Yes, I am a mental health blogger, I write about all the things people hesitate to share and own. There lies a lot of shame and stigma around mental stress, our societal standards are such that it fails to give a safe space to any individual to open up and work on their inner feelings.
My first blog “Virtual Siyahi” is a result of my mental distress, I needed a getaway and, I found one in writing. I decided on my niche as mental health unknowingly and, now I know what I am doing is not only a theme for blogging but it is a never-ending cause, hence I pray I continue to help my readers through my voice as a mental health blogger.
I have penned down over 1000 blogs and I am too passionate about my work. I am from a completely non-psychological background and had no idea about the language and basic understanding of dealing with someone going through any mental disorder, but I knew to be kind and empathise with others, which helped me.
As I went ahead with my passion for writing and my purpose to spread awareness, I realised I needed to learn a few things to be able to help my readers in a better way. Hence, I did a few certification courses like Psychological First Aid, Mental Health Ambassador, and mindfulness and right now pursuing CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Last year, I also finished a full-time NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner certification course.
I have invested a lot of money and a huge amount of time to upgrade myself and I am still open to learning 🙂 Being a mental health blogger, I have not only learned the right approach but this journey of mine has taught me a lot of other things as well.
5 Things I learned being a mental health blogger
This dedicated portal “Sanity Daily” is an attempt to not only provide a safe space for my readers but also a venting space for anyone. I receive dozens of messages daily from different corners of the world and today my blog is read in more than 120 countries, all organic visitors.
Two inferences: People need help and people are suffering. Hence a lot of work remains to be done.
So here are a few things I learned in my mental health blogging journey so far:
1.) I learned the right language
It is very important that we have the right approach while we try to ease someone’s pain and also make sure that we share the news of suicide or any other news with trigger alert and with the utmost sensitivity.
We must be active listeners, we never say committed suicide, we say died of suicide. I learned this in my journey.
2.) I learned that kindness costs nothing
And, that’s how I came up with my initiative “Letters of Compassion” wherein, I started sending hand-written letters to strangers connected in the virtual world.
3.) I learned to empathise
No, it is not difficult to put yourselves in the shoes of others, because that’s when exactly you get an idea about their situation. All you have to do is stay unbiased and open to what you might learn about that person.
4.) I learned to stay non-judgmental
I learned to be non-judgmental, one of the biggest breakthroughs for me. I deliberately think about all the possible reasons before concluding anything about any person. We all are fighting silent battles and many of us don’t even speak about it.
5.) I learned to let go
Too much holding on results in a severe burn-out, and after a point of time, it becomes important to let go of things that don’t spark joy in your life and people who bring out the worst in you. I learned this the harder way, but I have made it my mantra now.
Today, my blog is listed among the top mental health blog directories worldwide, many of my posts rank on the first page and I have received a lot of love and support from my readers and fellow bloggers. I am grateful to everyone who has been there for me in my second inning of life. And, I promise to continue to walk on the path I have chosen for myself.
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57 Responses
Wow, what a lovely post Priyanka. I also believe that we need to speak out more and be more vocal about our mental health issues. Loved your takeaways, we need to spread empathy and kindness. You’re doing great dear, keep going champion. Love and light, Swarnali.
Thank you, mishti😊🤗
Lovely post, Priyanka. Even I was not aware that we should not use ‘committed suicide’ but died of suicide. Keep soaring high and spreading smiles .
Thanks, Debi 🙂
Lots of love to you didi❤ wishing you happiness and success always.🤗😘
Love you too 🙂
Such a lovely pointers Priyanka. I am still learning the right language to use during the counselling sessions. You have come a long way in this field.
You will learn very soon 🙂 Thank you dear
Very Inspiring! Thanks Priyanka for sharing with us what you’ve learned.
Thanks 🙂
Yeah speaking out is very important when a person is feeling down. As much you vent your feelings, your emotions out, you’ll be relaxed and happy. Great post dear.
Thank you!
You are the only Mental Health Blogger i know. I truly appreciate how you handle this delicate topic so well and with so much sensitivity. More power to you, Priye. May you and your Blog touch new heights.
Thanks a ton! 🙂 Lots of love
Sounds like a journey with deep fulfillment and immense learning…some very important lessons here…
Thanks, Jigna!
What a fascinating journey, Priyanka. More power to you my dear. I am in awe and admiration of your courage and strength. Hope you reach great heights. God bless you and may you find what you seek.
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow! That’s wonderful Priyanka. You really are doing va wonderful job. It’s not easy to speak about what one is going through and we truly need to spread awareness amongst people. Congratulations and all the best for your future endeavours .
Thanks a lot!
Mental health issues do need to understood and speaking about it does help. Providing a listening ear and and helping hand helps alot. Great work Priyanka.
Thanks a lot!
Your posts always reflect the effort that you have put in. All the best to you. Hope you continue to learn and continue to grow.
What a wonderful post Priyanka. An important takeaway for me has been that for many of us writing is a therapeutic tool to deal with issues we all may face. I often start writing my blogs as a reaction to what I feel or am going thru and by the time I finish I have dealt with so many things thru my writings in the blog that everything seems so crystal clear and not daunting at all. Congratulations on journey so far and many 👍👍👍 for the path ahead.
Writing is therapeutic! Thank you!
Priyanka, you are doing absolutely great by upgrading yourself for the mental health of others. Good luck on that front.
And yes words matter the most and using the right set of words at the right time is like having a magic wand. Reading your journey in the post is making us know you well.
SO nice of you to say that. Thank you 🙂
Hey Priyanka, Am glad that you are spreading awareness about mental health and wellbeing. Also many congratulations that your blog is listed among top 15 mental health blogs worldwide… that’s great…keep shining! Keep rising!
Thank you 🙂
to establish yourself outside your domain and then to keep yourself constantly up-to date and help so many individuals in their journey. Its so wonderful. What an achievement, wishing you all the best in continuing this journey
Trust me, not at all easy. Thank you 🙂
Such a wonderful job you are doing! We need more people like you. Kudos to you!
What a wonderful job you are doing! We need more people like you! Kudos to you.
Thank you!
You are an inspiration Priyanka. In a few years, you’ve committed yourself to help people with mental health problems. May God give more power to you ❤
Thank you,Aditi!
You are inspiring lot of people including me. I too write on mental health and know how difficult it is to even talk about it. Creating awareness and treating this as another illnesses is what needs to be done. Congratulations on your achievements and more and more power to you.
Thanks a lot, the feeling is mutual.
I am new in the blogging world and I feel like, apart from sharing my experience with others, I am learning more in this journey. Good to know about you and learnings. Really Inspiring.
You are amazing with your blogs,such a treat to eyes 🙂
More power to you Priyanka, Your hard work towards your mission and it’s fruitful result is very evident to everyone. You are doing a great job dear. I appreciate your honesty to speak loud, clear and fearlessly on mental health related topics.
Thanks, Archu 🙂
Your posts always make for a good read. They make sense to even general reader who may not be having any mental health challenges or be caregivers. Obviously your time and effort on the research shows in them. Keep learning and keep shining.
Thank you 🙂
Mental health is an on growing topic this days, the more we are evolving with new era more we are becoming isolated and alone. I guess, mental health related topic brings awareness and those who seek for this really find this topic helpful Thanks for your effort.
Thank you!
You are doing a great, Priyanka. You are passionate about helping people and it shows in your posts. It was lovely to read about your journey. May you continue to be a guiding light. God bless you.
Thank you, Aunty!
You are an inspiration to so many, Priyanka. What I really love about your posts is that they are relatable and not at all preachy. As if you are talking to a friend. Keep doing what you do, dear. More power to you!
Thanks you so much, because this is all I want to do.
Congratulations Priyanka. I love reading your posts and glad you hopped into this blog hop so that people like me could get to know and love the way you share knowledge.
Thanks, Sindhu! Means a lot!
Hey!! Priyanka…. I love to read your post… Your journey was lovely….It’s amazing🤩…
Thanks a lot!
Being a counselor I’ll tell you out of all these the biggest thing that u learned is empathising. We can’t help others unless we empathise. Lots of love and good luck from my side!
Thank you for saying so, I just want to be helpful 🙂
Thanks a lot 🙂