In this powerful and personal session, Dr. Muralidharan Keshavan shares the story of his Epoch, a challenging yet meaningful phase in his life as a psychiatrist. An Epoch is more than just a moment in time; it’s a turning point that shapes who we become. For Dr. Keshavan, it was a time filled with professional and personal struggles, growth, and deep reflection.He talks about the real issues faced in the field of mental health - patients with no proper access to healthcare, limited services, and overworked emergency departments. It wasn’t easy for the staff either, as they dealt with burnout, stress, and mental health issues of their own, especially the older ones. Even administrators had to constantly adapt to new guidelines and rising expectations.Despite these hurdles, the talk shines a light on how he and his team rose to the occasion with skills such as delegating responsibilities, building team spirit, and staying creative under pressure. He also opens up about his own emotional journey, moving through self-doubt, anger, helplessness, and fear. His message is honest and relatable, showing how even professionals struggle but what matters is how we respond.Dr. Keshavan shares what kept him going: a strong social circle of friends, family, peers, and seniors, and the power of trust and teamwork. He highlights key skills that made a difference empathy, communication, patience, and active listening.In the end, his message to us is simple but deep: Turn your skills into action. Focus on your strengths. Trust the process. The journey might not have a clear destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking. Stay grounded, stay humble, and be ready to adapt, no matter how the goalposts shift. Dr. Muralidharan Kesavan, Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Superintendent at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), is a recipient of the Asian Young Psychiatrist Award and several other awards for his research on bipolar disorder, depression, and brain stimulation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx