Mandira Bedi, a well-known figure in Indian entertainment and fitness, is now stepping into a new role as a mental health advocate. This transition highlights the growing importance of mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world and the need for open conversations about emotional health. Her recent collaboration with The Full Circle, a mental wellness platform, marks a significant step in her journey toward promoting holistic health and destigmatizing mental health discussions in India.
A Champion for Mental Health: Mandira’s New Role
On May 22, 2025, it was announced that Mandira Bedi had joined The Full Circle as a co-founder. The Full Circle is a platform dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate mental health support across India. This partnership signifies a powerful alignment of purpose, combining Mandira’s personal experiences and public advocacy with the platform’s mission to offer therapy, group sessions, mindfulness workshops, and psychoeducation tools.
Mandira’s role as co-founder will involve actively shaping the platform’s offerings, curating experiences, and fostering a national dialogue around mental and emotional wellness. Her involvement aims to make mental health support more relatable, professional, and free from stigma.
Quote
“Over the years, I’ve spoken a lot about fitness, but I’ve learned that true well-being goes far beyond the body,” says Mandira. “Mental health is not a trend—it’s a necessity. The Full Circle is a space that truly understands this, and I’m honored to be a part of a movement that places healing, self-awareness, and emotional strength at its heart.”
Mandira’s Personal Journey: Grief, Strength, and Healing
Mandira Bedi’s commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. In recent years, she has openly shared her journey through grief and healing, particularly after the loss of her husband, Raj Kaushal, in 2021. This personal journey has given her a profound understanding of emotional resilience and the importance of mental health support.
Overcoming Grief
The sudden passing of Raj Kaushal was a significant turning point in Mandira’s life. She has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced in coping with the loss and the importance of seeking support during such difficult times.
“The first year was very, very, very, very hard. The first of everything is just impossible to deal with. The first birthday, the first anniversary, the first Diwali, the first Christmas, the first New Year. The second one is a little bit easier, the third one is a little bit easier…”
Mandira immersed herself in work to cope with the grief, acknowledging the need to support her family and herself. She also emphasized the importance of therapy and self-care in navigating the grieving process.
Postpartum Depression
Mandira has also been open about her struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her son, Veer, in 2011. She admitted that she did not feel an immediate connection with her newborn and that she experienced intense emotional turmoil during that period.
“When I first saw him, I was like, ‘What is this pasty little frog? I have to commit myself and lose my independence because of him?’ It was not love at first sight, and I had a lot of postpartum depression as well during that time, so it took me some time to feel love for him.”
Mandira’s experience with postpartum depression highlights the importance of raising awareness about this condition and providing support to new mothers who may be struggling with their mental health.
Adoption Struggles
In 2020, Mandira and her husband adopted a daughter, Tara. Mandira has spoken about the challenges and complexities of the adoption process in India. She noted the lengthy paperwork and the difficulties in navigating the system, even when it was clear that they were a loving and capable family.
Despite the challenges, Mandira emphasized the joy and fulfillment that Tara brought into their lives, further underscoring her commitment to family and emotional well-being.
The Full Circle: A Platform for Emotional Wellness
The Full Circle, founded by Nupoor Mohan, is a mental wellness platform that aims to integrate therapy, group sessions, mindfulness, and psychoeducation into daily life. The platform is designed to be accessible, professional, and free from stigma, offering support without jargon or judgment.
Services Offered
The Full Circle provides a range of services to support emotional well-being, including:
- Therapy: Individual therapy sessions with qualified professionals.
- Group Sessions: Group therapy and support sessions for various mental health concerns.
- Mindfulness Workshops: Workshops and programs focused on mindfulness and meditation techniques.
- Psychoeducation Tools: Resources and tools to educate individuals about mental health and emotional wellness.
Mission
The Full Circle’s mission is to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotional challenges and develop coping strategies. The platform aims to normalize conversations around mental health and make support accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Mental Health in India: Addressing the Challenges
Mandira Bedi’s advocacy comes at a crucial time, as India faces significant challenges in addressing mental health issues. Despite growing awareness, mental health remains a taboo topic for many, and there is a significant treatment gap in the country.
Stigma and Lack of Awareness
One of the biggest challenges in India is the stigma associated with mental illness. Many people view mental health issues as personal failings rather than legitimate health concerns. This stigma prevents individuals from seeking help and leads to widespread misunderstanding and discrimination.
A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that a significant percentage of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support.
Treatment Gap
The National Mental Health Survey of India (2015-16) revealed that nearly 150 million Indians require mental health interventions, yet fewer than 30 million are receiving the care they need. This significant treatment gap underscores the urgent need for increased access to mental health services and support.
Sociocultural Dimensions
India’s diverse sociocultural landscape also presents unique challenges in addressing mental health. Belief systems, family dynamics, and community attitudes play a significant role in treatment-seeking decisions. Additionally, there is a general lack of awareness about mental health problems and available options for diagnosis, treatment, and care, particularly in rural areas.
Strategies for Improvement
To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed, including:
- Raising Awareness: Public education campaigns, community programs, and media coverage to change perceptions and promote mental well-being.
- Strengthening Infrastructure: Training more mental health professionals and ensuring their availability in underserved areas.
- Integrating Services: Incorporating mental health services into primary healthcare and other community settings.
- Utilizing Technology: Telemedicine and online counseling services to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access.
- Government Policies: Prioritizing mental health by increasing funding for mental health programs and enacting supportive policies.
The Impact of Celebrities in Mental Health Advocacy
Mandira Bedi’s decision to step into mental health advocacy highlights the significant impact that celebrities can have in raising awareness and reducing stigma. By sharing their personal stories and using their platform to promote mental well-being, celebrities can inspire others to seek help and support.
Breaking the Silence
Celebrities who openly discuss their mental health struggles help break the silence and normalize conversations around emotional wellness. This can be particularly powerful in cultures where mental health is often shrouded in secrecy and shame.
Inspiring Others
When celebrities share their experiences, they can inspire others to seek help and support. Knowing that someone they admire has faced similar challenges can make individuals feel less alone and more willing to reach out for assistance.
Promoting Resources
Celebrities can also play a crucial role in promoting mental health resources and organizations. By partnering with platforms like The Full Circle, they can help connect individuals with the support they need and raise awareness about available services.
Looking Ahead: Mandira’s Vision for Mental Wellness
Mandira Bedi’s collaboration with The Full Circle represents a significant step forward in the effort to promote mental wellness in India. Her personal journey, combined with her public platform, positions her as a powerful advocate for emotional health.
Future Goals
As co-founder of The Full Circle, Mandira will play an active role in shaping the platform’s vision and curating meaningful experiences for its users. Her goals include:
- Expanding Access: Making mental health support more accessible to individuals across India, particularly in underserved areas.
- Creating a Safe Space: Fostering a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their struggles.
- Leading the Conversation: Sparking honest and open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
- Empowering Individuals: Providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to take care of their mental well-being and build emotional resilience.
Mandira Bedi’s journey into mental health advocacy is a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being and her desire to make a positive impact on society. By sharing her personal experiences and using her platform to promote mental health, she is helping to create a more compassionate and supportive world for everyone.
