Devanantthan Tamilselvii’s journey from personal hardship to founding Mental ACT to support mental health in the South Asian community.
Devanantthan Tamilselvii, 32, a full-time social worker and co-founder of the non-profit organisation Mental ACT, has dedicated his life to helping those battling mental health crises, especially within the South Asian community. His personal experiences with depression and suicide have fueled his passion for providing support to others in distress.
Mental ACT, which he founded in 2017 with his wife, psychotherapist Priyahnisha Noorulla, offers suicide intervention, counselling, and crisis support. The organisation provides a safe space for individuals suffering from intimate partner violence (IPV), suicidal thoughts, and mental health issues, with a focus on understanding the unique cultural nuances of South Asian communities.
Tamilselvii’s empathy stems from his own struggles with depression, which began after significant life events, such as his parents’ divorce and the loss of a close friend to suicide. Diagnosed with depression in 2022, he sought professional help and learned self-care techniques to manage his mental health. His personal journey has helped him connect with those facing similar challenges, offering not just professional advice but also the comfort of shared experience.
Through his work, Tamilselvii hopes to break the cultural barriers that prevent many in the South Asian community from seeking help for mental health issues. The stigma around topics like suicide and IPV often leads individuals to tolerate abuse to preserve family honour. He envisions a future where the community becomes more empathetic and knowledgeable, fostering an environment of support for those struggling with mental health challenges.
