Shreya Giri studied International Business from London but found her true purpose in mental health advocacy here in Nepal. She is driving change using her global perspective, sparking conversations and making a difference in mental health awareness and support. Recently, she was listed on the prestigious Forbes Under 30 list.
“I never imagined that my life would take the path it has today. With a background in business and finance, I thought I would climb the corporate ladder, navigating through business and strategies, however, the global lockdown during the pandemic changed everything. Like everyone else, I faced my own mental struggles, and it was during this time that I decided to create a community to help others. What began as a simple idea turned into something much bigger than I ever expected,” says Shreya.
The community she started is named Happy Minds, developed initially as a safe space for people to connect with each other, share their experiences, and find solace in knowing they were not alone. The response was overwhelming. The positive feedback poured in so rapidly that her website almost crashed. People were eager to join, to be part of something that provided comfort and understanding during such uncertain times. Happy Minds grew quickly. What started as a modest initiative soon transformed into a substantial team dedicated to supporting mental health.
In 2022, her team was honoured at the SAARC Startup Awards. “This recognition was a pivotal moment for us,” says Shreya, but nothing could have prepared her for what came next, being acknowledged by Forbes. Initially, she always thought that such accolades were reserved for the political elite and big names.
“The journey has been incredibly beautiful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who trusted us along the way. Happy Minds was never intended to be a business venture. However, as it grew, I realised the potential to turn it into a sustainable service. With mentorship and guidance, I developed it into a structured organisation that not only helps people but also thrives as a business,” shares Shreya.
Over the years, Happy Minds have addressed a wide range of issues from relationship problems and porn addiction to extramarital affairs and more. Every individual they have helped had their own unique battles, and it was a challenging journey for them. To ensure the quality of their service, they believe that even therapists need their own therapists so their team regularly comes together to discuss cases and seek recommendations from senior therapists, ensuring they provide the best care possible.
Mental health in Nepal is often stigmatised, and parents are generally not supportive of therapy. This narrative needs to change. Additionally, therapy can be expensive, “I have made sure that Happy Minds remains flexible and accessible to those in need,” she adds. They also conduct workshops for children on topics like good touch and bad touch, parent-child relationships, and more. “My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone,” she says.
Looking to the future, Shreya is particularly passionate about helping migrant people,as they are often the most troubled with mental health issues. “One of the most rewarding aspects of Happy Minds is our suicide prevention hotline, which operates 24/7. Knowing that we are there for people at any time of the day or night is incredibly fulfilling,” shares Shreya.
“As we face an economic downturn and increasing societal problems, I foresee that mental health issues in Nepal will continue to rise,” she points out. So, we ask her if therapy is a quick fix. “At Happy Minds, we provide the best guidance, but the real work happens within the individuals themselves. Even as the founder of Happy Minds, my life is not perfect. I experience relapses between work and personal life and have to constantly find my balance. Mental health is not a joke, and I am committed to offering the best service possible to those who need it,” she answers.
Her journey with Happy Minds has been transformative, from a simple community initiative to a recognised organization making a real impact, it has been a testament to the power of resilience and commitment
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