PVPF 2024

Interview with Kapil Gupta, Author “In My Head : A New Approach To Mental Wellness”

Discover insights from Kapil Gupta, author of "In My Head: A New Approach To Mental Wellness" on Frontlist. Gain valuable tips for holistic well-being!
on Apr 06, 2024

Kapil Gupta is the founder of Solh Wellness, a mental wellness platform offering free tools for individual mental health management and comprehensive solutions for organizations. With a mission to enhance mental well-being, Kapil has successfully introduced his innovative mental health approach to over 30 organizations, engaging with thousands of users in the process. In addition to his focus on mental health, Kapil is a versatile entrepreneur, founding OMLogic, PragatiE and Frontlist.

Frontlist: Can you share your journey of delving into the field of mental wellness and what led you to consolidate your learnings into this book?

Kapil: Working in the area of mental health was never something I had planned on pursuing. In fact, since adulthood, people have always perceived me as someone with lesser emotions and someone slightly devoid of understanding the depths of stress, anxiety, and sadness. While I have found some of this arguable (not that I have argued for them to take me as an emotional person), in reality, even I have always found it difficult to understand the pressures that people seem to reflect. I could never lose my sleep over anything or get so depressed that I couldn't laugh or go about my day normally. Upon extensive soul-searching, I identified that I have created a new system of gamification for myself, where I can play anything in life as a game (even the question of life-death).

In the middle of everything that was going on 'In My Head,' trying to make sense of the world, came COVID. During these unprecedented times of the COVID years (felt like an era), I witnessed the devastating impact it had on people and their well-being - how life was altering for them, situations were getting out of hand, everyone was struggling. While I still had some difficulty seeing myself there, I started to understand what was going on. You could say the frailties of the human head became visible to me. Perhaps, aspects that I had thrown into a bottomless pit came mid-surface. At that point, I knew something had to be done.

Frontlist: How do you envision the integration of digital technology in advancing mental health solutions, as highlighted in your book?

Kapil: The integration of digital technology in advancing mental health solutions holds immense promise for revolutionizing how we approach mental wellness. In "In My Head," I envision digital platforms as catalysts for accessibility, outreach, and personalized interventions. From teletherapy to mindfulness apps, digital technology has the potential to democratize mental health care, making it more accessible and tailored to individual needs. By harnessing the power of digital innovation, we can reach wider audiences and provide scalable solutions that empower individuals to take charge of their mental well-being.

Frontlist: You introduce the concept of 'psychological capital' in your book. How can individuals cultivate this capital, and why is it essential for mental resilience?

Kapil: The concept of 'psychological capital' introduced in my book offers a transformative approach to enhancing mental resilience. It serves as a framework for individuals to cultivate a reservoir of mental well-being through intentional actions and practices. Much like accumulating wealth, individuals can invest in activities that contribute positively to their mental health, thereby accruing psychological capital. By tracking these activities and rewarding positive outcomes, individuals can gradually increase their PsyCap points, leading to improved mental well-being over time. This approach not only motivates individuals to prioritize their mental health but also provides valuable insights into their mental health journey. Moreover, psychological capital extends beyond personal benefits to encompass broader societal and economic implications. As individuals bolster their psychological capital, they become better equipped to manage stress, cope with challenges, and foster positive relationships. This resource is renewable and can be shared across different contexts, ultimately contributing to a culture of support and empowerment. Through the cultivation of psychological capital, individuals can build resilience, regain a sense of purpose, and exert control over their lives, paving the way for fulfilling and satisfying experiences even in the face of adversity.

Frontlist: Could you elaborate on how your book aligns mental wellness with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its broader impact on global objectives?

Kapil: "In My Head" intricately weaves mental wellness with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing the profound interconnection between individual well-being and global progress. By prioritizing mental health, we not only foster personal growth but also contribute to broader societal objectives. Through advocacy, awareness, and policy reform, we can align mental wellness initiatives with SDGs, catalyzing transformative change and creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

Frontlist: Your book also addresses the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by older individuals. What are some key takeaways for understanding and addressing these issues?

Kapil: We have tried to work on mental health issues faced across demographics. Older individuals often face unique mental health challenges that are frequently overlooked by society. In my book, I shed light on these issues, emphasizing the importance of social connectedness, purposeful engagement, and holistic support systems. Key takeaways include the recognition of age-related transitions, the promotion of mental resilience through meaningful activities, and the destigmatization of mental health discussions within older populations. By addressing these challenges, we can foster a culture of dignity, empowerment, and well-being for older individuals.

Frontlist: Can you explain the relevance of the '16 Hour Theory' and the 'Power of 5 Adjectives' in simplifying mental health understanding for readers?

Kapil: The '16 Hour Theory' underscores that mental health encompasses more than just specific activities like meditation or therapy. I believe that for more than 16 hours a day every day, all that we do is mental health - from the food we eat, to the people we meet, and the places that we go to and even in what we don’t do. We all are working towards our mental health in our daily routine, each day, knowingly or unknowingly. This concept emphasizes the holistic nature of mental wellness, highlighting that our daily actions,

interactions, and environments influence our mental well-being. It is just a matter of knowing the right vocabulary, tools, and framework that we can work towards our mental health with more efficiency. This encourages individuals to recognize the significance of their everyday choices in shaping their mental health, fostering a proactive approach to mental health management.

Similarly, the 'Power of 5 Adjectives' offers a straightforward classification of human emotions into five key descriptors: Sad, Lonely, Stressed, Happy, and at Peace. By categorizing emotions in this manner, readers can easily grasp the fundamental aspects of mental health and understand the balance between negative and positive states. This framework helps individuals identify and address areas of improvement in their mental well-being, striving to transition from negative to positive emotional states.

Both the '16 Hour Theory' and the 'Power of 5 Adjectives' provide practical tools for readers to enhance their mental health literacy and navigate their mental well-being more effectively. By simplifying complex concepts into accessible frameworks, these tools empower individuals to take proactive steps towards improving their mental wellness and leading more fulfilling lives. Through relatable stories and straightforward explanations, readers can gain insights into their own mental health journey and develop strategies for self-care and resilience.

Frontlist: How do you see the role of Solh Wellness in contributing to addressing mental health challenges at grassroots levels?

Kapil: Solh Wellness is playing a vital role in addressing mental health challenges at grassroots levels through its multifaceted approach. Firstly, by actively combating the stigma surrounding mental health, Solh Wellness creates awareness and fosters understanding within communities.

Secondly, Solh Wellness focuses on developing sustainable, long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Recognizing the significance of investing time, effort, and genuine commitment, Solh Wellness adopts a preventive approach to address everyday stressors before they escalate into more serious mental health issues. By fostering resilience and well-being within communities, Solh Wellness aims to create lasting impacts on mental health outcomes.

Lastly, Solh Wellness extends its reach beyond individual users to encompass organizations, schools, and communities through subscription-based models. By providing accessible, affordable, and personalized mental health tools and solutions, Solh Wellness empowers these entities to prioritize mental wellness within their environments. This inclusive approach not only supports individuals in need but also cultivates a culture of mental health awareness and support within various community settings. Through these concerted efforts, Solh Wellness strives to break down barriers, shatter stigmas, and foster a world where mental wellness is universally prioritized.