In this episode of The Curious Case of…, Ira sits down with Dr. Amit Malik to talk about the mental health system — what’s missing, what’s delayed, and what still needs to change.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Because if you’re someone struggling right now, knowing the system isn’t perfect doesn’t tell you what to do today. It doesn’t make it easier to take the first step.

So they ask a more immediate question: given the system we have, how do you actually find help — and find it early?

They explore what it means to navigate care in a practical way — how to recognise early signs, what to look for in the help you’re receiving, and when it might be time to keep searching. The conversation also reflects on the realities of the system in India today, and where it still needs to evolve.

Because even if the system takes time to change, your need for support is here, now.

Stay curious.

Resources:

Mental Health and Additional Resources Directory ​​

What is Therapy?

What is a Safe Space? 

CREDITS:

Host: Ira Khan 

Agatsu Foundation Team 

Art Design: Ayushi Lilani

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: Ruchi Sawardekar 

Mix Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni

Asst. Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Nihar Temkar

Production Coordinator: Natasha Vakil

Recorded at Island City Studios, Mumbai