Vishalatchi Arunagiri, diagnosed with schizophrenia, is the founder and president of Suara Minda. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle)PETALING JAYA: When Mala Davi walked into her daughter’s apartment in 2011, she barely recognised her. The 19-year-old Vishalatchi Arunagiri weighed just 26kg. That was the physical toll of living with severe mental distress over a prolonged period.

Soon after, Visha was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which changed the course of her life forever.

After receiving treatment and learning to manage her condition, Visha founded Suara Minda, a mental health NGO she now runs with her mother.

The organisation, founded in 2020, focuses on advocacy, offering activities that support wellbeing and creating a safe space for those from underprivileged backgrounds.