Mental Health and Wellbeing

Smriti Sawhney, an experienced Clinical Psychologist writes on body shaming and how harbouring a negative body image about ourselves, is ultimately a self-defeating exercise. I have struggled with hair thinning the past 7 years and have cried endless nights, gone through phases of lows and irritability, gone doctor shopping, hair products shopping and may even have consumed enough number of multivitamins to cause a toxic reaction in me…all for fitting myself to the image I have for a beautiful…

MHR, as she prefers to be referred to as, has been battling Behcet’s Syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease for the last 17 years. Having been through various stages of pain, depression and hopelessness, body image issues she has tried ayurveda and yoga, to get some relief. She is keen to spread awareness on auto-immune disorders and wishes that doctors not treat her as guinea pig. First diagnosis I was diagnosed with Behcet’s Syndrome in 2001, after an illness of over 6 months. I was 23 then. I…

Around 20% of new mothers experience Post Partum Depression. In our #AskTheDoctor series Dr Madanki Srinivasan, Gynaecologist & Women’s Health Counselor addresses the difference between baby blues and PPD, the symptoms, treatment options and recovery tips. What are perinatal mental illnesses? Perinatal mental illness is a significant complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period. These disorders include postpartum blues, depression, anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis.…

Yoga can be really effective for stressed out deskbound employees. Asha Sarella, movement therapist and counsellor, talks to Sundara Raj, exponent of Hatha yoga, to recommend simple asanas to relieve stress, head, neck and back strain and remain fit, energetic and focussed at work. Sitting in an air-conditioned cabin, sipping your favourite latte or green tea, labouring over spreadsheets / pivot / codes on the screen could be your monotonous work every day. There is so much pressure on closing…

Anxiety disorders can be disabling and dangerous, if left untreated or suppressed. Smriti Sawhney, an experienced Clinical Psychologist, emphasises the importance of identifying anxiety triggers early and nipping it in the bud either on your own or with professional help before it becomes irrational and cripples your daily routine. An estimated 264 million people in the world are living with anxiety disorders. That is a lot of people, but not everyone is seeking help to treat their anxiety.…

Teen mental health has been deteriorating over the last five years.  Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology, San Diego State University sheds light on studies teen suicide, depression. Around 2012, something started going wrong in the lives of teens. In just the five years between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless – classic symptoms of depression – surged 33 percent in large national surveys. Teen suicide attempts increased 23 percent. Even more…

Many of us struggle with sugar cravings. It could be at a party, or when we are depressed, per-menopausal or just bored. Here are some tips in a useful infographic.  Also, see the discussion here  Read about PMS related cravings   

Shivani Maheshwari brings you a list of 10 movies and documentaries on health released in 2017. It is a random selection, with no preference or bias. They were picked up because they featured prominently on social media. The dominance of American staple probably makes a telling statement that more work needs to be done in the health sector in India, in terms of films, features, docudramas, narratives, and motion pictures. Hopefully, 2018 will be better. Watch them if you can. Many are available…

Recovering from depression isn’t easy, but not impossible. Shubhrata Prakash, an officer with the Indian Revenue Service currently on a sabbatical in Bangkok, who is finally on the road to recovery after an excruciating period of depression, exults that it is wonderful to experience life again in all its glorious hues.  “….and the Prince gave Sleeping Beauty a magical kiss. She woke up from the evil spell put on her and looked into his eyes……and they lived happily ever after!”…

Approximately 34% of women with PCOS have depression. Dr Madanki Srinavasan, Gynaecologist and women’s health counselor helps us understand lifestyle changes to manage PCOS. Along with weight gain, unwanted hair growth, acne, irregular periods etc, women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) also frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  Can stress be a risk factor for PCOS? Stress can be a risk factor for any medical ailment, including PCOS.…