Don’t shrink from the thought

Jasmine Singh

My parents would tell everyone that their son is a gynaecologist because they couldn’t say that I am a dimag ka doctor, a psychiatrist’... these lines are spoken by Dr Jehangir Khan aka Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming movie Dear Zindagi. It points towards a stark reality; for most people, till not so long ago, a shrink was someone who would show them the doors of a mental asylum for sure! Recently, things have changed though.

According to a recent study conducted by a pharmaceutical firm in Delhi, 63 per cent corporate and 23 per cent young homemakers have started going for regular counselling sessions with psychiatrists. So, what has changed?

Hear out

Recently, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone talked about her mental illness and how she was totally unaware about it. It was only with regular counselling sessions that she regained her composure. “Deepika was aware that something was wrong and wise enough to get counselling. But, honestly, how many youngsters actually realise that they could be going through some kind of mental issues?” asks Ananya Sikri, a practising psychiatrist, who has no qualms in admitting that her degree had been reduced to nothing more than a marriage counsellor!

Helping hand

Hardeep Chahal is another shrink who laughs on the tag his relatives have given him, ‘pagalon ka doctor.’ “Most people, especially youngsters, find it hard to admit that they can suffer from depression. They would ideally like to take a break from work, listen to music, some would even take to smoking or alcohol, but fixing a date with some shrink is never considered,” he says.

“Shrinks are doctors with a valid degree, in fact we can help through talking,” shares Mohali-based psychiatrist Simarjot Sharan. “Talking out helps,” she avers.

Problem accepted, they say, is problem solved!

Speaking out

“Those in our generation have to deal with more stress; we have more aspirations. Talking to a shrink doesn’t mean I am mad; they are doctors like others.” 

Yashika Luthra, student

“Being sad or feeling low is a real emotion, but no one suggested I see a shrink. In fact, they said, abhi hum itna pagal nahi huye ki psychiatrist ke paas jaana pade. However, I watched this video on mental health, which was a real eye-opener.”

Raghav Mehta, student

My elder sister happened to see a shrink’s mobile number that I had saved on my mobile. She told my parents that I had lost it or maybe I was going through acute depression. They made me sit and said I should see an astrologer.

Harman Bal, video director

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