Mental Health Champions: Why & How Varun Choudhary Is Helping To Champion Mental Wellness

An Interview With Michelle Tennant Nicholson

Letting go of the past — our experiences in the past affect our decisions in the present and shape our future. Accepting this fact has helped me resolve the issues of the past so I can learn from it and move forward.

As a part of our series about Mental Health Champions helping to promote mental wellness, I had the pleasure to interview Varun Choudhary, MD, MA, DFAPA.

Varun Choudhary, MD, MA, DFAPA, is the Chief Medical Officer of Talkspace and FloreoVR, and is a Board-Certified Forensic Psychiatrist. He is currently the Governor appointed Psychiatrist to the Behavioral Health & Disability Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He began practicing telepsychiatry in 2006.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

Certainly, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak with you. I was born and raised in Southern California in a first-generation Asian Indian family. There was always a heavy emphasis on academics and Indian culture. Part of that was a message to put aside personal interests in the pursuit of achievement and success.

You are currently leading an initiative that is helping to promote mental wellness. Can you tell us a bit more specifically about what you are trying to address?

In today’s digital age, individuals often turn to the internet and social media for information about mental health conditions, but this can lead to misdiagnosis and misinformation, which can have serious consequences for individuals seeking help. At Talkspace, we recognized the need to bridge this gap and provide accurate, reliable, and easily accessible resources for mental health information.

That is why we recently launched our new Mental Health Conditions Library, a free, clinically-evaluated, human-authored resource for both Talkspace members and non-members. It empowers individuals with knowledge about a comprehensive range of mental health conditions, enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Additionally, the Mental Health Conditions Library provides information on available treatments for each condition. We believe in the importance of informed decision-making in mental healthcare and want to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to explore different treatment options tailored to their specific needs.

Through the Mental Health Conditions Library, Talkspace aims to promote mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to take control of their mental well-being. By providing accessible and reliable information and connecting individuals to available treatments, we are working towards accomplishing our mission to make therapy more accessible and available to all.

Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?

My passion for therapy and ensuring trustworthy mental health information and support stems from witnessing the immense impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals and their loved ones. Throughout my medical career, I have encountered numerous individuals who have suffered silently due to a lack of clinically-backed mental health information, access to quality mental health resources, and the persisting stigmas surrounding mental health. Seeing their barriers to accessing quality care and accurate information compelled me to act and make a difference.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves compassionate, accessible, and evidence-based mental healthcare. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy and the positive outcomes it can bring, I became determined to break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. This personal and professional journey inspired me to join Talkspace and be a part of an organization that is dedicated to making therapy more accessible and available for all and is working every day to reduce stigma and improve the lives of individuals struggling with mental health conditions.

Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?

That is a good question; early in life, I was driven by an ingrained fear of failure. That later turned into a determination to succeed. I set milestones and goals for my career and met them, but then realized I needed to think beyond just myself and how I could make a difference on a larger scale. That drive has led me to where I am today.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?

It’s not one particular story but a single observation that COVID truly broke open the conversation around mental health in boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms across America. It was the pandemic’s silver lining, and although we are still very much in the midst of a public health crisis, I could not have imagined the level of public acknowledgment and acceptance that mental health should be prioritized.

None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?

I would have to say that my wife has been my biggest cheerleader. She pushed me early on to take risks and go beyond my comfort zone in order to think bigger. For example, I would not have pursued a position in managed care had she not encouraged me to consider it, which was a pivotal point in my career. Every step of the way, I have sought her advice and have never had a single regret.

According to Mental Health America’s report, over 44 million Americans have a mental health condition. Yet there’s still a stigma about mental illness. Can you share a few reasons you think this is so?

Interestingly, the COVID-era mental health crisis has brought about a silver lining: a greater willingness among people to openly discuss their mental health struggles and seek help. In fact, Talkspace’s recent New Normalization survey found that 65% of respondents said they’re more likely to discuss mental health with their friends than pre-pandemic, and 8 in 10 respondents reported that more people are open to going to therapy than they were three years ago.

However, a persisting stigma is attached to mental illness, which can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, there is a lack of education and awareness surrounding mental health conditions, leading to misconceptions and the perpetuation of stigmatizing attitudes. Cultural and societal influences also play a role, as the historical stigmatization of mental illness has ingrained fear, discrimination, and exclusion. Additionally, the fear of the unknown and unpredictability of mental health conditions, coupled with negative language and labeling, further contribute to the stigma. Lastly, the fear of discrimination and social repercussions discourages individuals from seeking help and support, reinforcing the cycle of stigma.

Addressing mental health stigma requires a collective effort. At Talkspace, we are committed to promoting mental health literacy, challenging stigma, and fostering understanding. Through accessible resources like our Mental Health Conditions Library, we gradually destigmatize mental illness and those who seek help while creating a more empathetic and inclusive society.

In your experience, what should a) individuals b) society, and c) the government do to better support people suffering from mental illness?

There are a number of things that individuals, society, and the government can do to better support people suffering from mental illness.

a) Individuals: It is crucial for individuals to take an active role in supporting those with mental illness. Educating oneself about mental health conditions and challenging stigmatizing beliefs is a vital first step. By fostering empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness, individuals can create a supportive environment for those in need. Actively listening, offering non-judgmental support, and encouraging professional help are also essential ways to assist individuals who may be struggling. By being a compassionate presence and helping them access appropriate resources, we can make a significant positive impact on their journey to recovery.

b) Society: Society as a whole plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with mental illness. One key aspect is promoting awareness and understanding of mental health through public campaigns, education programs, and community initiatives. By fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion, society can help reduce stigma and create safe spaces for open discussions about mental health. Additionally, ensuring equal access to quality mental health services and resources is vital. Advocating for policies prioritizing mental healthcare, supporting mental health research, and addressing systemic barriers are all necessary steps to better support those suffering from mental illness.

c) Government: The government is responsible for shaping policies and allocating resources to support people with mental illness. It is important for governments to prioritize mental health as a key public health issue. This includes increasing funding for mental health services, integrating mental health into primary healthcare systems, establishing a uniform licensure standard so providers can practice seamlessly across state lines — ensuring greater access to care, and incorporating mental health parity in insurance coverage. Governments should also invest in mental health research to advance our understanding of mental illness and improve treatment outcomes. By enacting comprehensive mental health policies, governments can create a supportive infrastructure that benefits individuals, families, and communities.

Through individual actions, societal efforts, and government initiatives, we can collectively create a world that better supports and cares for individuals suffering from mental illness.

What are your 5 strategies you use to promote your own well-being and mental wellness? Can you please give a story or example for each?

1. Setting time daily for my own well-being, whether that’s a 30-minute walk or sitting still/meditating, and giving myself permission to do that. We can’t promote well-being and self-care if we don’t practice it ourselves. I believe it starts with first granting yourself permission.
2. Remembering my purpose — I believe we do our best work when we connect it to something greater than ourselves. I am reminded daily that through a platform like Talkspace, we are making therapists and prescribers more accessible and convenient, and it can save lives and pull people from deep despair, people who may have internalized they have to do something alone without help.
3. Expressing gratitude — I know I am extremely fortunate to be in my position and career, and I remind myself to feel grateful and express this gratitude every day.
4. Positivity — I believe a positive attitude and mindset is vital to moving forward and setting an example for my children.
5. Letting go of the past — our experiences in the past affect our decisions in the present and shape our future. Accepting this fact has helped me resolve the issues of the past so I can learn from it and move forward.

What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a mental health champion?

1. Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
2. Resilience by Steven Southwick
3. Mindsight by Daniel Siegel
4. Meta Human by Deepak Chopra
5. Healing: Our Path From Mental Illness to Mental Health by Thomas Insel

If you could tell other people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?

Every small action you take has the potential to create a ripple effect of change. By actively contributing to a better world, not only do you benefit others, but you also enhance your own life.

Just as caring for the environment and advocating for social justice are important, we must also recognize the significance of making mental healthcare accessible and affordable for all. By breaking down barriers to therapy, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to seek the support they need and improve their mental well-being. That is what we are doing at Talkspace every single day.

By taking action together, we can shape a brighter future filled with compassion, empathy, and improved mental well-being for all and build a better world for ourselves and future generations.

How can our readers follow you online?

Readers can follow me on LinkedIn.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!

About the Interviewer: Inspired by the father of PR, Edward Bernays (who was also Sigmund Freud’s nephew), Michelle Tennant Nicholson researches marketing, mental injury, and what it takes for optimal human development. An award-winning writer and publicist, she’s seen PR transition from typewriters to Twitter. Michelle co-founded WasabiPublicity.com.