Author: umangadmin

Mental health challenges are often silent battles, fought behind closed doors. For many, the struggle to maintain mental well-being while pursuing academic and professional goals can feel overwhelming. Prasoon’s story, shared at the Hugging Club of India, is a powerful testament to resilience, showing that even in the darkest moments, recovery and success are possible. 

His journey—filled with misdiagnoses, setbacks, and eventual breakthroughs—offers hope to those grappling with mental illness. It also highlights the urgent need for better mental health awareness, accurate diagnosis, and compassionate care in our society. 

This article delves into Prasoon’s life, exploring: 

– His early struggles with undiagnosed mental illness. 

– The breaking point that nearly cost him his life. 

– The long, difficult road to proper treatment. 

– How he rebuilt his life and is now thriving as a PhD student in AI. 

By sharing his story, we hope to inspire others facing similar battles and encourage open conversations about mental health. 

Chapter 1: The Early Struggles – A Bright Mind in Crisis

Prasoon grew up in a small town in India, where academic excellence was highly valued. As a child, he was naturally gifted in studies, excelling without much effort. Until Class 7, life seemed smooth—he was a top student, participated in co-curricular activities, and had a supportive family. 

A Promising Start

But beneath the surface, something was shifting. 

The First Signs of Trouble 

Around 2010, Prasoon began experiencing unexplained emotional turmoil. He felt intense anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and a deep sense of isolation. At home, he would struggle with overwhelming emotions, yet in school, he maintained a composed exterior. 

The Problem?

– **No Awareness of Mental Health:** He didn’t know terms like *OCD, depression*, or *anxiety*. 

– **Misdiagnosis:** When he confided in his sisters, they took him to a general physician, who prescribed medications without proper diagnosis. 

– **Stigma:** Fear of judgment kept him from speaking openly. 

The Downward Spiral

By Class 11, his condition worsened. The pressure of competitive exams (NEET/AIPMT) magnified his struggles. He recalls: 

“I wasn’t just worried about failing exams—I was terrified that even if I succeeded, I wouldn’t survive the stress of medical college.” 

He made a bold decision: he dropped out of school to seek treatment. 

Chapter 2: The Breaking Point – A Suicide Attempt and a Second Chance

The Search for Help

Prasoon traveled to Delhi, visiting top hospitals like AIIMS and RML, hoping for answers. Instead, he faced: 

Misdiagnosis: Doctors labeled him with OCD and mixed anxiety-depression but treatments failed. 

– Harsh Words: One psychiatrist told his mother, “If he can’t focus on TV, how will he study? He may need lifelong medication.”

– Financial Struggles: His family couldn’t afford private care, leading to exhausting waits in government hospitals. 

The Darkest Moment 

At 17, exhausted and hopeless, Prasoon attempted suicide by overdosing on his mother’s diabetes medication. 

“I was done. I thought, ‘If this is life, I don’t want it.’” 

Miraculously, he survived. The experience became a turning point. 

Rebuilding from Scratch

Against all odds, he reappeared for his Class 12 exams as a private candidate—**scoring 80% despite not studying for a year.** His family’s unwavering support kept him going. 

Key Lesson: 

– “Sometimes, survival is the first victory.” 

Chapter 3: The Long Road to Recovery – Trials, Errors, and Hope 

The Struggle for Correct Diagnosis 

Prasoon’s journey took him to Varanasi, Ranchi, and multiple psychiatrists. Treatments included: 

– Medication trials (high-dose SSRIs, antipsychotics). 

– Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) — a therapy he found ineffective. 

– Hospitalizations that left him more traumatized than healed. 

Finally, at CIP Ranchi, he received the correct diagnosis: 

🔹 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) —a condition often confused with OCD but requiring different management. 

 Why Diagnosis Matters

– OCD vs. OCPD: 

  – OCD: Intrusive thoughts + compulsive behaviors (ego-dystonic). 

  – OCPD: Extreme perfectionism, rigidity (ego-syntonic—the person doesn’t see it as a problem). 

– Misdiagnosis delayed his recovery for years. 

I didn’t need more pills—I needed therapy that addressed my thought patterns.” 

Chapter 4: Rising Stronger – From Survival to Success

The Power of Resilience

Prasoon’s turning points came from: 

1. Self-Advocacy: He questioned doctors, researched his symptoms, and sought better care. 

2. Support Systems: His family, mentors, and a few empathetic professionals stood by him. 

3. Small Wins: Passing Class 12, re-entering academics, and slowly regaining confidence. 

Where Is He Now? 

– Pursuing a PhD in AI, proving mental illness doesn’t define potential. 

– Publicly sharing his story to break stigma. 

– Advocating for better mental healthcare in India. 

His Message:

“You have two choices: give up or keep going. I chose to fight.”

Chapter 5: Lessons for Society – Breaking the Stigma

What Needs to Change?

1. Better Mental Health Education 

   – Schools should teach students about anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms. 

2. Accurate Diagnoses

   – Doctors must differentiate between disorders like OCD and OCPD. 

3. Compassionate Care 

   – Dismissive attitudes (“You’ll never recover”) worsen the struggle. 

4. Family & Community Support 

   – Prasoon’s family’s patience saved his life. 

A Call to Action

– Talk openly about mental health. 

– Seek help early —don’t wait for a crisis. 

– Support organizations like the Hugging Club of India. 

Conclusion: The Light After the Storm

Prasoon’s story is not just one of survival—it’s a roadmap for resilience. His journey teaches us: 

✅ Mental illness is not a life sentence.** 

✅ Correct diagnosis + right support = Recovery. 

✅ Every small step forward counts. 

If you’re struggling, remember: You are not alone. Help exists. Keep going. 

#MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma #Resilience 

-Written by Aniket Kundu

(Adapted from Prasoon’s talk at the Hugging Club of India, April 13, 2025.)* 

Dr. Nivedita, a compassionate counselor and art-based therapist with a PhD in social work and a Master’s in Nalanda Buddhist philosophy is a beacon of positivity and interdependence. Her approach to mental health is deeply rooted in practical wisdom, emphasizing the need to move beyond conceptual understanding to embodying and practicing self-reflection and emotional regulation.

The talk, hosted by HCI (Hugging Club of India), focused on navigating mental health challenges during the lockdown, using the opportunity for deeper self-exploration and healing.
Key Themes and Insights

1. Interdependence and Compassion

Dr. Nivedita’s life mission is to propagate interdependence, which she lives through her selfless actions—counseling abuse survivors, aiding disaster victims, and offering pro bono support. Her humility and accessibility make her a relatable figure, embodying the idea that true healing comes from interconnectedness. She teaches that what others think of us is beyond our control, a realization that can be liberating. Similarly, she advises against dwelling on insults or rudeness, urging people to either forgive, show compassion, or address the issue directly without prolonged emotional suffering.

2. Emotional Awareness During Lockdown

The session began with an interactive exercise where participants shared one-word feelings about the lockdown. Responses ranged from “boredom” and “loneliness” to “opportunity” and “self-exploration,” highlighting the spectrum of emotions people experienced. Dr. Nivedita introduced the “emotion wheel,” illustrating six root emotions—fear, anger, sadness, surprise, joy, and love—and their nuances. She emphasized that while everyone desires to stay in the “joy” or “love” zones, external stressors often trigger negative emotions, creating mental turbulence.

3. The Clap Metaphor: External vs. Internal Factors

Using the metaphor of a clap, Dr. Nivedita explained that suffering arises from the interplay of external situations (e.g., conflicts, isolation) and internal mental states. Just as a clap requires two hands, emotional reactions depend on both external triggers and internal perceptions. For instance, an air-conditioned room feels pleasant initially but uncomfortable later due to changes in internal state (e.g., body temperature). This analogy underscores the importance of recognizing and regulating internal responses, especially when external circumstances (like lockdowns) are uncontrollable.

4. Self-Reflection and Compassion

Dr. Nivedita stressed that meaningful change begins with self-reflection, but this must be approached with self-compassion. Judgmental thoughts (“I goofed up again”) hinder growth, while neutral observations (“Was this helpful?”) foster clarity. She shared her own journey of managing anger by recognizing thought patterns and consciously shifting focus to positive aspects of relationships. The goal is not to suppress emotions but to understand their roots and choose responses that align with well-being.

5. Practical Tools for Emotional Stability

• Pause and Reflect: When upset, identify the external trigger and your internal state. Ask, “Is my reaction helpful?”
• Shift Perspectives: Replace negative loops with balanced thoughts (e.g., “This person also has good qualities”).
• Embrace Imperfection: Accept that self-improvement is gradual. Avoid self-criticism during the process.
• Use the Lockdown as an Opportunity: With fewer external distractions, focus on “mind safai” (mental decluttering) to build resilience.
  
  
  

Conclusion

Dr. Nivedita’s session was a powerful reminder that while external challenges are inevitable, our internal responses determine our emotional well-being. By cultivating self-awareness, compassion, and practical tools, we can navigate difficulties like the lockdown with greater stability and even growth. Her teachings, drawn from Buddhist psychology and lived experience, offer a roadmap to emotional freedom—one clap (or one mindful step) at a time.

• Written by Aniket Kundu

The mental health event, titled *”Managing Loneliness and Finding Out Which Therapy Works for You,”* led by psychologist Liza Hazarika, was a refreshing and essential discourse on a topic that resonates deeply in today’s world.

Liza, a counsellor at SRM University and a certified Queer Affirmative Therapist, brought both expertise and empathy to the discussion, guiding attendees through the intricate nuances of loneliness and how to find a therapeutic approach suited to individual needs.

Hazarika began with a thought-provoking perspective on loneliness, describing it as a pandemic in its own right—a feeling many of us experience even when we are surrounded by others. This notion struck a chord, emphasizing that loneliness is often a state of mind rather than just a physical reality. She explained that loneliness can be broadly categorized into *Emotional Loneliness*, where we lack someone with whom we can share our innermost feelings, and *Social Loneliness*, where we crave a sense of belonging within a community. Both types, she emphasized, have been heightened by the pandemic, which underscored the importance of physical connection and touch.

The physical and mental health implications of loneliness were another critical component of Hazarika’s talk. Loneliness, she explained, isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it can escalate into more serious health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. This gave weight to her advice, underlining the importance of recognising loneliness in our lives or in those close to us. She presented common symptoms, such as isolation, lack of social interaction, and changes in weight, which helped the audience understand what signs to look for, either in themselves or others. The discussion around labelling people as “attention seekers” when they may actually be lonely was insightful and served as a reminder to approach others with empathy rather than judgement.

Hazarika also delved into the complex interplay between loneliness, codependency, and attachment issues. She described the often-overlooked distinction between independence and hyper-independence, encouraging self-awareness in understanding whether one’s behaviour is genuinely independent or a coping mechanism against closeness.

In addressing how to cope with loneliness, Hazarika shared practical strategies that were both relatable and actionable. Her suggestions, including reaching out to friends, joining a club or community, using technology to stay connected, and engaging in self-care practices like journaling, positive affirmations, and self-talk, offered attendees tangible steps to take. The message was clear: while loneliness is a challenging experience, there are proactive measures we can all adopt to alleviate it.

The session concluded with a valuable segment on how to choose the right therapist, a topic rarely discussed with such clarity. Hazarika provided attendees with essential tips for finding a therapist that fits their needs, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe and connected with the therapist. She also stressed the importance of asking questions, being wary of judgemental responses, and the need to move on from a therapist who isn’t a good fit. This advice was empowering, especially for those who may have struggled to find a therapist who meets their expectations.

Overall, *”Managing Loneliness and Finding Out Which Therapy Works for You”* was an insightful and compassionate event that resonated with attendees. Liza Hazarika’s approach, blending expertise with empathy, made it a supportive space for exploring difficult emotions and seeking solutions. This event was not just informative; it was a reminder that while loneliness is a pervasive issue, there are effective ways to address it and that seeking support, both from friends and mental health professionals, is always a worthy step.

– Written by Arjun Upadhyay

– Edited by Mahrukh

**Review of Mental Health Session on ‘Digital Detox’ by Dr. Minoli Doshi**

Attending Dr. Minoli Doshi’s session on “Digital Detox” was an enlightening experience that highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with technology. Dr. Doshi, an experienced psychiatrist at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital in Ahmedabad, shared her insights on how excessive screen time affects mental health and provided practical strategies for creating a more balanced life.

Dr. Doshi began by introducing the concept of “Nomophobia” — a term in psychiatry that stands for “No Mobile Phobia.” She explained how this phenomenon, often characterised by feelings of anxiety, sweating, or even panic when separated from one’s phone, has become increasingly common in today’s digital age. This simple explanation connected with many participants who could relate to the uneasy feeling of being “disconnected” from their devices.

In the *Understanding the Impact* section, Dr. Doshi elaborated on how excessive screen time affects various mental functions. Issues like a shorter attention span, memory problems, and the craving for instant gratification were discussed as consequences of prolonged digital exposure. She also touched upon more intense effects, such as mental fatigue, emotional instability, and the fear of missing out (FOMO), which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and reduce life satisfaction.

Dr. Doshi also shared insights into *How Too Much Screen Time Messes With Your Brain*, highlighting effects like attention fatigue, blue light exposure, and the tendency to constantly compare ourselves to others on social media. Her emphasis on “social media blues” and how it fosters constant comparison made a strong impact, reminding participants of the subtle yet significant ways technology can lead to self-doubt and negativity.

Explaining *Why We Need a Digital Detox*, Dr. Doshi underscored the benefits of mental clarity, better focus, improved sleep, and reduced stress when we detach ourselves from screens. These benefits create space for real-life connections and foster a genuine presence with others — an aspect many in the audience found inspiring.

Finally, Dr. Doshi shared some Strategies to Cope With Social Media Addiction, providing practical and accessible tips. Ideas like screen time limits, app restrictions, “no phone” hours, and scheduling specific times to check social media, made it clear that a digital detox doesn’t necessarily mean complete abstinence. Instead, she emphasised on mindful use and self-reflection. Dr. Doshi also encouraged activities like family time, physical activities, breathing exercises, and journal writing to help counteract digital dependency. Her suggestions felt realistic and achievable, motivating participants to start implementing these steps immediately.

Overall, Dr. Doshi’s session on digital detox was both informative and empowering. Her depth of knowledge, coupled with her empathetic approach, made for an engaging session that left attendees feeling hopeful and equipped to manage their digital consumption more effectively.

– Written by Arjun Upadhyay

– Edited by Mahrukh

The 7th anniversary of HCI celebrated at Amaha at Bandra, Mumbai on 2nd October, 2024, was a big hit! It saw a large turnout of members from all walks of life, many having travelled from out of town to grace the momentous occasion.

Here’s an account of two members of HCI narrating their experience of the event.

It was some experience – the coming together of HCI on its 7th anniversary.
It has thankfully not turned into a cult; instead like always, it is a very liberal, accepting and supportive of people from diverse backgrounds.

The HCI team has kept it together pretty well over the years and is gathering further strength with more people becoming a part to help others out.

Guest Manav took us through his journey of obstacles faced during his Royal Family upbringing and how he overcame torments like attempted conversion therapy.
He also provided us with a brief idea about his social work and some lighter moments.

Cake was cut and served along with snacks and many small conversations continued as the evening went on.
During those moments, many may have even forgotten about what had actually got them here!
All the best to everyone.
– Sanjay Thakur

The 7th anniversary meet of HCI was truly eventful. The chief guest Manavendra Gohilji floored us with his wit and charm. After combating so much opposition and hatred, it was endearing to know how he even met his would-be assassin with love and a generous, forgiving heart. He went on to account how he once outwitted Baba Ramdev by giving him a cross challenge of converting the Yoga baba into a Gay within days.

There was a Q n A round with the prince and the invited dignitaries including HCIs most friendly psychiatrist Dr. Vani. All of us were welcomed by Umang with his usual warmth and zesty heart – Umangness at his best 🙂. While he was felicitating some of us and giving us a token of appreciation, Prince Manavendra ji insisted on giving us all a hearty hug which surely made our day.

Cake-cutting and snacks followed, we had a round of photo sessions and then went on to meet friends and do our one-on-one gupshup.
All in all, it was a Day to remember

– Mahrukh

We are thrilled to present to you our comprehensive Event Calendar, your go-to resource for staying informed and engaged with the exciting happenings in our HCI family throughout the month.

From insightful sessions and empowering meet ups to entertaining events, our Event Calendar offers a diverse array of events tailored to cater to every interest and passion.

Hope to see you join us soon!

We had the pleasure of attending a thought-provoking mental health event titled “3M: Money, Music, Mind,” featuring the insightful Dr. Smita Sovani on 19th May 2024. This event was a holistic exploration of three critical aspects of our lives that significantly influence our mental well-being.

Money:
Dr. Smita began by discussing the importance of financial stability and its impact on mental health. She gave us an example that from the time we wake up till we go to sleep, we are connected to monetary needs. Furniture, electrical devices we use, the bed on which we sleep everything comes from money. She eloquently highlighted how financial stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Her advice was grounded in real-world examples, making it easy to understand and apply. She emphasized the need for financial literacy and encouraged us to take proactive steps toward financial health to ensure overall well-being.

Music Therapy:
The session then transitioned into the fascinating world of music therapy. Dr. Smita shared compelling research on how music can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and stress reduction. It was a refreshing and enlightening segment that showcased music’s potential to transform our mental state positively.

Mind Care:
Lastly, Dr. Smita focused on the importance of taking care of our minds. Dr. Smita stressed the need for regular mental health check-ins and self-care practices. Her practical advice on managing stress, building resilience, and fostering a positive mindset was both inspiring and actionable. She also addressed the stigma surrounding mental health, urging us to seek help when needed and to support others in their mental health journey.

Conclusion:
The “3M: Money, Music, Mind” event was a comprehensive and enriching experience. Dr. Smita’s expertise and compassionate approach made complex topics accessible and engaging. We walked away with a deeper understanding of how interconnected these three elements are and how they collectively contribute to our mental health.

This event not only provided valuable knowledge but also inspired us to implement positive changes in our life. We highly recommend attending such sessions to anyone interested in improving their mental well-being. A big thank you to Dr. Smita for her wisdom and for putting together such a meaningful event.

-Written by Arjun Upadhyay

-Edited by Mahrukh