What is Depression?

Depression is not just a state of mind, it is a condition which is bothering huge population. Earlier more than 20% of Indian population was suffering from Depression. The pandemic of 2020 has raised the percentage rate to 43%. Not all stage of Depression requires treatment but please understand, if it is hampering your daily routine, then you should definitely consider.

Depression is more than just feeling sad. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder, characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.  If these symptoms persist for a period of more than two weeks, it is considered a depressive episode.

Depression often gets worse if it isn’t treated, resulting in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of the life, some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.  Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood.

Causes as per Western Perspective:

Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

1. Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain.

2. Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression.

3. Hormones: Changes in the body’s balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result with pregnancy and during the weeks or months after delivery and from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.

4. Inherited traits: Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition.

5. Trauma or abuse at an early age, which can cause long-term changes in how the brain deals with fear and stress

6. People with some medical conditions like sleep disturbances, cancer, chronic pain etc., are likely to develop depression.

7. People who experiences anxiety is at high risk for developing depression, and vice versa. Nearly half those who are diagnosed with anxiety are also diagnosed with depression.

Symptoms

1. Sad, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness, guilt, self-blame, worthlessness and such negative feelings.

2. Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration

3. Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities

4. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much

5. Anxiety or restlessness

6. Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

7. Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

8. Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain, headache, random pain in fingers, difficulty in opening mouth etc.

9. Fatigue and lack of energy

Acupuncture Perspective of Depression: 

(Note: Non acupuncturist can skip this content but please use Acupressure points to avail health benefits)

Each person is different and DEPRESSION is also different for each individual. Be it chemical, conditional or a combination of factors, Acupuncture has its own holistic protocol for decoding the imbalances and alleviating the symptoms of depression.

Understanding that each individual is unique and so is their experience of depression; we find the pattern that shows up. Symptoms act as the guides to understand what’s going on internally. Within the scope of Acupuncture, we understand that organs have characteristics they express, and symptoms show us which organ is crying out for help, creating imbalance and disturbance within.

There are 2 Types of Depression categorized based on Deficient or Excessive nature.  Lack of proper blood flow and blood deficiency can affect proper nutrient supply and the proper waste removal from brain tissues. This is basically a deficient syndrome and sadness is usually involved in such condition.

When we talk about excessive type, anger is the most prevalent emotion involved. This type is usually caused by overwork, causing adrenaline rush. The response of the nervous system and endocrine system puts excessive pressure on the Liver creating a tense environment within the body.

The emotions expressed by the patient help us to understand the organ affected as the internal organs play an important role in controlling human emotions.

Depression due to Liver:

A stressed liver leads to depression with a lack of inspiration and direction, diminished creativity and loss of insight. Patients feel trapped by insurmountable barriers. A liver in excess results in irrational behavior, while a deficient liver, leads to lack of courage and even sleep walking.

 Depression due to Lungs:

Weak lungs tend to retreat to withdrawal, to a sense of raw exposure and vulnerability, extreme sensitivity to the emotions, thoughts and presence of others, and a sense of disconnection, isolation and separation from the world and society. Common system of this type of depression shows itself as constant sadness and crying.

 Depression due to Spleen:

When the spleen is deficient, difficulty concentrating is a major symptom, quickly losing interest and not staying focused on the simplest of tasks. Also, there is a tendency to overeat or comfort eat, and obsess over food.

Depression due to Kidneys:

With the kidneys, there isn’t an excessive issue but there is a hot/cold issue. If the body is running hot, then there’s a lack of grounding; if it’s cold, this causes the type of depression dealing with more despair and fear. Chances of inherited depression is more in such condition.

Acupressure Points:

 (Give 5-8 mins of pressure to the shown points for 3 times a day)

Home Remedies:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat needed for normal brain function. Our bodies cannot make omega-3 fatty acids so they must be obtained through diet. Walnuts, flax seeds, sea fish, poppy seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acid and good for people suffering from depression.

2. Most of the vitamin deficiencies can be fulfilled by green leafy vegetables, fruit, beans etc. Consume them in good quantity.

3. Getting enough sunlight may be effective for seasonal mood changes.

4. Food cooked with coconut oil helps in stress relief and improves body’s immunity.

5. Crush half tea spoon of poppy seeds, mix with warm milk and drink along with your dinner. This helps in brain relaxation and induces good sleep.

Also Watch our video: How to tackle COVID 19 depression and anxiety?

Life Style changes recommended

Here are few tips that may help in managing depression:

1. Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative.

2. Try not to isolate yourself.

3. Meditate regularly which helps to balance our emotions.

4. Try to be active as much as possible to divert yourself from unwanted thoughts

5. Doing regular exercise releases Endorphins which helps in pain management & Insomnia caused due to depression.

6. Set realistic goals for yourself and try to achieve them, this release Dopamine a happy hormone which works as anti-depressant.

7. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.

8. Get enough sleep.

9. During Depression use bright color cloths to energize yourself and stick to white during anxiety. Avoid black on either conditions.

10. See a therapist or psychiatrist and express how you feel. This reduces the burden on your brain and body.

Also Read: Depression and anxiety are the leading causes of IVF failure

Disclaimer:

This article is an awareness initiative taken in public interest. Readers are advised not to use any information included herein to treat any health problems without knowing the actual health condition. This article is the combination of theoretical knowledge, patient’s feedback, self-experience and opinion. We recommend consulting a Doctor when in doubt or otherwise. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the contents of this article.

Dr. Gowri B.N.

Rishi Acupuncture Clinic

Mathikere, Bengaluru

Mob:98442 65625/99860 73931

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The COVID – 19 pandemic has created massive economic and social changes and the very fabric of our daily life stands altered. Unfortunately, the widespread apprehension that surrounds us has also taken a toll on the mental health of many of us. Depression or feeling sad often is a common side effect of the COVID pandemic that many are experiencing. Mental health issues, especially depression, are peaking in the COVID era. This has been proven by recent studies by researchers globally.

The International Labour Organisation published the results of a 2020 study. The global study says that one in two youths worldwide is prone to depression and anxiety in COVID times. Further, another recent 2020 scientific study studied the prevalence and impact of depression from January of this year. The study reported that depression had increased 25 times from 2017 among the general population. The depression rates during the COVID pandemic were higher than the levels than during the SARS and Ebola epidemics.

What is Depression?

Depression is characterized by all or some of the following signs symptoms for most of the time, every day and lasting for at least two weeks or more:

• Feelings of irritability, sadness
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Over-eating or not feeling hungry
• Loss or increase in weight
• Difficulty in concentration
• Loss of interest in daily tasks
• Reduced or lack of a sense of enjoyment in life
• Thoughts of harming oneself
• Headaches, muscle aches, or digestive problems

Why is Depression at an all-time high?

Researchers suggest that lockdown measures and the resulting social isolation are one of the primary causes of depression and psychologic problems during the pandemic. Health workers, infected persons and their families who have stayed in quarantine, and younger age groups such as students are more at risk for developing mental health issues. Young people are more at risk of developing depression because they face uncertainty about their futures.

Further, irregular school and exam patterns, social media exposure, and unemployment because of the pandemic contribute to stress and anxiety. The uncontrollable events unfolding all around the world have had an adverse impact on health, social life, and the economy and created a global mental health challenge.

5 Ways to stay upbeat during the COVID pandemic

The good news is that there are ways by which you can work towards nurturing your mental health and ensure that you deal with the COVID crisis successfully. Here are five techniques through which you can overcome depression resulting from the drastic changes in lifestyle and attitudes over the past months:

#1 Regular routine

Uncertainty is best combated by maintaining a regular daily routine of work and rest. Fixed schedules of everyday work may help you feel a sense of control over your world when everything around you is rapidly changing due to the pandemic. Creating fixed daily schedules of waking up, eating, exercise, and relaxation can be very beneficial in coping with depression that results from loss of daily routines that existed pre-COVID.

#2 Socialization without contact

Social isolation and the loss of engagement with friends and family have created a dismal and depressive atmosphere for many people. Looking for ways to stay in touch with others virtually may help ease feelings of distance and loneliness. In the digital era, high-speed internet is readily available so make the most use of it through apps and chats to experience relief from stress and depression.

#3 Essential exercise

The American Psychologic Association and the World Health Organization both recommend exercise as a powerful technique to ward away depressive emotions, especially during the pandemic. Exercise boosts the fitness of both the body and mind. The benefits of daily exercise in combating depression include:

• Decrease in stress
• Mood upliftment
• Reduced anxiety and worry
• Better focus and concentration

#4 Sleep away your troubles

Sleep is a big reason for feeling irritable, tired, and drained of energy. A regular sleep cycle is necessary, particularly now, when COVID-related fears and uncertainties are disrupting daily life. Simple ways to ensure a good night’s sleep include:

• Restriction of caffeinated drinks before sleeping
• Fixed sleep times
• Unplug electronics at bedtime
• Dim your room lights at bedtime
• Think calm and peaceful thoughts before sleeping

#5 Talk therapy

Depression is often surrounded by a stigma and the thought of speaking with a therapist may seem daunting. However, talking out your fears and anxieties with a skilled therapist has many advantages. Carrying the burden of sadness and depression alone can be a heavy load, and speaking with someone, especially a psychologist may offer an empathetic listening ear and also useful solutions to your problems.

Depression can be extremely problematic in the climate of COVID because so many problems already exist on a social, economic and inter-personal level. Feelings of negativity and sadness make the weight of the pandemic more difficult to bear. However, through adequate rest, a scheduled lifestyle filled with regular virtual contact with loved ones, exercise and meditation, you can make the best of a difficult situation that has descended on the entire world.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7458054/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145397

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7458054/#bib0075

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7194662/

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0231924

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/4/965/htm

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/one-in-two-youths-subject-to-depression-anxiety-says-ilo-survey-on-effects-of-covid-19

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise

https://www.who.int/mental_health/mhgap/evidence/depression/q6/en/

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Adolescents as we know it are the most confused and complicated beings. Undergoing a lot of physical, psychological, identity, mental and relation changes on their journey to adulthood, it is essential for them to make sense of their feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Hence comes in play, Adolescent Counselling.

Depression, Anxiety, Panic State, Self-Harm, Substance Use is quite common news among’st teenagers these days. The lockdown alone has seen many suicidal cases among’st the teenagers. Adolescent counselling is believed to be an effective way to clear an adolescent’s mind off of irrelevant things and give it a clear direction. It helps to distinguish between right and wrong and act accordingly.

It is very important for youngsters to have a control over their mental health and maintain their mental equilibrium. Report shows 21 percent of the youth between the age of 13 to 18 experience depression each year. Unfortunately about 4 in 10 teenagers become seriously depressed each year. That alone is a shocking figure, but in light of developmental changes and the numerous pressures on young people, those affected and in need of therapy can be much higher, hence the need for counselling is aimed towards the adolescents.

Mr. Gurpreet Singh Arora
Founder Member
The Centre of Healing , New Delhi

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The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus  disease, COVID-19, to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.  In March 2020, WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic not only affected physical health, but also mental health and well-being. The current pandemic is changing priorities for the general population, but it is also challenging the agenda of health professionals, including that of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals .

The current situation is causing mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger and fear. The main aim of research is to study the effect of mental health due to covid-19 pandemic. These mental health problems not only affect attention, understanding and decision-making capacity of medical workers, which could hinder the fight against COVID-19, but they could also have a lasting effect on their overall well-being .

The psychological reactions to COVID-19 pandemic on population  may vary from a panic behavior or collective hysteria to pervasive feelings of hopelessness and desperation which are associated with negative outcomes including suicidal behavior. Importantly, other health measures may be compromised by abnormally elevated anxiety.

Method:

This paper aims to review the latest papers referring to the effect of pandemic on mental health by using an online questionnaire method. A  survey was conducted through a google form link shared on various social media . It was conducted from 19 september 2020 to 24  September 2020. The population of the world who agreed to participate in study were included by a simple random method . Populations aged 18 years or more were included in this survey . 

Study Tools:

The online questionnaire consists of socio-demographic characteristics including name,age,gender,email,occupation and name of country. On receiving and clicking the link the participants will be directed to information about the study and informed consent . After they agreed to participate in the survey they filled up details .

Then the set of several questions will appear consecutively in which the participants will answer. This study was conducted among 301 people in the world and response came from India ,USA ,  London , Canada, Australia and  Kenya. Out of them ,

255 (84.71%)  people were from India, 26 (8.6%) people were from the USA, 10 (3.32%) people were from Canada,  5 (1.66%) people were from Australia,  3 (0.99%) people were from London, and 2 (0.66%) people were from Kenya. Out of 301 participants , 152 (50.49%) were male and 149 (49.5%) were female.

Age

Total 12 questions were conducted in an online survey and options were based on everyday , very often , sometimes and not at all .

The covid-19 pandemic is by definition, a significant threat to humanity. The pandemic is straining our healthcare and economic system in ways that are significant and obvious .

Following psychological signs are observed :

Uncontrollable fear

This is commonly one of the most frequent psychological reaction to pandemics. Several existing studies demonstrated that those who have been exposed to the risk of infection may develop pervasive fears about their health, worries to infect others and fear infecting family members.

Frustration and irritation 

Distress, boredom, social isolation and frustration are directly related to confinement, abnormally reduced social/physical contact with others, and loss of usual habits. As per report  frustration and pervasive irritation seem to derive from the inhibition from daily activities, interruption of social necessities, not taking part in social networking activities.

Loneliness

Pervasive loneliness may be significantly associated with increased depression and suicidal behavior.Pervasive loneliness may be significantly associated with increased depression and suicidal behavior.

Insomnia

Due to stressful life, impaired sleep and circadian rhythms at a time when healthy sleep is particularly important to cope adaptively with this crisis uncertainty about the future.

The above symptoms if left untreated can result into various chronic mental disorders :

1) Schizophrenia :

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects less than one percent of the U.S. population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble with thinking and lack of motivation. However, with treatment, most symptoms of schizophrenia will greatly improve and the likelihood of a recurrence can be diminished.

While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is leading to innovative and safer treatments. Experts also are unraveling the causes of the disease by studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and using advanced imaging to look at the brain’s structure and function. These approaches hold the promise of new, and more effective therapies.

2) Anxiety : 

        Everyone feels anxious now and then.Occasional anxiety is OK. But anxiety disorders are different. They are a group of mental illnesses that cause constant and overwhelming anxiety and fear.  The excessive anxiety can make you avoid work, school, family get-togethers, and other social situations that might trigger or worsen your symptoms. 

Types of Anxiety disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder 
2. Panic disorder 
3. Specific phobias
4. Separation anxiety
5. Medication-induced anxiety disorder

3) Depression

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.

4) Bipolar disorder :

 Bipolar disorders are brain disorders that cause changes in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different conditions — bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder.

People with bipolar disorders have extreme and intense emotional states that occur at distinct times, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic, hypomanic or depressive. People with bipolar disorders generally have periods of normal mood as well. Bipolar disorders can be treated, and people with these illnesses can lead full and productive lives.

Psychological approaches

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will cause an extraordinary stressor to patients and health care systems across the globe and people with serious mental illnesses should be provided truthful information about strategies related with the medical treatment for COVID-19. It will also be important to deal with the psychological and social dimensions of this epidemic for patients. 

Psychiatrists can play an essential role in supporting the well-being of those affected and their families and crucial interventions can be related with the education about the common adverse psychological costs and encouraging health-promoting behaviours, the facilitation of problem solving and finally the empowerment of the patients, their families and health-care providers.

Characteristics of studies reporting psychological parameters

Psychological Impact On Other Countries

In the USA, the crisis has highlighted the extent of interconnectedness of their institutions, including medical, public health, political, economic, and educational. The current pandemic clearly underscores the global nature of their lives today and the limited constructs of nationality, religion, and political leanings in the face of a common threat. They cannot fully anticipate the long-lasting effects of this pandemic on our societies.

There they have seen telemedicine set up at record speed to meet the needs of patients. Regulatory barriers to reach many patients were brought down almost overnight. They can use more platforms and cross state lines to deliver care, which are important changes that help us reach as many patients as possible. They are collectively experiencing a stressor that affects segments of the population in different ways. 

Pandemia and social psychiatry

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, stigma and xenophobia have become major elements of the public discourse and a regrettable, but everyday reality. We have been witnessing increased antagonism toward specific groups with high infection rates that in turn has led to patients presenting with both enacted and felt stigma and associated increased anxiety and depression. Combining the stigma associated with mental illness with the stigma now shown toward certain COVID-positive patients may lead to double stigma, a barrier to psychiatric treatment adherence with resultant increased morbidity. Reducing stigma requires both national and international interventions. 

Result of the survey:

From above survey , following result have been obtained:

1. There are 22% of people who daily suffer from uncontrolled fear due to covid-19. 53% have sometimes fear of covid -19.

2. There are 50% people who are daily concerned about their and their family’s health and safety.

3. There were less changes found in the sleep pattern of people due to this covid-19 pandemic.

4. Less than 75% of  people are losing their interest in the academic activities.

5. As 18-25 years participants were more so there were  34%  not applicable for this category   and rest people sometimes were  concerned  about their financial condition.

6. From the above graph less than 60% people suffer from loneliness and frustration.

7. There were more than 60% people who got angry on small things due to the pandemic conditions.

8. From the survey we concluded that there was a mild change in appetite of people.

9. There were 70% people scared due to watching news and reading newspapers regarding covid information.

10. Due to covid-19 we have found that more than 60% people suffered from lack of concentration.

11. 9% of people were having suicidal thoughts which should be taken care of and work for it as soon as possible.

Conclusion

From this survey we found that there is a mild to moderate effect on  mental health due to covid-19 pandemic. Implementing community-based strategies to support resilience and psychologically vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 crisis is fundamental for any community.  To cope up with covid-19 pandemic people are trying best to take care of mental health by thinking positive, accepting current situation and doing meditation.

Even they are trying to keep in touch with friends and relatives , taking care of family and keeping busy with different activities.The psychological impact of fear and anxiety induced by the rapid spread of pandemic needs to be clearly recognized as a public health priority for both authorities and policy makers who should rapidly adopt clear behavioral strategies to reduce the burden of disease and the dramatic mental health consequences of this outbreak.

References

1  WHO. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. WHO emergencies (Internet). Geneva, Switherzland, Updated 6 Mar 2020 Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports.

2  WHO. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report-70 (Internet). Geneva, Switherland, Updated 19-30 March 2020. https://www.who.int/publications-detail/covid-19-operational-guidance-formaintaining-essential-health-services-during-an-outbreak.

3  Fiorillo A, Gorwood P. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and implications for clinical practice. Eur Psychiatry 2020;63:e32.

4 Duan L , Zhu G. Psychological interventions for people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Lancet Psychiatry 2020; 7:300–2.

5 Barbisch D , Koenig KL, Shih FY. Is there a case for quarantine? Perspectives from to Ebola. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015 ; 9 :547–53.

6 Rubin GJ, Wessely S. Coronavirus: the psychological effects of quarantining a city. BMJ Opinion 2020; 368:m313.

7 Jones, N. M., Thompson, R. R., Dunkel Schetter, C., Silver, R. C. (2017). Distress and rumor exposure on social media during a campus lockdown. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 114, 11663–11668. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1708518114

8 Kang, L., Li, Y., Hu, S., Chen, M., Yang, C., Yang, B. (2020). The mental health of medical workers in Wuhan, China dealing with the 2019 novel coronavirus. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7, E14.

9 The outbreak ofCOVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on global mental health

https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764020915212

10  Druss BG. Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in populations with serious mental illness. JAMA Psychiatry 2020 [Epub Ahead of Print].

 11 Banerjee D. The COVID-19 outbreak: cucial role the psychiatrists can play. Asian J Psychiatr 2020;50:102014.

 12  Freeman MP. COVID-19 from a psychiatry perspective: meeting the challenges. J Clin Psychiatry 2020;81:20ed13358.

 13 Bai Y , Lin C-C , Lin C-Y , Chen J-Y , Chue C-M , Chou P. Survey of stress reactions among health care workers involved with the SARS outbreak. Psychiatr Serv 2004; 55:1055–7.

14  Reynolds DL , Garay JR , Deamond SL , Moran MK , Gold W , Styra R. Understanding, compliance and psychological impact of the SARS quarantine experience. Epidemiol Infect 2008; 136:997–1007.

15  Hawryluck L , Gold WL , Robinson S , Pogorski S , Galea S , Styra R. SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2004; 10:1206–12.

16  DiGiovanni C , Conley J , Chiu D , Zaborski J. Factors influencing compliance with quarantine in Toronto during the 2003 SARS outbreak. Biosecur Bioterror 2004; 2:265–72.

17 Cava MA , Fay KE , Beanlands HJ , McCay EA , Wignall R. The experience of quarantine for individuals affected by SARS in Toronto. Public Health Nurs 2005; 22:398–406.

18 Jeong H , Yim HW , Song Y-J , Ki M , Min JA , Cho J , et al.  Mental health status of people isolated due to Middle East respiratory syndrome. Epidemiol Health 2016; 38:e2016048.

19 Desclaux A , Badji D , Ndione AG , Sow K. Accepted monitoring or endured quarantine? Ebola contacts’ perceptions in Senegal. Soc Sci Med 2017; 178:38–45.

20 Braunack-Mayer A , Tooher R , Collins JE , Street JM , Marshall H. Understanding the school community’s response to school closures during the H1N1 2009 influenza pandemic. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:344.

21 Amerio A , Bianchi D , Santi F , Costantini L , Odone A , Signorelli C , et al.  Covid-19 pandemic impact on mental health: a web-based cross-sectional survey on a sample of Italian general practitioners. Acta Biomed 2020; 91:83–8.

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New Delhi, October 9th, 2020: Fortis National Mental Health Program and myUpchar has announced the launch of India’s first of its kind mental health podcast in Hinglish “Mind U”, where leading experts under the aegis of Dr Samir Parikh, Director-Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, will take listeners through crucial aspects of psychological well-being in 20 minutes or less.

Fortis Healthcare runs one of the biggest and most comprehensive mental health programmes in the country under the leadership of Dr Parikh. “Mind U” is a first-of-its-kind deep-dive into mental health and wellness in a language that is accessible to most of us in India and to many Indians living abroad: Hinglish. With a refreshing range of topics from clinical disorders like depression, deep dive into parenting and topics related to youth such as social media, relationships and sexualtiy, the podcast has something for everyone.

Fittingly, the first episode of “Mind U” will drop on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Castbox, YouTube, HubHopper, JioSaavn—anywhere you get your podcasts—at 8 am on Saturday, 10 October 2020, World Mental Health Day 2020. (The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Mental Health for All | Greater Investment Greater Access. Everyone, everywhere.”) Subsequent episodes will drop on Mondays.

“We created ‘Mind U’ with Dr Parikh and a team of experts from Fortis to make mental health topics accessible without watering them down,” said Dr Manuj Garg, co-founder of myUpchar. “myUpchar works a lot in the Hindi and regional content space, and we could find nothing substantial on mental health in these languages. That gap bothered us,” he added.

Each episode of “Mind U” unfolds as a conversation where experts answer a series of questions on the topic du jour. And the topics range from parenting 101 to breaking up without breaking down. In each episode, listeners can expect a discussion about things we can all relate to, like navigating social media and maintaining healthy relationships even as our lives become busier and busier. Throughout the series, experts will guide listeners to see the connection between the things we do every day and our mental health.

Take the example of the pilot episode on depression. Many of us think of depression as sadness, as something that doesn’t necessarily touch our own lives. But the fact is that depression is a mental illness that affects one in 20 Indians according to the latest available National Mental Health Survey.

“Indeed, listeners should tune in to this episode for tips on how to recognise the signs of depression in themselves or in a loved one and how to seek help for it. Like the pilot, each subsequent episode of the podcast will serve as a mind-you notice to listeners for positive thinking, building themselves and loved-ones up and seeking help for mental health problems in the same way that they take care of their body”, said Dr Parikh.

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According to WHO, an estimated 300 million people in the world suffer from  depression.  In India, 6.5 crore people, or roughly 8 crore people, suffer from some form of the serious mental disorder. Unfortunately, while other chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes aren’t looked down upon or stigmatized, depression is highly stigmatized in our society.

Sensing the need of the hour, Cadila Pharmaceuticals roped in leading psychiatrists from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, and ran a social media awareness campaign recently on depression.

The experts said that people with depression normally suffer from loss of energy, loss of appetite, change in sleeping pattern, anxiety, restlessness, guilt, reduced concentration, etc. Even suicidal thoughts are seen in many patients.They also spoke about various causes of depression, and appealed to the citizens to not ignore mental disorders.

In his message, Dr. Vishal Damani from Ahmedabad, said, “WHO has classified Depression as the fourth most dangerous disease. Depression is a common mental order, characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoys.”

Dr. Samyak Tiwari from Lucknow, said, “Depression is widespread, and can affect anyone – be it a child or the elderly. The chances of women suffering from depression are greater than men.” Dr. Bhavesh Kotak from Rajkot said that depression can be genetic, and can also be caused by a variety of other factors.The campaign was a success with people getting sensitized to the mental disorders.

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