Having struggled with depression, he is now a lifeline for others in pain

Since founding the organization in 2017 with his wife, Mrs. Priyahnisha Noorulla, 32, a psychotherapist, he has focused on suicide intervention and counseling.

Mr. Devanantthan, his wife and Mental ACT volunteers have helped 33 individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts over the years by monitoring their well-being and working toward goals such as improving their relationships with their families for approximately three up to six months before returning to their home country. work or study.

Although Mr. Devanantthan does not run a hotline, he is happy to share his mobile number so that people know through word of mouth that he will lend an ear when they are in need.

Due to calls and messages he receives at all hours from people who were about to take their lives, he has had to cancel appointments with his wife and friends.

With his daily lunch break, evenings and Saturdays spent on Mental ACT, any personal time he has is a luxury.

What drives him is the Latin motto Non nobis solum nati sumus – meaning “we were not born for ourselves alone” – and the belief that he is not meant to live in a silo.

“It may take multiple interventions to keep someone alive and it is not just about their survival but also how they live their lives and how we take the journey with them,” said Mr Devanantthan, who himself has in the past had struggled with thoughts of suicide.

Between 2012 and 2020, he had multiple episodes of depression due to upheavals in his life, such as his parents’ divorce. He even had to mediate an argument between his parents on the eve of his high school graduation in 2012, the same day he and an ex-girlfriend ended their four-year relationship.

He also lost his close friend to suicide in 2013 while serving his national service.

He was subsequently diagnosed with depression in 2022, following other life changes and work-related stress in a previous job.

He knew he had to “have the conversation” and sought professional help through counseling in 2022. He also learned self-care techniques to keep depression at bay. His wife has been a pillar of support and a “listening ear and support” for him.

“My experience with depression helps me when working with people dealing with suicide. It made me empathize with them more…I think it made them realize that this man is not just pulling something out of the air because he is a mental health professional, but someone who is also living what they are going through,” said Mr Devanantthan. , who still occasionally has suicidal thoughts.