How India’s first Certified Transactional Analyst turned personal struggles into a movement for mental health awareness.
India’s first Certified Transactional Analyst in counseling, Anna Chandy is the author of Battles in the Mind and the Chairperson of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, launched by Deepika Padukone. Through therapy, writing, and advocacy, she has changed how India talks about mental health.
Why Her Story Hits Home
Anna’s story resonates with many of us who have lost ourselves while putting our families first. There’s no doubt that family is important, but forgetting ourselves in the process doesn’t make things better — in fact, it makes things worse. How can we expect to make others happy when we aren’t happy ourselves?
Anna lived that story for years before discovering her true self.
“Like many of us girls back then, I grew up believing my education was meant to secure a ‘good’ match. I embraced this conditioning fully — the devoted wife, perfect mother, impeccable hostess.”
Her Turning Point: A Hospital Bed and a Hard Truth
Anna’s wake-up call came after an emergency appendectomy.
I begged the doctor to delay surgery so I could finish my chores. He calmly said, ‘If you’re not here tomorrow, they’ll cry for a few days and then move on.’ That moment shattered my illusion of being indispensable.”
From Therapy to Therapist: Why She Chose This Path
Anna’s personal healing journey through therapy ignited her passion for mental health. She trained as a Transactional Analyst and now helps others break patterns that disempower them.
“Therapy gave me the gift of self-reflection. It helped me see the veneers I had built and rediscover my authentic self.”
Battles in the Mind: A Memoir That Heals
Her book Battles in the Mind took two and a half years to write and explores her struggles with abuse, shame, and identity—while offering insights as a therapist.
“For years, my strategy to please was my way of feeling included and avoiding abandonment. Writing this book was both painful and liberating.”
Leading India’s Mental Health Conversation with TLLLF
As Chairperson of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, Anna drives initiatives to reduce stigma and increase awareness:
✔ You Are Not Alone – Reached 36,000+ students across 280 schools.
✔ Together Against Depression – Sensitized 2,000+ doctors.
✔ Dobara Poocho – India’s first nationwide mental health awareness campaign.
“We need dialogue, not silence. Mental health conversations must question outdated cultural beliefs while respecting context.”
On Deepika Padukone’s Impact
“Deepika sharing her vulnerability on national TV was a game-changer. It gave others permission to speak and reduced stigma.”
Anna’s Message for Every Woman
It hit home because I’ve seen so many women in my life do the same — believing their family needs them more than they need themselves. In trying to be everything for everyone, they forget who they truly are.
Anna Chandy’s journey reminded me how important it is to pause, reflect, and choose ourselves without guilt. Her courage to break free from conditioning and start conversations around mental health is truly inspiring.
She makes me believe that it’s possible to embrace our authentic selves while caring for others — and that asking for help is not weakness, but strength.
Want to read her memoire, here’s the link: Battles in the Mind
Want to learn about her work. Check here: The Live Love Laugh Foundation
Check other stories of inspiring women here: https://workwellwomaniya.com/category/woman-of-the-week/