No Shame, No Regrets, No Fear, No Taboo

Mental illness is just like any other disease.

You need to seek help as soon as you realise it’s getting out of control.

No shame, no regrets, no fear, no taboo.

Embrace your issues, seek help, therapies, talk about your problems.

Most of us, have faced it, sometime or other.

Some have symptoms of depression, some have anxiety-related problems, some have OCD or other severe issues.

Some talk about it, while others hide.

And like most of us, I am not ashamed to admit that I sometimes get anxiety attacks, or feel depressive, or think obsessively, and sometimes I have sought to therapy or medicines.

Being a doctor myself, I feel, there is no harm in seeking help when things are seemingly going out of your control.

For me, it all started, after my graduation. I got married to a supportive life partner in a beautiful family. But, somewhere, my expectations from myself, always troubled me.

By that time I had published 2 novels and I desperately wanted to write more. I had to clear my post-graduation entrance too, I was newly married and had some responsibilities.

All the stress led to a depressive outbreak. I had a breakdown and felt like a failure. Despite having a caring family, a good degree, and a beautiful talent, I was full of negativity, hopelessness, anxiety, and it felt like the end of my life.

Thankfully, I realised my problem soon enough and sought to consult a therapist. Gradually, I overcame it. I feel no shame in admitting that sometimes I still get anxiety and panic attacks. But now I know how to handle them, and channelise my worry into my writings.

As easy as it seems, I learned a lot during this phase. To begin with, it doesn’t matter how rich or talented you are or what degree you have, your mind can still trick you. Anxiety and panic are two very basic reactions to a stressful situation. Also, if you tend to over-think a lot, you may at times react to situations rather than responding.

Another important learning is to know what these emotions and mental health concerns feel like. They feel like a current running through your veins. It makes you want to cry, and leaves you trembling, sweaty, nauseous, and giddy, with a racing heartbeat.

Is that Normal?

I guess yes! It’s just an exaggerated response to an otherwise normal situation.

What you should do?

1. Breathe – Remind yourself that you are overreacting.
2. Seek help – Call your friend or anyone close to you. There is no shame in sharing that you are having an anxiety attack. Talk about it. Embrace your issues. And Solve it
3. Drink Water – Gulp sips of waters. Avoid caffeine as it aggravates the experience of anxiety.
4. Go out –  Just get out of the room and go out for fresh air.
5. Everything is okay –  Paste that on your wall or save that as your phone wallpaper.
6. Sleep – Sometimes sleep deprivation can lead to Anxiety attack. So, sleep well.
7. Dance it out – Put on a song and dance to vent your pent up restlessness.
8. Medicines: in case nothing helps, seek medical care.

Remember that just like you have other organs, your brain too is an organ. So if you can seek help for psychical illness without feeling ashamed, you can do so for you mental illness too. Again with NO SHAME!

Therapies or medicines just support you for a while, till you become mentally strong

again to handle it yourself.

In this journey, some people may tell you that you are crazy. But, believe me, anxiety is a very common issue which can be dealt with calmly.

People will also think that you exaggerate things, but if no one believes you, I will!

Warrior  Dr Upasana Gupta

Ranchi