A sixty-day plan, in this colorful hardbound diary of sorts, with pages embellished with sketches, the design of the MINDSORTER would immediately appeal to the young. But the content therein is deep. And highly recommended for everyone, young and old.
Shanaya Tuli
I was intrigued by the profile of Shanaya Tuli. Academically brilliant, stunningly beautiful, adoring family, successful in everything she tried, truly the world was her oyster. And then she tripped. Broke all bones, in coma for 60 days, two cardiac arrests, multiple surgeries. After three long years in recovery, she is back up and helping others whoever she can. Her Mindsorter Journal is the kind that should be made essential in schools.
Time for a Q & A with Shanaya Tuli.
The Luxury Chronicle – The immense physical challenges as a result of your tragic action must have been daunting. What helped you challenge the situation and bounce back?
Shanaya Tuli – The key factor that compelled me to recover was the unconditional support of my parents and my doctors. When I was in the ICU, the head doctor of the ICU Dr. Kapil would smile and tell me that I was a very brave girl. I still remember his warm smile and the way he would say it. He instilled courage in me. I was determined to bounce back and I am immensely grateful now for my second life.
In retrospect, how could you have prevented the fateful action? Please share your advice to the many young or old facing acute despair, to stop them from giving up.
I could have prevented this by going for regular therapy and counselling. I should have approached a therapist much earlier. I only prioritized my work and not my personal life. My advice to everyone – please don’t wait for it to escalate. Get professional help.
An ad with Parineeti Chopra
Leading brands coveted Shanaya
Your journal is designed to help a person to introspect on many aspects of their personality – their fears, goals, anger, failures, personality etc. Did you take guidance from a psychologist or therapist? Or is it your own personal journey of healing?
I have been going for regular therapy and counselling for the past 6 years. This journal consists of everything that I have learned from therapy so far and everything that has worked for me. I showed the manuscript of this journal to my therapists and counsellors before it was published, and they were very happy with it. They recommend it to their patients as well. You can fill out your Mindsorter Journal and show it to your therapist too.
Cover girl
Is writing down in a paper journal preferred to a digital one? Are you also planning a digital journal in an App format?
The art of putting pen to paper slowly dying out and I wanted to bring that back as it is something that is more tangible. I feel that when one reflects on one’s own feelings and thoughts written down in their own handwriting- it feels very personal. For now, there is just this hardbound journal and no digital app.
What is your take on screen time? It is blamed for the many mental issues these days. How is it detrimental for a young person who has grown up with this technology?
I strongly believe that screen time, especially on the phone, should be limited to a maximum of 2 hours a day. The impact of social media can be very challenging today. We tend to look at another’s posts and compare our lives to theirs. We need to understand that all of us have our own unique personalities, life stories and back stories. We should try not to compare our chapter 3 in life to someone else’s chapter 10 in their life.
The MINDSORTER is just for 60 days. Is it supposed to be a blueprint of sorts for the user to make it regular practice and keep a similar diary?
The Mindsorter Journal is something that you can always refer to once you’ve finished using it. You can look back and reflect on your thoughts and feelings, aims, goals and fears and see how far you’ve managed to come. You can use it as a blueprint once you’ve finished using it for 60 days and maintain a similar notebook with your new aims, fears, thoughts, feelings etc or you can buy another Mindsorter Journal if/when the need arises.
What would be your advice to youngsters in general on how to preempt depression from spiraling out?
My advice to youngsters would be to visit a mental health professional as soon as possible and talk freely and openly without the fear of judgement. Practice Mindfulness- i.e. living in the present moment. Follow a healthy lifestyle. Yoga, meditation, exercise, effective breathing techniques and exposure to sunlight also help to improve the levels of serotonin in the body and this helps to fight depression, stress and anxiety. A healthy diet rich in Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is also important.
A face that launched a thousand campaigns
While the MINDSORTER is a very well put together journal in terms of content and quality, good paper and graphics etc, its physical appearance seems it is for a young girl. Could you comment on that?
I feel maybe that aspect stems from the fact that I wish I had something like Mindsorter to open up to when I was younger. When I was a young girl. I want Mindsorter to be a safe space for people to write in- for them to feel their innocence and vulnerability and write about everything they’ve been through, think and feel -openly and honestly.
Have you conducted any mental health workshops? If yes, where were these and what was the response like?
Yes, I have conducted mental health workshops at Mayo Boys school Ajmer and at Amity International school Saket. The response was overwhelming. A number of students suffer from exam stress, peer pressure and social media addiction. I introduce them to breathing techniques and try to help them solve their concerns by taking up a question-and-answer session with them during the course of the workshop.
‘The Mindsorter Journal: Mental Health improvement’ is available on Amazon
