I was 15, clinically depressed, and ignored—So I built a mental health revolution

Mental Health

India

20 Years

I started my first nonprofit, the Teen Mental Health Society, when I was just 16 years old. It was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when uncertainty and isolation weighed heavily on young people’s mental well-being.

What inspired you to start your own business?

In 2019, at 15, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and through my own experiences, I became painfully aware of the stigma surrounding mental health. My teachers and peers began treating me differently after my diagnosis, and even pharmacies rarely stocked my prescribed antidepressants, reinforcing the idea that mental health struggles were something to be ignored rather than addressed.

That realization pushed me to take action. My mother, an educator for over two decades, once told me, “People fear what they don’t understand, and knowledge is the only way to conquer fear.” That thought stayed with me, and I knew that awareness and education were key to changing the way mental health was perceived. That’s how Teen Mental Health Society was born—a platform dedicated to making mental health conversations accessible, stigma-free, and educational.

Through TMHS, I began hosting free virtual awareness sessions every Sunday, featuring guest speakers ranging from Ivy League graduates to individuals with lived experiences. These sessions created a safe space for young people (aged 15-25) to learn about mental health disorders, share their stories, and take that knowledge back to their communities. What started as a small initiative grew into a nationwide movement, connecting professionals and young changemakers to advocate for mental health in schools, workplaces, and society.

How did you turn your idea into a product?

As a first-generation social entrepreneur, I stepped into the world of entrepreneurship with no prior knowledge—just passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. My first 30-something cold emails were poorly written, but they were filled with enthusiasm. My early Instagram posts were scrappy Picsart graphics, and my initial Zoom meetings were a mess. But I didn’t let my lack of expertise hold me back. I was determined to create a space where young people could learn about and openly discuss mental health.

Bit by bit, I started exploring platforms like LinkedIn and Canva. I learned to craft sharper, more compelling cold emails. I built a small team and learned to trust them with independent decisions. Every day was a lesson—I absorbed new skills and applied them immediately.

At the same time, I was a full-time high school student. My days started at 5 AM to meet someone from the Bay Area, followed by classes, and then evening team meetings. The journey from 0 to 1 was the hardest, but also the most rewarding. And if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.

How have you grown your business?

When I started the Teen Mental Health Society (TMHS) at 16, I had no idea how far it would go. But what truly surprised me was the credibility and recognition it gained—even as a venture started by a teenager. A major factor in our growth was the strong network we built. Our guest speakers—ranging from Ivy League graduates to individuals with lived experiences—often connected us with other industry experts, creating a ripple effect that kept expanding our reach.

One strategy that helped us maintain relationships with our speakers and supporters was consistent engagement. We conducted monthly check-ins via emails and Zoom calls, ensuring that our connections remained strong. I firmly believe that genuine passion and deep empathy never go unnoticed—people want to support a cause that is both impactful and heartfelt.

Opportunities often come in the most unexpected ways. Our Times of India feature happened simply because a journalist noticed a LinkedIn job post I had made while looking for a podcast editor. Similarly, my first-ever international (fully funded!) trip came after I delivered a speech at a school in Mumbai. A Council of International Schools member in the audience was moved by my words and later nominated me as a keynote speaker—which led me to present in front of some of the most prestigious colleges in the world.

Our short-term goals include revamping TMHS as a virtual space for conversations at the intersection of mental health, art, society, culture, and politics. In the long run, I envision building a larger community, collaborating with institutions to integrate mental health education into schools, and using creative storytelling to dismantle stigma. The journey from a grassroots initiative to a national movement has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow!

How are you funding your startup?

It is bootstrapped! Since it is a nonprofit organization that is the process of getting registered, we are yet to start accepting donations. The operational costs are covered by the revenue we generate by working with schools through awareness sessions and/or workshops.

What is your average monthly revenue?

Since Teen Mental Health Society (TMHS) started as a nonprofit, our focus has never been on revenue but rather on impact, reach, and sustainability. While we didn’t generate direct income in the early stages, we experienced growth in ways that truly mattered—through credibility, partnerships, and international recognition.

How are you doing today and what plans for the future?

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. With graduation coming up, I feel like I’m closing one chapter and stepping into something new, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, I finally have some clarity. I’m excited about the future—reviving Teen Mental Health Society, growing my businesses, and taking the next steps toward my career goals.

Looking back, there were definitely mistakes and missed opportunities. One of the biggest ones was pausing TMHS for so long. I wish I had found a way to keep it running, but at the time, I wasn’t in the right headspace to give it what it needed. I also think there were moments in my businesses where I could have scaled faster or leveraged better partnerships, but I was still figuring things out. That being said, I don’t regret taking my time to grow—every challenge taught me something.

Some of the best decisions I’ve made were in branding and storytelling. I’ve learned that the right narrative can completely change how a brand is perceived, and that’s something I want to bring into TMHS this time around. I also feel proud of how I’ve built my agencies—learning to navigate client relationships, marketing, and team dynamics has given me skills I wouldn’t trade for anything. Moving forward, I want to be more intentional about my work, build something truly impactful, and create a balance between ambition and well-being.

What advice would you give to budding founders?

The whole point of social entrepreneurship is the fact that it’s social. Build for the people. Instead of focusing on making TMHS look like a “perfect” initiative, I focused on the real problems young people faced—lack of awareness, stigma, and the absence of safe spaces to have conversations. We used tech (Zoom sessions), design (Canva graphics), and storytelling (guest speaker sessions and personal experiences) to create something meaningful.

If I could go back and give myself advice, I’d say:

Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, but learning by doing is the best approach.
Impact comes first, income comes later. If you solve a real problem, opportunities will follow.
Community is everything. Build relationships, stay in touch, and create something that people feel connected to.

Social entrepreneurship isn’t about being the smartest or having the best strategy—it’s about deeply understanding a problem and committing to making a difference, one step at a time.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about entrepreneurship?

One of the most unexpected things I've learned about entrepreneurship is that so many people are willing to help—you just have to ask.

When I started out, I thought I had to figure everything out on my own, but I quickly realized that people—whether they’re mentors, industry experts, or even competitors—are often more open to sharing advice and opportunities than you'd expect. The key is to reach out with sincerity and clarity.

A simple email, a LinkedIn message, or even a cold DM can lead to game-changing collaborations, insights, and even friendships. People love supporting passionate founders, especially those who show initiative and a willingness to learn.

What is your proudest achievement so far?

One of my proudest achievements so far has been being invited back to my school as a guest speaker and seeing my picture in the alumni room.

Starting as a first-generation social entrepreneur with no guidance, I had to navigate everything through trial and error. In school, my talents weren’t always recognized, and I often felt like I had to prove myself beyond the classroom. So, returning to the place where my journey began—not as a student, but as an inspiration to the next generation—was an incredibly full-circle moment.

Seeing my picture in the alumni room was more than just an honor; it was a validation of the hard work, resilience, and impact I’ve created through Teen Mental Health Society and my entrepreneurial journey. It reminded me of how far I’ve come and that my work is making a difference.

Metrics and milestones are great, but moments like these—where you see real-world impact and recognition from the places that shaped you—are what truly matter.

Some of the milestones I’m incredibly proud of include:

Growing TMHS from a grassroots initiative to a national movement, with young people from across the country joining our sessions and spreading awareness in their communities.
Being featured in the Times of India, which helped amplify our mission to a broader audience.
Hosting over 50+ guest speakers, including Ivy League graduates, mental health professionals, and individuals with lived experiences.
Getting invited as a keynote speaker at a global conference, which happened after a speech I gave at a Mumbai school caught the attention of the Council of International Schools.

What role has your family or support system played in your entrepreneurial journey?

My family has played the biggest role in my entrepreneurial journey. From the very beginning, my parents had no idea what I was building or how social entrepreneurship worked, but that never stopped them from believing in me and supporting me unconditionally.

They never questioned why I was waking up at 5 AM for international meetings, spending hours on Zoom calls, or dedicating my free time to growing Teen Mental Health Society. Instead, they cheered me on, encouraged me, and gave me the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and learn.

Looking back, I realize that their unwavering trust and belief in me made all the difference. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take risks, push boundaries, and achieve everything I have. All the credit for my success goes to them.

Are you currently hiring?

Yes, we're looking for the following roles:

Social Media Intern: 21 hours a week (remote)
Branding Intern: 21 hours a week (remote)
Outreach & PR Intern: 21 hours a week (remote)

Where can we find you?

Book Recommendations

The Creative Confidence – Tom Kelley & David Kelley
BITS of Social Impact – Harsh Bhargava and Sai Prameela Konduru
The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
Talk Like TED – Carmine Gallo