A doctor who truly cares: Story of Dr. Priya R. Nair

Many people struggle with their mental health but are afraid to ask for help. Dr. Priya R. Nair has dedicated her life to changing that. As a psychiatrist based in Kerala, she helps people dealing with anxiety, depression, and mental health issues- and she does it with kindness, patience and deep expertise.

How it all started

From a young age Dr. Priya were curious about how human mind works. She wanted to understand why people think, feel, behave the way they do. The curiosity led her to study psychiatry- a branch of medicine that focuses on mental and emotional health.

She completed her postgraduate training from Kerala University of Health Sciences and graduated as a state First Rank Holder. This means she was the best student in entire state- a proud achievement that shows how serious and hardworking she is. During her training, she was guided by Dr. Roy A. Kallivayalil a highly respected name, who helped shape the kind of doctor she is today.

What she does

Dr. Nair runs Neya Psychiatric Clinic, where she sees patients struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions. She uses a combination of talk therapy and medication. Her goal is always treating the whole person – not just the illness.

She also works hard to make mental health care more accessible and to spread awareness so that more people feel comfortable reaching out for help.

Breaking the stigma

One of the biggest challenges Dr. Nair faces is not the medical one- it is the way people think about mental health. In many parts of India, people feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about mental health problems. They worry about what others will say. This stops them from getting the help they need.

Dr. Nair working every day to change this. She believes that mental health is as important as physical health, and that no one should suffer in silence. Her approach is always gentle and non- judgmental, making patients feel safe when they walk in her clinic.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Nair hard work and compassion have earned her well deserved recognition. In 2026, she received Times of India Health Excellence Award for best service in psychiatry. She was honored with the APJ Abdul Kalam Award by the ACT organization- a fitting tribute to a doctor who has given so much to her patients and community.

But if you ask Dr. Nair greatest achievement, she will not point to a trophy. She will talk about her patients who finally smiled after the wave of sadness and depression. Those moments are what matter most to her.

Staying Grounded

Being a psychiatrist can be emotionally demanding. Dr. Nair takes care of herself by following a healthy routine, spending quality time with her family, and making sure she has time to recharge. She believes that doctor who takes care of themselves can take much better care of their patients.

“Know what you want, believe you deserve it, and put in it work every single day.”

A message to young women

Dr. Nair has simple but powerful message for young women who are trying to find their path, trust yourself. She says “Believe in your abilities and never underestimate your potential. Stay focused on your goals, keep learning and don’t give up when things get hard. Success comes to those who are consistent and brave enough to keep going.”

Dr. Priya R. Nair is an exemplar that a career built on empathy and dedication can change lives. She is not just treating her patients but giving back their hope to live again.