When 17-year-old D. Gukesh became the youngest ever to win the FIDE Candidates Tournament in 2024, the world applauded his brilliance. But behind the headlines and handshakes was something deeper—a strong mind trained not just in chess, but in calm, focus, and resilience.

A key figure in this behind-the-scenes journey? Paddy Upton, renowned mental conditioning coach, who previously worked with the Indian cricket team and now brought his expertise into the world of chess.

What Did a Mental Coach Bring to the Table?

In chess, where the opponent isn’t just across the board—but also inside your own head—emotional regulation and self-awareness become game changers.

Paddy Upton helped Gukesh with:

• Managing stress during high-stakes matches

• Maintaining focus during long hours of play

• Handling internal doubts and external pressure

• Staying present, even after a mistake

• Learning to recover quickly and bounce back

This is mental fitness—not just for elite athletes, but for all of us navigating high-pressure lives.

Mental Strength Isn’t Just for Champions

Whether you’re a student preparing for board exams, a young professional facing burnout, or a parent juggling home and career—mental fitness matters just as much as physical health.

Unfortunately, in India, we still often seek help only when something goes wrong. But what if we approached mental health the way athletes do—as a foundation to perform, thrive, and live better?

Mental Health in Everyday Life: What It Looks Like

• For a college student, it’s learning to cope with anxiety before exams

• For a working adult, it’s managing burnout and making space for joy

• For a teenager, it’s dealing with overthinking, social stress, or low confidence

• For a senior citizen, it’s navigating memory changes and emotional loss

Mental wellness is not about avoiding struggle—it’s about equipping yourself with tools to navigate life more effectively.

Support Is Now Closer Than You Think – In Tambaram

Inspired by this growing awareness, I’ve expanded my psychiatry practice to Apollo Clinic, East Tambaram—bringing professional mental health services to one of Chennai’s fastest-growing suburbs.

My focus includes:

• Therapy & counselling for students and professionals

• Guidance for performance, focus, and emotional regulation

• Early support for anxiety, depression, memory issues

• Deaddiction services and family therapy

• Child and adolescent mental health, including ADHD

🧠 For compassionate, evidence-based mental health support:
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS, New Delhi)
Psychiatrist | Therapy | Mental Fitness | Memory & Emotional Health
📍 Apollo Clinic, 3, Bharathamadha Street, Opp. to MCC Campus, East Tambaram, Chennai – 600059
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 8595155808