Breaks are important. You should give yourself at least 5 minutes in the morning when you wake up and before you go to sleep.
Journaling helps a lot in managing stress. Put your thoughts in that journal.
Exercise plays a key role in channelizing your energy. This is what I learned in lockdown when I was having covid and was really anxious.
Tell us about your background and journey.
I have done my schooling in Guwahati, Assam. I started studying psychology in the 11th class in my school. Back then, I had no idea what psychology was. Then, my interest in psychology grew and I took admission in BA in psychology. I completed both my bachelor's and masters from Delhi University.
I did my internship at Ganga Ram Hospital. After completing my internship, I worked with a senior psychologist (Dr. Roma Kumar) in Ganga Ram Hospital and Saksham clinic. I worked there for approx 5.5 years.
What type of work do you do?
We see all types of cases from child to adult. Our major work was assessment and diagnosis. There were a lot of counseling cases like marital counseling, day-to-day depression, etc. Most cases were of learning disorders and autism. A lot of people are not aware of these issues, not even autism. We take care of these types of cases and if they need intervention, we refer them to some other place for intervention.
Most of the cases that I have seen, unfortunately, have had a bad childhood. Either bullying, parents neglecting their child’s emotional needs, lack of attention, etc. They have never felt that love. They are always surrounded by people who neglected them.
There were a lot of cases of depression because of not clearing the exams, there were children who have identity disorders. They don’t know what is their orientation. Their parents hit them because they would never understand their orientation. We have cases of bipolar disorders, multiple psychotic issues.
Nowadays, depression is so common. Every other house has a person who is depressed. That is something people should be aware of. You should take care of the person you are surrounded by.
What led you to take up this career path?
When I studied psychology in 11th-12th, I felt that I can take care of my issues a little better. I was able to rationalize things better and understand things and the people around me. This is even today, I can cope with my emotions and things in a much better way which gives me an edge over other people.
It is always pleasing to help someone who is facing the same set of issues in which you were at a point and you dealt with it. That is a very beautiful feeling, that you are able to help someone.
What are some common myths in society about psychology?
What are some common myths in society about psychology?
First of all, it is not like, people who are psychologists and counselors can’t have issues or anxiety. This is a big taboo. Also, psychologists are only counselors and counseling can be done by friends, family, and relatives. Friends cannot be counselors unless they are professionals. This is a myth.
Psychologists do therapy without medicine so there is nothing to pay for it. People believe in medicine. Some people are like ‘Why do you need mood stabilizers?’. Anyone can have a jolly mood by singing, dancing or having good food. So why do we go to a psychiatrist for help?
There should be more psychologists. People are getting depressed. Nobody is there to listen to them. Also, according to the mentality of people, psychologists are just listening to your problems so there is nothing to be paid for. But there is a change of energy.
Here, people don’t know what therapy is. There is a lot of awareness that needs to be spread regarding mental health and psychology.
How can people practice mindfulness?
Mindfulness comes from day-to-day activities. Most of the depressions come when either you are thinking of the past and anxiety comes when you are thinking about the future.
We should focus on the present. Most people are unable to live in the present. Take a day at a time. Forget What we have to wear tomorrow, where we have to go tomorrow, and even what we have to eat in the next meal. We should be grateful for what we have NOW (be in the moment).
What are your tips for people who want to practice this profession?
After masters, go for Mphil. Then start practicing after having a license. You can start up your own clinic. The pay and opportunities are really less. There is one 1 psychologist for the whole school. It is not fair enough for that person to cater to all the students' and teachers' issues. Most important is not to carry your work home.
Is work-life balance a myth or reality according to you?
It depends on how you prioritize your work. I did blogging with my work. Even being a psychologist, I never missed posting on my page that is about fashion and I make sure that I make efforts that people like my content @peppybani
You can definitely balance and it is very important.
People are paying for psychological help. Everyone is facing a lot of issues and is worried. But what I have learned is not to carry the work home. You will have to avoid overthinking. You have to take the case as a case, otherwise, if we start taking it personally, it would be very difficult.
How according to you can one manage stress?
Breaks are important. You should give yourself at least 5 minutes in the morning when you wake up and before you go to sleep.
Journaling helps a lot in managing stress. Put your thoughts in that journal.
Exercise plays a key role in channelizing your energy. This is what I learned in lockdown when I was having covid and was really anxious.
Your gut is your second brain and so one really cares about food. Acidity and mood are interlinked. If your food is acidic your mood will be ruined too. One should eat food that promotes more good bacteria in the gut. Good food will result in a good mood. If you are anxious or depressed make changes in your diet and see the difference. Apply the holistic approach along with medicines. Therapy+ healthy food+ medicines can definitely work wonders. The aim is to eradicate the taboo around mental health.
Interviewed by- Yashika Khanna
Sharbani Das is a psychologist by profession. She worked as a psychologist under Dr. Roma Kumar in Gangaram Hospital and Saksham. Since the pandemic, she has been working with workplace options.
She started her journey as a food blogger. Now, she is a fashion and lifestyle blogger @Peppybani
She is a self-dependent woman who knows how to make a balance with work, hobbies, and personal life.
%20(1).jpg)
0 Comments