MENTAL WELLNESS IS LIKE BIRYANI – IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LAYERS
Ever tried making biryani in a rush? Tossing everything together in one go, skipping the layering, forgetting to let it all sit and simmer? The result is usually... underwhelming. It might still be edible, but it lacks the depth, the aroma, the comfort that comes when each layer is given attention.
Mental health works in the same way.
Today juggling deadlines, dealing with family responsibilities, endless notifications, and the occasional guilt trip from not replying to a friend’s message for two days, it’s tempting to look for a quick fix. A scroll through social media, a motivational quote, maybe a ten-minute breathing video before bed.
And while these help, they’re like adding just the garnish on top of the biryani and calling it done.
Let’s be honest - we’re all a little tired. Not just physically, but mentally. And yet, most of us don’t know how to talk about it. Or we feel we don’t have the time to.
But mental wellness isn’t something you schedule for later. Like a good biryani, it needs your attention now, layer by layer.
What are these layers?
1. The Surface Layer – The Visible Stuff
This is where most of us stop. Stress at work, mood swings, trouble sleeping. We try to manage it with surface-level solutions, like quick walks, productivity hacks, or watching a comedy show. These aren’t bad. In fact, they’re important. But they don’t address what’s underneath.
2. The Middle Layer – What You’re Carrying Around
This is where things start to get more flavourful. Or more complex, depending on how you look at it. The weight of unspoken thoughts, workplace pressure, family expectations, that nagging feeling of “Am I doing enough?” These are the parts we rarely acknowledge, especially in the office. But they influence everything- how we show up at work, how patient we are with colleagues, how we respond to stress.
3. The Base Layer – What You’ve Been Through
We all have a base layer. Childhood experiences, relationship patterns, cultural conditioning, and even how our parents handled stress. These things shape how we think, how we react, and how much we expect from ourselves. Ignoring this layer is like skipping the slow-cooked bottom of the biryani - the part with the most flavour.
Let’s Get Comfortable with Digging Deeper
Here’s the thing. You don’t have to unpack all these layers on your own. That’s where therapy comes in. A therapist isn’t just someone who listens while you talk. They guide you, gently and without judgment, as you explore your own layers.
You’ll laugh, you might cry, and sometimes, you’ll be surprised by what you discover. But most of all, you’ll feel seen. Heard. Understood.
And yes, our therapists are more comforting than a Sunday afternoon meal of rice and dal. The kind that makes you want to take a nap afterwards because your body and mind both feel safe
It’s Not About Fixing. It’s About Understanding.
You don’t go to therapy because you’re broken. You go because you’re human. Because you want to understand your own reactions, create healthier boundaries, learn how to cope, not just cope better.
And in a world where everything is expected to be instant, therapy reminds us to slow down. To layer our healing with intention.
So, What’s Your First Layer?
Maybe it’s admitting that you’ve been feeling off lately. Maybe it’s reaching out to a therapist just to see what it’s like. Or maybe it’s simply recognising that no amount of productivity tips can replace real emotional insight.
Whatever it is, don’t stop at the surface. Dig in. Go deep. Trust the process.
Because just like a great biryani, mental wellness isn’t about rushing. It’s about respecting each layer.
Author: Diya Ayappa
Diya is a trained counsellor and works as a content writer at Silver Oak Health. She is a passionate mental health advocate and is dedicated to creating awareness and fostering open conversations around mental well-being. Her blogs aim to empower individuals by addressing thought-provoking topics, providing personal insights, and making mental health a top priority for all.
