**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