MindPeers: Helping high performers thrive by addressing mental wellbeing

Kanika Agarwal, co-founder of MindPeers, a leading mental health platform for high performing individuals, sheds light on the unique mental health challenges faced by men in today's work environment. In an interview with Bizz Buzz, Agarwal emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing these challenges to cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace. She highlights that mental well-being is not just a personal matter, but also essential for fostering a productive and resilient workforce

What is the rationale behind MindPeers?

MindPeers was founded in 2020, born out of my personal experiences with mental health challenges while I scaled my first business in Singapore. The platform is deeply rooted in the understanding that high-performing individuals often face immense stress, demotivation, life struggles and anxiety, and there is a critical need for preventive measures to help them become resilient, vulnerable and mentally strong as well as access to quality mental wellbeing support via trained counsellors, ensuring that no one has to face their mental health struggles alone. As our name suggests, we are here to be a peer for your mind, emphasizing that everyone has a supportive ally in their journey towards mental wellness.

How have MindPeers grown over the years and why?

Over the last 3 years, we have scaled to 22,000 monthly active users who are corporate employees and work with over 50 clients from India, South East Asia and Latin America.

MindPeers has experienced significant growth, driven by a global surge in interest towards mental health research and an evolving understanding of its importance. Our commitment extends beyond traditional 1:1 counselling to encompass the development of digital therapeutic tools that promote holistic well-being. High performing individuals don't have time in their routine to proactively take care of their mind and hence at MindPeers our digital art tool has helped to integrate in their everyday working and helped them to distract, engage and slow down positively.

We recognise the crucial interconnection between mind and body, and this perspective has guided our innovations. Recently, we launched 'Insights,' our most advanced offering yet, which helps someone to understand how much of their physical concerns are because of their mental health. E.g. if someone is going through respiratory issues or immunity issues - how and why has it aggravated because of stress and anxiety

What is the kind of target audience you cater to?

They are high performing 25-40 years old, who are ambitious, highly career driven and don't know how to slow down. They have low resilience because they seldom see failures, often feel lonely and would like to be best at everything in their life. Over the last three years, we’ve worked with more than 2 lakh individuals globally to help them become mentally strong. Geographically our TA is from India, South East Asia and the LATAM region.

What are the major symptoms?

At MindPeers, we frequently encounter individuals who are high-performing and often push themselves to the limit, which can lead to burnout and elevated stress levels. Additionally, we've observed a rising prevalence of ADHD among our clients, characterized by difficulties with focus, executive functioning, and organizing thoughts and tasks. Another significant concern is the impact of mental health on physical symptoms; for example, individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often report increased anxiety. Furthermore, the pressures of high performance and stress adversely affect sleep quality and hygiene, which in turn impacts mood, productivity, and focus. Addressing these symptoms holistically is at the core of what we do at MindPeers, aiming to support both mental and physical well-being. In terms of clinical issues - chronic loneliness, overthinking and depressions are the top three concerns reported by our users

What is the line of treatment you recommend?

At MindPeers, we recognize the mental health spectrum where individuals can be categorized into three states: struggling, resilient, and thriving. Our goal is to assist teams and individuals in reaching a thriving state. Here’s the line of treatment we recommend:

Step One: Assess Your Mental Well-being - The first step involves gaining a thorough understanding of your current mental health state. This can be achieved through tracking symptoms, analyzing lifestyle factors, and, if necessary, undergoing diagnostic tests under the supervision of a clinical psychologist. This initial assessment is crucial for tailoring the subsequent steps to your specific needs.

Step Two: Engage in Tailored Interventions - Based on the assessment, we recommend appropriate interventions. For those in need of direct support, we offer 1:1 counseling with therapists or coaches who utilize various modalities such as trauma-informed approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, we provide access to tech-driven therapeutic tools that support mental health on the go, allowing users to manage their well-being in a way that fits their lifestyle.

Step Three: Proactive Mind Care - Just as with physical health, proactive care is essential for mental well-being. We encourage individuals to adopt regular mental health practices that prevent issues from developing or worsening. This includes continuous engagement with mental health resources, regular check-ins with mental health professionals, and the use of digital tools to maintain mental fitness.

By following these steps, individuals can move towards a thriving state, where they not only manage symptoms but also enhance their overall quality of life.

How does mental health affect those in the workplace?

We frequently engage with high-performing individuals who often push themselves to their limits, which can lead to burnout, elevated stress levels, various physical problems, and mental distress.

What are the steps needed for a patient to recover from this condition?

Recovery from a mental health condition is a personalised and multi-step process that involves several crucial stages. Firstly, accurate diagnosis is essential. This involves a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional who can identify the specific condition and its severity. At MindPeers, we also have two clinically validated tools that can help you understand your symptoms better.

The second step is developing a tailored treatment plan, which typically includes a combination of psychotherapy, medication (if necessary), and lifestyle modifications. Psychotherapy might involve different therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or other modalities depending on the individual’s needs.

Thirdly, implementing support systems plays a critical role. This can include family involvement, support groups, and community resources which provide a network of assistance and encouragement. Lastly, fostering an environment of self-care and resilience is vital. This includes teaching coping strategies, stress management techniques, and ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Encouraging patients to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, and prioritize sleep are also integral parts of recovery.

How has the company grown over the years?

We cater to 22,000 active users, more than 200 psychologists globally, over 50 clients and backed by investors like Magic Fund, Goodwater Capital, Venture Catalysts and sharks Vineeta, Namita, Aman and Peyush

How can companies help to improve their employees' mental health?

To improve their employees' mental health, companies must take a comprehensive and proactive approach. The first step involves adopting a holistic view of well-being, recognizing that mental health is as crucial as physical health. Subsequently, providing accessible mental health resources is essential. This includes partnering with organizations like MindPeers to offer support and initiatives that address the specific mental health needs of their workforce.

Moreover, it is vital for companies to invest in training their managers and leaders in psychological safety and empathetic leadership frameworks. Such training equips them to better support their teams, fostering an environment where employees feel safe to express concerns and seek help without fear of judgment.

Finally, recognizing that the modern workforce views their employment as more than just a 9-5 routine is crucial. As employees, particularly younger generations, become more aware of the importance of mental health, it's essential for companies to engage in open discussions about mental health and well-being. This not only supports employees but also enhances overall productivity and job satisfaction.