TAMPA, Fla. — A local psychiatrist says he’s created a proactive approach to address emotional wellness, stressing the key is starting early.

Dr. Rahul N. Mehra founded Emotional Vaccines as a proactive wellness program. The program, which includes video clips, helps address self-care and ways to help ease stress and anxiety.

"It’s taking everyday life challenges and creating normalizing conversations,” said Mehra, who has produced some 200 videos focusing on a wide range of topics.

Mehra, a double board-certified physician, has practiced psychiatry for more than 30 years. He said being proactive is critical. 

That’s why he’s concentrating on getting his content into the community, especially connecting with schools and sports teams, to help address mental health challenges early.

Hillsborough County Public Schools Supervisor of Emotional Wellness Elizabeth Tanner said the district is using the videos to help encourage conversations.

"The more information we put out, the more we educate our families on mental health concerns or problematic issues that may occur in their child’s life, the more we’re lowering stigma that’s related to mental health issues,” said Tanner.   

The videos provide educational information and tips for parents and teachers.

"Having an understanding of what someone else is going through," Mehra said. "And being able to normalize a conversation of the stress that we all face."