Latest news with #Manasthali
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Mother's Day: Postpartum support calls on the rise as stigma fades
Post-Mother's Day, experts say more Indian mothers are breaking silence on postpartum depression and turning to tele-mental health amid rising awareness and lower stigma As the world celebrated Mother's Day on May 11, mental health experts highlighted the growing trend among Indian mothers -- particularly new and expecting ones -- who are turning to tele-mental health services for postpartum struggles amid increased awareness and reduced stigma. Platforms like Mpower's mental health helpline have received nearly 17,000 calls from women in the last four years, of which over 12 per cent were related to postpartum mood disorders and perinatal mental health issues. Experts say this marks a major shift in how mothers, and society at large, are approaching mental well-being. 'Mother's Day should also be a reminder that putting others first while neglecting yourself is not a badge of honour,' said Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist at Manasthali. 'The 'good mothers do it all' era is over. We're now in an age where mothers are setting boundaries and prioritising their own mental health, which in turn models healthier behaviour for their children,' Kapoor said. The convenience and accessibility of tele-mental health platforms have become a game-changer, especially for women in remote areas. Rima Bhandekar, Senior Psychologist at Mpower's helpline under the Aditya Birla Education Trust, said, 'We're seeing more women break their silence about postpartum struggles. Access to remote professional support is proving to be a lifeline for many navigating motherhood.' Interestingly, the apparent rise in postpartum depression is less about an actual spike in cases and more about improved diagnosis and greater willingness to seek help. 'Postpartum depression was long underreported in India due to stigma,' Singh explained. She added, 'Now, with regular digital screenings and greater awareness, more mothers are identifying symptoms early and accessing care.' Krishna Veer Singh, CEO and Co-founder of mental health platform Lissun, pointed out that their Sunshine platform has seen a sharp rise in perinatal consultations, saying, 'Mental health is no longer a last resort. It's a proactive step. We're witnessing increased engagement from mothers, children, and working professionals alike,' he said. Experts believe this transformation reflects a broader societal shift where therapy is increasingly normalised across all life stages, from pregnancy to parenthood and beyond.
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Fear, uncertainty, anxiety: Here's how to keep calm amid border tension
Experts share mental health strategies for families amid India-Pakistan tension, mock drills in 244 districts, and the psychological fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack New Delhi In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 28 civilians, tension has intensified at the India-Pakistan border. The Government of India is preparing civilians for worst-case scenarios by conducting mock drills in 244 districts of the country on Tuesday (check the full list of districts here). When military activities escalate, air raid drills and distressing news alerts dominate daily life, the mental stability of the civilians may be affected. As the situation remains volatile, here's what psychologists and trauma experts say one can do to manage anxiety and stay mentally strong. How war-like tension affects the brain and body 'You cannot change the geopolitical situation,' says Ms Sheena Sood, Consultant Psychologist at P D Hinduja Hospital, MRC, Khar, 'but you can control the emotional atmosphere at home.' 'War is one of the most primitive threats to human survival,' says Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali. 'Our nervous system activates into a constant state of fight-or-flight.' That state can lead to insomnia, anxiety, irritability, headaches, breathing problems, and even flare-ups of existing health conditions. Media exposure and mental health: Finding a healthy balance Continuous doom-scrolling can heighten anxiety, especially in homes with children or elderly family members. Experts recommend consuming news only once or twice a day through credible outlets in order to stay informed correctly. 'Too much exposure amplifies nervousness and fear,' Sood notes. Why validating emotions during crisis matters 'It's okay to feel nervous,' says Sood. Instead of brushing off fear with phrases like 'Don't worry' or 'It will be fine,' acknowledge the emotion. Validation calms the nervous system and supports emotional regulation. Mental health tools: Reassure, routine, and regulate Remind yourself and your family that right now, in this moment, you are safe. 'Remind each other that governments are equipped to protect and support people. Faith in resilience matters,' said Kapoor. Keep daily routines stable, like meals, playtime, and bedtime. Add grounding techniques and deep breathing to regulate stress. Use the grounding 5-4-3-2-1 technique to reduce panic A quick way to re-center and ground yourself: Name 5 things you see 4 things you can touch 3 sounds you hear 2 smells you can identify 1 taste you notice This sensory reset helps manage panic and overwhelm. Helping children cope with war anxiety through creativity Drawing peace symbols, writing stories, and helping with small emergency tasks (like packing water) can empower children. 'Creative redirection eases their anxiety,' says Sood. Supporting senior citizens during border-related stress Elderly people may carry memories of past conflicts. Instead of triggering fear, invite them to share stories of resilience. Engage them in calming activities like making tea, prayer sessions, or family rituals. Building a calm emergency plan for families in conflict zones Prepare a small emergency kit with IDs, prescriptions, snacks, and emergency contacts. 'Having a plan reduces helplessness,' says Sood, especially for adults prone to anxiety. Click here to learn the essentials for your emergency health kit. When to consult a mental health expert during crisis It may be time to consult a mental health professional if someone: Is not sleeping or eating for more than 2–3 days Talks constantly about war or death Shows signs of withdrawal or aggression 'Hope and positivity aren't luxuries,' Kapoor says. 'They are protective mental tools during distress.' As the nation remains on alert, staying informed and emotionally grounded can help families cope with the psychological impact of rising tensions, and remind them that even in fear, they can find strength.
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Business Standard
05-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Behind the filter: Misha Agrawal's death sparks mental health wake-up call
Influencer Misha Agrawal's death has triggered a national reckoning on how online validation, social media pressures, and mental health intersect in the lives of Indian youth and influencers New Delhi It looked like she had it all: fame, fashion, fans, and a feed full of comedy sketches and social commentary. But behind the curated posts, 24-year-old Misha Agrawal, founder of Mish Cosmetics and a prominent social media personality with about 360,000 Instagram followers, was silently struggling. Her death by suicide in late April, just two days before her 25th birthday, has left her followers stunned and asking the question that netizens have avoided for too long: Are we truly okay behind our screens? Online popularity vs real-world validation: A dangerous confusion For followers, the news of Misha's death hit like a punch in the gut. She wasn't just another Instagram personality, she was a face people saw every day, someone whose content was relatable and brought smiles, and whose reels inspired and challenged the traditional norms of society. According to her sister, she had been battling depression, which was exacerbated by a decline in her follower count, a metric she closely associated with her self-worth and career aspirations. Despite holding a law degree and preparing for a judicial career, Misha was deeply invested in achieving the milestone of one million followers, even setting it as her phone's wallpaper. Her sister shared a message on Instagram, urging others to recognise that online popularity does not equate to real love or value. Misha's sister recalled how, starting in April, she became 'deeply depressed' and often expressed concern about the potential to lose followers and how that could impact her career. 'I tried to console her, explaining that this isn't her entire world, it's just a side job, and if it doesn't work out, it's not the end,' the post continued. Psychiatrist Dr Tonmoy Sharma, CEO of Merlin Health, a Gurugram-based mental health treatment centre, calls her passing 'a national alarm bell.' In his words, 'It's a reminder that in a hyperconnected world, emotional well-being cannot remain an afterthought.' It's easy to miss the signs when someone is on camera, but the red flags are often there. Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Senior Psychiatrist and Founder of Manasthali, explains, 'Early signs of depression include withdrawal, irritability, or losing interest in things they once loved. Many even start posting existential content or dark memes online, subtle cries for help that we often ignore.' Dr Trideep Choudhury from Fortis Healthcare breaks it down further, 'Depression is more than sadness. It alters sleep, appetite, energy levels, and even basic motivation. If suicidal thoughts emerge, that's a psychiatric emergency.' And yet, how many of us truly listen when someone's light dims, even a little? The emotional toll of being an influencer in India Being an influencer may seem glamorous, but as Misha's story reveals, the pressure behind the scenes is relentless. 'It's a lonely profession,' says Dr Kapoor. 'You're not just competing locally, it's global. You're chasing algorithms, reacting to criticism in real-time, and constantly putting yourself out there.' The world of social media thrives on instant feedback. But this comes at a cost. Dr Trideep warns, 'Instant gratification through likes and comments can become addictive. When those numbers drop, it can feel like instant invalidation. For those who tie their self-worth to this feedback, the emotional impact can be devastating.' Why social media platforms aren't built for mental health support Social platforms weren't built to care for your mental health, they were built to keep you scrolling. 'Social media is commercial,' says Dr Kapoor. 'It promotes content, not creators. Mental health isn't its job, so creators must look out for themselves.' This is why experts insist on setting boundaries, time-limited use, honest content, real-life connections, and offline validation. 'We need to disconnect to reconnect, with ourselves and with people who matter,' says Dr Kersi Chavda, Psychiatry Consultant at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre. Mental health infrastructure in India still far behind While Misha's death has sparked national conversations, India's mental health discourse is still behind, and the infrastructure is still woefully inadequate. As Dr Trideep points out, depression is often misunderstood as weakness, and seeking help is still stigmatised. 'Families can be the first line of defence, but they need awareness, not judgment,' he says. Dr Kapoor adds that trained professionals are unevenly distributed, mostly in urban centres, while rural and semi-urban India remains neglected. Even well-intentioned government initiatives like Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) or National Mental Health Program (NMHP) lack consistent execution. 'Therapy is seen as a luxury,' says Dr Chavda. 'Schools rarely have counsellors. And worse, people confuse Googled advice with professional care.' What can families, schools, and audiences do next? For starters, talk. Listen. And don't assume a smile means someone is fine. 'Ask the hard questions,' says Dr Sharma. 'Not just to friends who seem sad, but to those who seem perfectly fine too.' Experts say that parents need to create an emotionally safe home, schools should treat mental wellness with the same seriousness as academics, and influencers must be encouraged to be authentic, not perfect. Let Misha's story be a turning point for India's mental health narrative Misha's death should not be in vain. Doctors urge her followers to make it the turning point, for influencers, for families, for schools, and for society at large. Let it be the reason we pause before we scroll past someone's cry for help. Because, behind every curated feed, there could be a very real cry for connection.
