In a significant move to tackle the rising mental health challenges, Adayu, a Fortis Group Company, has launched an innovative podcast series titled ‘Adayulogues with Dr. Samir Parikh’. Timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day 2024, the series aims to reduce stigma, promote well-being, and foster greater understanding of mental health issues.

The podcast, featuring long-format discussions, will delve into a range of mental health topics such as bipolar disorder, panic disorder, addiction, suicide prevention, and persistent depressive disorder. Dr. Samir Parikh, Consultant Psychiatrist and Chairperson of the Fortis National Mental Health Program, along with a team of experienced psychiatrists and psychologists, will lead the conversations.

In discussing the motivation behind Adayulogues, Dr. Parikh explained, “This podcast is part of Adayu’s mission to tackle the misinformation and lack of awareness surrounding mental health. Many people struggle to recognize the symptoms of mental health disorders, delaying crucial help. Through these focused discussions, we aim to educate the public, help them identify warning signs, and encourage early intervention.”

The first set of 36 episodes, available on the YouTube channel @fortismentalhealth, will cover 18 different mental health conditions, with each explored across two episodes. Dr. Parikh emphasized the importance of making these discussions accessible, as the podcasts will be conducted in Hindi to ensure that they reach a wider audience.

Dr. Ritu Garg, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at Fortis Healthcare, shed light on the current state of mental health in India.

"Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant gap in access to affordable treatment. Mental health concerns, especially among young adults and working professionals, have escalated to a crisis. Adayulogues is a timely initiative that will help individuals recognize mental health issues early on and take the necessary steps to seek help. This platform will also dispel many myths and misconceptions that surround various mental health disorders."

Adayu, as part of Fortis’s National Mental Health Program, represents a dedicated vertical for comprehensive mental healthcare. The name ‘Adayu,’ derived from the word ‘ayu’ meaning ‘age,’ symbolizes the notion of adding quality to life.

The organization is committed to integrating innovation with clinical excellence, offering a range of services including digital tele-mental health, AI-based interventions, and residential inpatient services for acute psychiatry, deaddiction, and rehabilitation.

As mental health issues continue to rise globally, initiatives like Adayulogues could be the much-needed bridge to fill the gap between awareness and action, encouraging individuals to prioritize their