The Dark Side of Mental Health in India: Myths, Stigma & Shocking Stories | The Diffr Show Ep 50

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Understanding Mental Health: Breaking Myths, Disorders, and Real Solutions
In one of our most important podcast episodes yet, we sat down with Dr. Apoorva, a seasoned psychiatrist, to talk about a subject that society often avoids — mental health. While heart attacks or diabetes get immediate attention and empathy, mental health conditions are usually met with denial, stigma, or silence.
This blog brings together the insights, real-life stories, and practical tips shared during our discussion.Why We Avoid Talking About Mental Health

People are more comfortable admitting to physical illnesses than mental ones.
Seeking psychiatric help is wrongly labeled as “madness.”
Families often worry about “log kya kahenge” (what will people say) instead of focusing on recovery.
The result? Nearly 80% of people suffering from depression or anxiety never seek help.

Busting the Biggest Myths Around Psychiatry

Myth: Only weak people suffer from mental illness.
- Reality: It’s as biological as diabetes or asthma. The brain’s chemistry and circuits are involved, not willpower.
Myth: Psychiatric medicines are addictive and harmful.
- Reality: Medicines are carefully prescribed based on scientific guidelines. Most patients recover and stop medication with time.
Myth: Psychiatrists can read minds.
- Reality: Psychiatry is based on conversations, case history, and diagnosis — not psychic powers.

You Might be Interested

Common Mental Disorders and Their Impact
1. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

People experience uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts (e.g., “If I speak, my brother will die”).
They feel forced to perform rituals or avoid certain actions to prevent imagined harm.
It’s not “being extra neat” — it’s a debilitating condition that can paralyze daily life.

2. Depression

More than just sadness. Symptoms include:
- Persistent low mood for 2+ weeks
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Sleep and appetite changes (too much or too little)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts

Sadness fades with time; depression deepens and requires treatment.3. Anxiety Disorders

Normal anxiety before exams or interviews is healthy.
But when anxiety disrupts daily life (e.g., avoiding social gatherings, constant worry, physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or racing heart), it becomes a disorder.
Early signs: isolation, avoidance, constant overthinking, panic attacks.

4. Bipolar Disorder

Extreme mood swings:
- Mania: high energy, sleeplessness, risky behavior, delusions of power.
- Depression: hopelessness, fatigue, suicidal thoughts.
Famous examples include Honey Singh and Deepika Padukone (who openly shared their struggles).
With early treatment, many live completely normal lives.

5. Schizophrenia

A severe psychotic disorder with:
- Delusions – false, fixed beliefs (e.g., “Police are following me”).
- Hallucinations – hearing voices or seeing things that don’t exist.
- Disorganized thoughts – inability to respond even to simple questions.
Patients are often misunderstood as violent, but 90% are victims of violence themselves.

6. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Issues that start from birth, like autism, intellectual disabilities, or brain injury at delivery.
These are not the person’s fault and often lifelong, but with therapy, many live fulfilling lives.

Real-Life Recovery Stories

A young woman in catatonia (mute, unresponsive, refusing to eat) was mistaken for being in a coma. With correct psychiatric treatment (including ECT), she recovered, remarried, and now leads a happy family life.
Many doctors and professionals continue their careers successfully after treatment for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia — proving that mental illness does not define your life.

How Social Media Fuels Mental Health Issues

Constant comparison → “Their life is better than mine.”
Seeking validation through likes, comments, and birthday posts.
Children conditioned with mobiles during meals → early internet and gaming addictions.
Parents unknowingly reward bad habits by linking food, behavior, and gadgets.

Excessive screen time overstimulates the brain and worsens anxiety, depression, and self-worth issues.The Role of Family and Society

Families often ask: “If she takes medicines, how will she get married?” instead of supporting recovery.
Society labels people as “mental” instead of understanding the biological nature of illness.
Yet, supportive families can transform outcomes — as seen in the recovery story of the catatonic patient.

Treatment & Solutions

Combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes works best.
Mild cases often improve with lifestyle modifications alone:
- Regular exercise (boosts happy hormones)
- Healthy diet & good sleep routine
- Meditation & mindfulness
- Reduced screen time
ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy): Still stigmatized, but often life-saving in severe cases.
Privacy is guaranteed: psychiatrists cannot reveal patient history without consent (except in suicidal emergencies).

Key Tips for Everyone

Treat mental health like any other health issue — no shame.
Look for early behavioral changes in loved ones.
Avoid judgmental statements like “be strong” or “stop overthinking.”
Seek professional help early — recovery chances are highest then.
Parents: avoid giving gadgets as emotional pacifiers; build real connections.
Remember: Your brain deserves the same care as your heart.

Final Thought
Mental illness is not madness — it’s humanity.
With awareness, compassion, and timely help, anyone can recover and live a fulfilling life.
The first step is simple: talk about it.