Loneliness

When feelings become difficult to deal with and one resorts to drinking or other forms of substance abuse to relax or feel better, it’s a sign that you need help to develop better coping skills. As these substances are addictive, immediate treatment is of utmost importance.

- Atika Shukla

I had a young client who was suffering from depression and found it extremely difficult to concentrate on her studies, mingle with her peer group and on certain days, even found it difficult to get out of bed. Her parents would nag her as they were unable to understand her condition and thought she was lazy. It took quite a few sessions with her parents to educate them about depression and tell them that it was actually a mood disorder.

Generally, people don’t think twice before consulting a doctor for a physical ailment like fever. However, a lot of hesitation is shown in consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist due to the stigma attached to it. Many people refrain from consulting a therapist and choose to deal with the situation on their own until it becomes unmanageable.