What is lived experience — and what is the role of lived-experience of a mental illness in our regular understanding of mental health and illness?

In this episode, Ira speaks with Dr. Kavita Arora about how reflecting on personal experiences can open up doors that science alone can't access. How engaging in conversations about lived-experience shapes how individuals and caregivers navigate their treatment and recovery - be it treatment decisions or just forging a path to better understanding. And how professionals learn, train, and evolve — not just in theory, but in the quality of care they’re able to offer.

Because sometimes, the most powerful shift begins by asking:

What was it like for you?

And being curious enough to truly hear the answer.

For more information, click here.

CREDITS:

Host: Ira Khan 

Agatsu Foundation Team 

Research: Rohini Sen 

Art Design: Neeta Borkar

Creative Consultant: Abhishek Saha 

Theme Music: Amit Kumar (OtoAcoustic)

This is a Maed in India production

Head of Production: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Director & Video Editor: Jishnu Guha 

Visual Designer: Alika Gupta

Producer: Quoyina Ghosh, Ruchi Sawardekar 

Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni

Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar

Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil

Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai