A Conversation of Hope with Chitra Paul: Autism, Mental Health & Caregiving

Author: Yellowcheer - Mental health March 19, 2025 Duration: 1:03:58

The Conversations of Hope series showcases personal stories from individuals sharing their own journeys with mental health.

This episode features a conversation with the incredible Chitra Paul where she talks about mental health struggles of autistic individuals and the caregivers at the backdrop of her own journey with her son, as a parent and as a caregiver.

Her journey from a parent to that of a parent advocate for inclusion and neurodiversity and an ally of the autistic community has been filled with mixed experiences. Chitra delves into the complexities of Autism, covering aspects such as diagnosis, support networks, and the challenges faced. She talks about the mental health issues that autistic individuals may encounter, along with the emotional impact on caregivers, parents and families as they navigate through all of this and ways for taking care of their own mental wellness.

Chitra is a parent advocate for participatory inclusion and neurodiversity. She is a Mother to a non-speaking autistic young adult who is also a self-advocate for his community of non-speakers. She is supporting several initiatives in the autism and special needs space. Chitra is also the co-founder and the director of the "Allinclusive Foundation” (Not for Profit), dedicated to creating such inclusive spaces. At present she is the India Lead, Institute of Neurodiversity (ION).

This content is not designed to provide advice and should not be considered a replacement for professional mental health assistance. If you are in distress or worried about another person's mental well-being, please reach out to your local or national helpline or the nearest healthcare provider for help.

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'Mental Health Musings' is currently on the Top 50 Best Mental Health podcasts and also on the Top 10 in India as featured by Feedspot.

https://podcasts.feedspot.com/india_mental_health_podcasts/

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Mental Health Musings

Hosted by a NIMHANS certified lay counsellor and poet, Mental Health Musings approaches well-being from a unique and personal angle. This isn't a clinical lecture series; instead, each episode blends original, heartfelt poetry with candid conversations. You'll hear from mental health professionals and advocates who share insights in accessible language, moving beyond theory to discuss real, everyday challenges. The goal is to foster a deeper, more compassionate understanding of your own mind and equip you to better support the people in your life. Recognized by Feedspot among the Top 100 Mental Health Podcasts globally and a Top 10 podcast on this topic in India, this series creates a reflective space where art and dialogue meet. Tuning in means joining a thoughtful exploration where personal experience and professional knowledge intersect, all guided by the host's dual perspective as a counsellor and an artist. Each episode of this podcast is designed to feel like a genuine conversation, offering both solace and practical perspective for anyone on a journey toward mental wellness.

Author: Yellowcheer - Mental health Language: English Episodes: 44

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Podcast Episodes

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A Conversation of Hope with Apoorva: Winning over Anxiety

24.04.2023

Duration: 14:47

Listen to stories of hope of people amongst us who are striving to overcome their mental health issues and breaking down barriers to talking about mental health.A candid conversation with Apoorva RK where she shares her…

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Gratitude

06.03.2023

Duration: 7:13

A look at how something as simple as being grateful can help. Gratitude can have a variety of psychological and emotional benefits. Stay connected on Instagram @yellowcheeryc

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A Conversation of Hope with Sindhuri: Winning over Depression

05.02.2023

Duration: 30:50

Listen to stories of hope of people amongst us who are striving to overcome their mental health issues.Sindhuri Kollamuri opens up to share her own mental health story and her lived experience of battling depression. Sin…

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Take a Pause

30.12.2022

Duration: 3:31

It helps rather it is important to take a pause and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, your learnings, your achievements, your challenges, highs and lows and a lot more. This helps your overall mental well being when do…

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I am Fine

27.12.2022

Duration: 1:14

A short poem. We often rather always show al is well when it is actually not and this in long term affects our mental health adversely with stress and anxiety building up. It's ok to not be ok and only this acknowledgeme…

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Self Love - I am my favourite

21.12.2022

Duration: 4:25

Self love is important for your mental health. It's all about accepting yourself fully along with your imperfections and prioritizing your well being

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Emotional Suppression

13.12.2022

Duration: 6:06

We often push away our emotions, do not adequately express them. Long term avoidance is not good for mental health. There are ways you can cope without suppressing them.