Success and material wealth often steal the spotlight in today’s world, changing the way we view ourselves and others. Meanwhile, the importance of mental health is often overlooked in today’s hustle-driven society, where titles, possessions, and appearances are constantly measured. In modern times, our fast-paced lives are constantly interrupted by more screens and distractions, leaving little room for us to focus on emotional and mental health. However, we are all aware with the understanding that true success isn’t just about physical health or financial gain; it’s more about nurturing our minds and hearts.
For many, however, following this holistic view of well-being can be a challenge. Frequently, we rely on external aspects such as beauty, wealth, and status to determine our happiness, rather than seeking what genuinely provides us with inner peace and satisfaction. However, some individuals are contesting this method and paving the path for a more equitable model. Dr. Swayam Prava Baral is one individual of that kind.
As a psychiatrist, wellness expert, and author, Dr. Swayam has defined her mission to help others unlock their full potential. Her focus is not solely on addressing mental health struggles; she also teaches the deeper connection between emotional well-being and personal empowerment. Through her pioneering work as the Founder & Psychiatrist at the Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre, Dr. Swayam is reshaping how we think about wellness, beauty, and self-worth.
By combining modern psychiatric care with ancient wellness practices, Dr. Swayam offers a compassionate, holistic approach that heals minds and transforms lives. Her work is a movement to inspire people to prioritize their mental health, build resilience, and embrace true emotional empowerment. Her impact is spreading out, not just in her community but across the world, inspiring others to look beyond superficial success and focus on the deeper well-being that leads to lasting fulfillment.
Let’s learn how holistic mental health care can reshape your life, inspired by Dr. Swayam’s work!
The Humble Beginnings
Dr. Swayam’s path to becoming one of the leading voices in mental wellness didn’t follow the conventional route that many might expect. Born and raised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Dr. Swayam grew up in a family that valued education, self-reliance, and equality. These values were pivotal in shaping the person she would become—an advocate for mental health, a healer, and a visionary. From a young age, she was encouraged to explore her curiosity and passions, and her family played a crucial role in fostering a sense of independence and personal growth.
Despite being surrounded by a family that encouraged her to pursue her ambitions, Dr. Swayam’s early years were marked by uncertainty about her future. While she was always drawn to subjects like literature and spirituality, her defining moment arrived in an unexpected way. She recalls, “It was a moment of shock when I saw a close friend of mine having an epileptic seizure. That moment changed me forever. It sparked a deep curiosity in me about the brain, the mind, and the way our emotions and health are interconnected.” This transformative experience led her to choose a career in medicine, where she could explore the mysteries of the human mind and, more importantly, help people who were suffering from mental health challenges.
With constant focus, she pursued her medical education, completing her MBBS from MGM Medical College, Indore. She then advanced her specialization with a Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM) from the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, followed by an MD in Psychiatry from MGM Medical College, Indore. Further expanding her expertise, she completed a Fellowship in Psycho-Sexual Medicine from JSS, Mysore.
Her professional journey has been equally remarkable. She worked as a Senior Resident and Assistant Professor at the Central Institute of Psychiatry before moving to SJMCH, Puri, where she served as an Assistant Professor for three years. Recently, on January 1, 2025, she returned to her hometown, Bhubaneswar, after 17 years and now holds the position of Associate Professor of Psychiatry at IMS and SUM Hospital 2.
Her commitment to mental health extends beyond clinical practice. She also completed a Certificate Course in Geriatric Mental Health from LGBRIMH, Tezpur, which deepened her passion for elderly care. This passion has now become her social cause for the international pageant, where she advocates for “Elderly Care and Geriatric Mental Health.”
The Birth of the Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre
In 2023, Dr. Swayam took a bold step in realizing her dreams—she opened the Swayam Mind Clinic and Wellness Centre in Bhubaneswar. At that time, mental health was still often stigmatized and misunderstood. Psychiatry was perceived by many as a last resort for people who were “too broken” to handle their problems. But her vision was different. She wanted to create a place where people could feel comfortable seeking help before their mental health deteriorated further.
The clinic was built on the philosophy that mental health should be treated with the same priority as physical health. Her approach combined the best of modern psychiatric practices with a holistic view of mental wellness. She emphasized that true well-being was achieved not just by treating mental illness but by enhancing overall resilience, emotional strength, and self-empowerment. In addition to providing pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma, Dr. Swayam introduced patients to the power of lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices, and emotional intelligence to create lasting change in their lives.
Through the years, the Swayam Mind Clinic has become a trusted space for individuals dealing with a wide range of mental health challenges. Her patients come from all walks of life—students struggling with academic stress, professionals experiencing burnout, couples facing relationship challenges, and individuals battling more complex mental health conditions. Regardless of the issue, Dr. Swayam’s approach remains consistent: she listens, empowers, and supports individuals in their healing journey.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
One of the unique aspects of her approach is her understanding of the interconnectedness of mind and body. While traditional psychiatry often focuses on symptom management through medication and talk therapy, Dr. Swayam incorporates practices that nurture both mental and physical well-being. This holistic approach includes techniques such as Holobody coaching, which combines mindfulness, self-reflection, and emotional regulation practices to foster healing from the inside out. Her work as a Mindvalley Holobody coach allows her to introduce patients to the idea that mental wellness is not only about overcoming illness but also about achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
Holobody coaching, a philosophy that she strongly believes in, emphasizes the importance of connecting with one’s body, understanding emotional triggers, and building emotional intelligence. Dr. Swayam uses this approach to teach individuals how to foster inner strength, increase their resilience, and develop self-empowerment. This comprehensive mindset has enabled countless individuals to overcome mental health struggles, rebuild their self-worth, and lead healthier, happier lives.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of Dr. Swayam’s work is her relentless effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health. In many cultures, particularly in India, seeking help for mental health issues is still accompanied by shame and societal judgment. Determined to change this narrative, she actively promotes the importance of mental well-being through her clinical practice, public speaking, and written works.
Her book, 30 Days to a Healthy Mind: A Psychiatrist’s Guide to a Resilient Mind, serves as a powerful resource for individuals striving to take charge of their mental health. It offers actionable tips, exercises, and reflections to enhance emotional resilience, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity. She is also set to release her next book, Equanimous Mind, further deepening the conversation around mental wellness.
Beyond these, Dr. Swayam has authored multiple books that inspire self-growth and mental well-being:
- The Mindset of a Strong Woman
- Life Lessons
- Self-Acceptance
- I Want to Be More
- You Are Unstoppable
- Choiceless Awareness
- Self-Enquiry
- A Healthy Mind is the New Luxury
- Self-Discovery: Quotes That Take You Deep Inside the Human Mind
- Self-Discovery 2: Quotes That Take You Deep Inside the Human Mind
You can explore all her books published with YourQuote at this link.
Her impact extends beyond books—Dr. Swayam’s WHO FIDES influencer role reflects her passionate commitment to mental health awareness. Through engaging digital content, webinars, articles, and social media interactions, she reshapes public perception, breaks down stigmas, and encourages open conversations about mental health. “Creating content on mental health gives me happiness at the end of the day,” she shares.
Her mission is clear: to empower individuals to prioritize mental well-being as an essential part of self-care, just like physical health.
Recognitions and Achievements
Dr. Swayam’s expertise and dedication have earned her several prestigious accolades. She was honored with the Best Doctor Award at Banganga Psychiatry Hospital in Indore and was the Topper in DPM at the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. She also earned a Gold Medal in Fellowship in Psycho-Sexual Medicine from JSS, Mysuru, further showcasing her excellence in the field of psychiatry.
Her contributions have been widely recognized:
- Women Excellence Achievements Award 2020
- India Inspirational Women Awards 2021
- Fox Clues India Prime Women Icon Awards 2022
- India’s Rising 50 Under 50 Dynamic Femina 2023
- Lifestyle Magazine’s Celebrating Womanhood 2023 Series – Featured Success Story
- Awards 2024 Inspiration HERstory Times
Other Notable Accomplishments
- Featured in interviews on various news channels to raise awareness about mental health
- Invited as a guest speaker at multiple colleges to discuss mental health awareness
- Mindvalley-trained Holobody Coach, guiding individuals in achieving physical and mental transformation
Beyond clinical psychiatry, she has also made a significant mark in the world of pageantry. Passionate about personal growth and empowerment, she recently won the 1st Runner-Up title at The International Glamour Project Mrs. India 2024 and the People’s Choice Award at the same event. Pageantry has given her the platform to explore her multifaceted interests, embracing fitness, fashion, and self-care on a deeper level.
Dr. Swayam is now set to represent India at Ms. International in the USA in July 2025. She proudly holds the title of Mrs. India International 2025 and is ready to make the country proud on the global stage.
Her commitment to societal well-being extends beyond psychiatry and pageantry—she is deeply passionate about elderly care and geriatric mental health, which she has taken up as her social cause for the international pageant.
Dr. Swayam’s success mantra is simple: “Never waste time. It’s the most precious resource you have.” Her fitness philosophy aligns with this belief, as she advocates for an active lifestyle and mindful nutrition. From avoiding prolonged sitting to making intentional movement choices daily, she embodies discipline in both physical and mental wellness.
Mental Health as a Pathway to Beauty
A key aspect of her philosophy is that true beauty doesn’t reside in outward appearances but in the peace and resilience that radiates from within. In a society that often equates beauty with physical traits, her message is refreshing and revolutionary. She firmly believes that inner peace, self-empowerment, and emotional strength are the most beautiful traits a person can possess. Through her work, she encourages people to prioritize their mental health and personal growth, rather than conforming to superficial beauty standards.
Her work extends beyond merely treating those in need—it is a movement to redefine what beauty and wellness mean in today’s world. By teaching her patients to find their inner peace, embrace their authentic selves, and build emotional resilience, she is helping them realize that they already possess all the beauty and strength they need.
The Mind-Body Connection
Dr. Swayam’s work has transcended the traditional boundaries of mental health care. In her vision, true wellness cannot be confined to just the mind or the body—it is about integrating both to achieve overall harmony. This is a core principle of her holistic approach. Through combining Western psychiatric practices with elements of Eastern wellness philosophies like yoga and meditation, she encourages her patients to nurture both their mental and physical health simultaneously.
She firmly believes that the mind and body are intricately connected. When we experience emotional stress or trauma, it can manifest physically in the form of chronic pain, fatigue, or even digestive issues. Similarly, poor physical health can negatively impact our mental state. By embracing this mind-body connection, she has successfully helped individuals recover from mental health issues more quickly and with lasting results.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
As a female psychiatrist in a country where mental health care is often stigmatized, she has faced numerous obstacles in her mission to spread awareness and provide care. There were moments when she felt overwhelmed by the task at hand, but her resilience never faltered. She believes that the greatest source of strength comes from within, and that resilience is something that can be nurtured over time.
Through personal setbacks and struggles, her commitment to helping others has never wavered. She is an embodiment of the very resilience she encourages her patients to cultivate. Her personal journey stands as a source of hope for all those who face adversity—whether it’s in their personal lives, careers, or mental health struggles. She is living proof that resilience, when nurtured, can lead to remarkable transformation.
A Vision for Global Mental Wellness
Today, Dr. Swayam continues to lead the charge in transforming how we view and approach mental health. Her vision of a world where people feel empowered to take charge of their mental wellness is far from over. She is committed to expanding her clinic’s services, reaching more individuals in need, and continuing to use her platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
Her vision is global. Through her workshops, books, and online courses, she is extending her reach beyond Bhubaneswar to connect with people around the world. She is helping to shape a future where mental wellness is recognized as an essential part of human health, and everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive.
As she reflects on her journey, one thing is clear: her work is about far more than just treating mental illnesses; it is about helping people to live more authentic, empowered, and fulfilled lives. With every patient she treats and every mind she helps heal, Dr. Swayam is leaving a lasting impact on the world—transforming lives, breaking barriers, and leading the way to a brighter, more resilient future for all.
To connect with Dr. Swayam and learn more about her transformative work, follow her on:
https://linktr.ee/drswayamprava
https://www.instagram.com/mindanditsmysteries/?igsh=bmJhemZnaHBoaG12#
