In the hyperactively materialistic era, fighting various battles in their lives with immense stress, pressure, tension, hypertension, anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship issues, and many other known and unknown psychological disorders, people are realizing anew the secret of a happy and healthy life.
That secret is that “In today’s era, houses, cars, phones are not luxuries anymore…A healthy mind is the new luxury,” says Dr Swayam Prava Baral, an MBBS, MD Psychiatry, DPM, and Fellow Neuro-Psychiatrist, Mindvalley Certified Holobody Coach, a Best-selling Author, and the Founder of Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre, Bhubaneswar.
From the constant pressure to succeed to the complexities of modern relationships, people are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing their mental health. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders have become pervasive issues in today’s society. These conditions can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, leading to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and hopelessness. As individuals seek to navigate these challenges, they are turning to new strategies and approaches to promote happiness and wellbeing.
One key trend is the growing awareness of mindfulness and meditation practices. Dr Swayam adds, “Self-acceptance is the only way to a stress-free mind. It is a window to the infinite possibilities of life as you have ended all conflicts.”
“Why settle your self-worth for less?” she asks, adding, “Let’s break the shackles created by the mind to create a life where you can see yourself as the best.”
Making You Unstoppable
Dr Swayam, a highly accomplished Neuropsychiatrist, has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and helping them achieve self-reliance. With a diverse range of expertise, including deaddiction, child and geriatric psychiatry, sexology, headache treatment, and transformational psychotherapy, Dr Swayam has made significant contributions to the field of mental health.
As a creator of a modern support system for people empowerment, Dr Swayam’s journey began in the holy place of the lord’s own abode. She says, “I was blessed to be born in the beautiful city of temples, Bhubaneswar, to my spiritual father and my working mom who, from the very beginning, instilled in me the core values of independence, self-reliance and courage. Unlike most of the girls in India, I have never experienced any gender inequality in my family. However, when I grew up and travelled to different places, I realized it was not the same for every female.”
So, as a female psychiatrist, empowering women became one of Dr Swayam’s major goals along with treating patients and coaching people for mental wellbeing. Right from childhood, she was blessed with her best friend and guide, the one and only brother, who has always been there to hold her back in the ups and downs of her life. Recently, she has been happily married to a dynamic Psychiatrist who always encourages her in every endeavour. “I am still on my journey in unravelling the secrets of the human mind, and now, as you read this interview, I am blessed to have you as a part of my journey,” says Dr Swayam.
Education and Training
Dr. Swayam has a well-rounded and extensive education in psychiatry and medicine. She began her schooling at Venkateshwar English Medium School in Bhubaneswar and pursued higher studies at BJB College in the same city.
She then completed her MBBS and MD from MGM Medical College, Indore. She did DPM from the most prestigious Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi. She then spent a few months in a DNB residency at Masina Hospital, Mumbai. Dr. Swayam further enhanced her expertise with a Fellowship in Psycho-Sexual Medicine from JSS, Mysuru. She also completed a Suicide First Aid Training Programme in the UK. Additionally, she did a certificate course in Geriatric Mental Health from LGBRIMH, Tezpur, adding depth to her clinical training.
Achievements and Accolades
Dr Swayam’s dedication and excellence have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. She was awarded the Best Doctor Award at Banganga Psychiatry Hospital in Indore and was the topper in DPM at the Central Institute of Psychiatry.
Professional Experience
With a wealth of experience, Dr Swayam has held several prestigious positions throughout her career. She served as a Senior Resident and Assistant Professor at the Central Institute of Psychiatry before taking on her current role as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Shree Jagannath Medical College in Puri, Odisha. She also maintains a private practice at Swayam Mind Clinic in Bhubaneswar.
Empowering Individuals through Self-Reliance
Dr Swayam’s mission is to empower individuals on their journey towards self-reliance. Through her expertise in various areas of psychiatry, she helps patients overcome challenges, manage mental health conditions, and develop the tools necessary to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Her holistic approach combines traditional psychiatric treatment with innovative therapies, such as Mindvalley’s Holobody coaching, to address the mind-body connection and facilitate lasting change.
As a passionate advocate for mental health, Dr Swayam continues to make a significant impact on the lives of her patients. By guiding them through the empowering journey of self-reliance, she empowers individuals to take control of their mental wellbeing and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Your Place of Holistic Health – Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre
Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre is a passion project of Dr Swayam, who has dedicated herself to providing quality mental health care in a nurturing environment. She believes that a serene ambience is essential for patients to embark on their journey from illness to wellness. Dr Swayam states, “I started Swayam Mind Clinic with a lot of passion to provide quality care with compassion,” emphasizing her commitment to not just treating patients but transforming them into their best selves.
At the clinic, Dr Swayam integrates pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy, recognizing that this combination is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. As a Mindvalley Certified Holobody coach, she also trains individuals to achieve peak performance through body and mind transformation. This holistic approach makes Swayam Mind Clinic a safe haven for those aspiring for mental wellbeing, where they can find support and guidance tailored to their unique needs. With a focus on compassion and comprehensive care, Swayam Mind Clinic stands as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to reclaim their mental health and embrace a more fulfilling life.
The Turning Point
Emerged as one of India’s most successful Neuropsychiatrists, Dr Swayam has a deep-rooted guiding philosophy that has propelled her since childhood. She reflects on her early passions, stating, “Literature and spirituality fascinated me from a quite young age. I always wanted to be a writer and an Odissi dancer, having learned for four years.”
However, her life took a pivotal turn when she witnessed a friend have an epileptic seizure while travelling on a school bus. This terrifying experience was life-changing for her, igniting a passion for saving and transforming lives. From that moment, she decided to pursue a career as a doctor. Now, as a psychiatrist, treating patients is not merely her profession; it is a spiritual journey that allows her to help individuals achieve their best possible selves.
Elaborating on her passion for writing and how, through her passion, she has impacted many more lives, Dr Swayam says that she has published many books of quotes with YourQuote–Doorpix Publications, including ‘A healthy mind is the new luxury,’ ‘The mindset of strong women,’ ‘Life lessons,’ ‘Self-acceptance,’ ‘I want to be more,’ ‘You are unstoppable,’ ‘Choiceless awareness,’ and ‘Self-enquiry.’
Her first long book, “30 Days to Healthy Mind: A Psychiatrist’s Guide to a Healthy and Resilient Mind,” is an Amazon best-seller. It has helped many people begin their mental health journeys.
Dr Swayam’s next book ‘Equanimous Mind’ is coming soon.
Super-Creative World of a Neuropsychiatrist Mind
When asked about her social media journey, Dr Swayam described it as a fulfilling hobby that allows her to share content related to mental health and wellbeing. “Creating content on mental health gives me happiness at the end of the day,” she shared. As a WHO FIDES influencer from India, she actively participates in awareness campaigns led by the World Health Organization.
Regarding her entry into pageantry, she explained that her passion for personal growth inspired her to take part. “Pageantry gave me wings to pursue my multifaceted interests,” she said, highlighting how it reignited her passion for fitness, fashion, and self-care. “I love challenging myself in different ways,” she stated. She proudly shared her achievements, having won the 1st Runner-Up title at The International Glamour Project Mrs. India 2024 and the People’s Choice Award. She expressed excitement about representing India on the international stage next year.
Dr Swayam’s mantra for success is straightforward: “Never waste time. It’s the most precious resource you have.” Her approach to fitness follows a similar practical mindset—she emphasizes movement in any form, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift and avoiding long periods of sitting. “Avoid lifts, take the stairs, keep walking around the house, and don’t sit for long hours,” she advises. She also stays away from junk food, making mindful choices every day, and urges everyone to do the same.
A Pragmatic Leader
Her daily routine includes meditation and checking in on loved ones, ensuring she maintains a balance between work and personal life. “Mental equanimity in all situations and psychological flexibility are key to my work-life balance,” she noted.
When asked what young women should focus on to succeed, she emphasized strength. “Self-defense and mental resilience are crucial,” she said, adding that beauty and cooking skills can wait. Dr Swayam’s advice resonates with her belief in empowering women beyond traditional norms.
She confessed that her biggest regret is her reluctance to ask for help. “I tend to do everything on my own, and that’s my biggest weakness,” she admitted. Despite this, Dr Swayam expressed her preference for connecting with individuals who possess a growth mindset and are trustworthy and secure in themselves. This focus on surrounding herself with positive influences aligns with her commitment to personal growth and wellbeing.
Envisioning a Future of Super-Self-Powered Global Indian Citizens
When asked about her future vision, Dr Swayam explained that her life’s purpose is dedicated to serving humanity through her work as a psychiatrist. “I aim to contribute to the world as much as possible in any way I can,” she shared.
For Dr Swayam, the greatest happiness comes from her work and writing. “My work as a psychiatrist and the books I write brings me immense joy,” she noted.
When discussing her sources of inspiration, she named Vishen Lakhiani, Sandeep Maheshwari, Lisa Nichols, Marisa Peer, and her mother as her guiding figures.
For women with big ambitions, her advice is clear: “You must be ready to swim against the tide for your ambition. Circumstances and people may not always be favourable, but you need to believe in your vision, even when no one else does,” she said. Dr Swayam stressed the importance of celebrating every step of success, no matter how small, as only you know how much effort has gone into achieving it.
What makes her stand out from others? According to Dr Swayam, it’s her “constant craving for learning and self-growth” that sets her apart.
Books have been her constant companions throughout the ups and downs of life. “They’ve always provided me with support and comfort during difficult times,” she reflected.
For those looking to connect with Dr Swayam Prava Baral, she is active on Instagram at @mindanditsmysteries,@swayammindclinic, and @booktherapy. Her YouTube channel is @swayammindclinic, and she can also be reached on Facebook as Dr Swayam Prava, Psychiatrist, or via email at swayamprava123@gmail.com.
