My Story
Hi! I’m Ara, a Malaysian who moved to London four years ago. Before founding Ria Minds, I spent over eight years in the oil & gas industry as a Geophysicist/Geoscientist, Technical Software Support and Data Science Consultant. My career revolved around problem-solving, research, and data analysis, but deep down, I felt a growing urge to make an impact in a different way.
That shift happened when I was personally affected by mental health struggles within my family. Watching loved ones battle depression, bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts opened my eyes to a reality I had never fully understood. This journey led me to change my career path - from engineering to mental health advocacy, neuroscience coaching, and content creation.
Now, through Ria Minds, I have certified myself in mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and neuroscience coaching. My mission is to raise awareness, break the stigma, and provide tools for emotional well-being, such as journals and workbooks inspired by real-life experiences.
My Personal Wake-Up Call to Mental Health Awareness
A Family Struggle I Didn’t Understand
Five years ago, I had zero knowledge about mental health. Like many, I assumed that depression was just a phase—until it affected my family.
🩷 It started with my grandmother, who was diagnosed with depression. At the time, we didn’t take it seriously, thinking it was just old age or attention-seeking behavior.
🩷 Then, my cousin was diagnosed with depression. Again, we struggled to understand what it meant.
🩷 The biggest turning point was when my sister moved to the UK for her studies. Within a few months, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder and major depression.
I remember calling her, trying to motivate her with words like:
❌ "Don’t be too emotional."
❌ "Think of Papa & Mama who love you."
❌ "Be grateful—others have it worse."
I thought I was helping, but instead, my words made her feel even more alone. She eventually had to drop out of university and return to Malaysia to seek treatment.
Then, my other sister was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression. On top of managing her own mental health, she also had to care for her two children—one with hyperactivity and another with mild autism.
I witnessed firsthand how mental health struggles impact not just the individual, but the entire family. The stigma, lack of support, and side effects of medication - like weight gain and emotional numbness - made the journey even harder for them.
These experiences changed my perspective completely. I realized how misunderstood mental health is, even within our own communities and healthcare systems. It wasn’t just about "thinking positive" or "being strong" - it was about understanding, support, and the right tools to navigate life’s challenges.
That’s what inspired me to create Ria Minds - a space where people can feel heard, supported, and empowered in their mental health journey.
The Harsh Reality of Mental Health Stigma
Back in Malaysia, my sister sought treatment in government hospitals, but even healthcare professionals had a stigma against mental illness.
She shared with me how nurses and staff would make comments like:
👉 "Nampak sihat je, tapi kenapa nak..." (Translation: "You look healthy, why do you need help?")
While waiting for a psychology session (which took months to book), I met a young teenage girl who confided in me about how she, too, felt judged by hospital staff.
This experience shocked me. If the very people meant to help still hold biases, how do we create a safe space for those struggling?
That’s when I committed myself to learning more about mental health. I started creating content, research-based posts, and discussions—which eventually led to Ria Minds.
How My Background Helps Me Contribute
As someone who doesn’t personally struggle with mental illness, I know I’ll never fully understand what it feels like. But just as doctors don’t need to experience an illness to treat it, I believe I can still make a meaningful impact.
How My Skills Transfer to Mental Health Advocacy
✔️ Problem-Solving & Research – With my background in geophysics and data consulting, I apply the same analytical thinking to mental health research and awareness.
✔️ Certified Neuroscience Coach – By understanding how the brain works, I help people develop science-backed strategies for emotional well-being.
✔️ Empathy & Observation – Living with family members and friends diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and BPD has given me deep insight into what support truly means.
Aphantasia: Seeing the World Differently
One unique aspect of how I process the world is that I have aphantasia - a condition where I cannot visualize mental images. While some people can "see" pictures in their minds when they remember something, I rely on patterns, logic, emotions, and other senses instead.
This has shaped the way I analyze, empathize, and connect with people. Since I don't rely on mental imagery, I pay close attention to words, emotions, and energy when communicating with others. It has made me deeply attuned to how different people process emotions, memories, and thoughts in unique ways.
This perspective helps me:
✔️ Understand that everyone experiences mental health differently - there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution.
✔️ Create structured, practical tools (like journals and workbooks) that help people process emotions in a way that works for them.
✔️ Bridge science and emotions—by combining neuroscience, psychology, and real-life experiences, I aim to make mental well-being more accessible and personalized.
Through Ria Minds, I want to provide a variety of approaches to mental health—so that whether someone processes emotions visually, logically, or intuitively, they can find a method that truly works for them.
The Future of Ria Minds: A Journey to Well-Being and Happiness
My goal is to build a supportive and empowering platform where people can:
💙 Find inner strength during challenging times
💙 Cultivate joy and fulfillment in their daily lives
💙 Gain motivation and clarity to move forward
💙 Feel connected and supported on their mental wellness journey
I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Mental well-being isn’t just about overcoming struggles—it’s about thriving, growing, and embracing a life of purpose and happiness.
As I step into the world of business, I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about mental health, personal growth, and making a positive impact.
Would you like to be part of this journey? Let’s collaborate, inspire one another, and create a world where mental wellness is a priority for all.
Join Ria Minds for insights, stories, and practical tools for emotional well-being