Q-Why is getting a Psychiatric help still a taboo in India?
A-In my book ‘DEPRESSION SE CHHUTKARA' (which is written in Hindi and a best seller one,) I have narrated its reasons in detail. If you get a chance to read it available online and most book stores across India) However, to describe here, in short, I would say, consulting a psychiatrist is still a taboo in India only or maybe in Pakistan or some other countries where marriages are still performed on the basis of family background. Such taboos are hardly found in western or advanced countries where for even a little problem one may approach a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, in India, those who consult psychiatrists are usually considered insane or “Pagal”. Sadly, this stigma severely affects the whole family where their sons, daughter's and other relatives are of marriageable age or even still young. See the mentality of we Indians, If one person is suffering from mental illness the whole family along with the sufferer is involved in the whole grueling process of stigmatization. Clearly, this mentality is extremely fatal and most families whose family member is ailing try to avoid meeting psychiatrist or meet them secretly. We must acknowledge this fact that like any other illness of the body, mental illness is a problem of mind where our thinking prowess or thoughts get affected and can be rectified with scientific treatment. Moreover, all mental illnesses are not insanity and most respond well with medications or therapy itself, provided treated early. Nevertheless, in the last few years trend is getting changed now and youths are getting more vocal and understands the importance of psychiatric help in times of need. We too should spread awareness in this regard and must break this myth and encourage others to consult a psychiatrist if any of the family members or friends is showing any sign of depression, anxiety or other mental symptoms. Contrary to general belief, most disorders can be successfully dealt with medication or therapy only and patient brings back to normal and may lead healthy life afterward Only in few disorders like schizophrenia, Bipolar mood disorder, etc continuous treatment is required which too can be very well maintained with medicines and family support. Luckily by the grace of God, my book helped a lot in educating many in this regard. To sum up, proper knowledge, awakening about mental illness would help a lot in warding off such taboos and stigma attached to mental illness.
