Topic

Psychiatry

Guides on anxiety, depression, sleep problems, stress and addiction, and on when it may help to speak to a psychiatrist.

15 Guides

Latest Guide

Mental health first aid in the workplace: Essential strategies for corporate employees

In today’s demanding work environments, corporate employees face a unique set of stressors that can impact mental well-being, such as high-performance expectations, constant connectivity and potential burnout. Mental Health

8 Oct 20253 min read

8 Foods that can help you deal with Anxiety

Anxiety is something that is experienced by over 7.6 percent of the population around the globe. The constant feeling of nervousness, overthinking, worry and tension

25 Feb 20224 min read

Signs of depression – check to see if you have them

Depression is a very complex mental disorder. The reason - its symptoms are not uniform between people. This makes depression a difficult disorder to diagnose. Most

8 Sep 20213 min read

Mental Health Issues You Need To Be Aware Of !

Rapid changes in lifestyle, stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation are at the root of why a shockingly large number of people are displaying the signs of

8 Sep 20213 min read

Postpartum Depression: What You Need to Know About It

Giving birth is an experience that changes you. Holding your baby in your arms for the first time can bring overwhelming joy. However, it can also

8 Sep 20214 min read

Misinterpreted and Misunderstood: Mental Health in India

Will mental health in India ever overcome the taboo it finds itself surrounded with? Let’s dig deeper to understand the mental health plot — what factors

8 Sep 20211 min read

Exercise Vs Depression

Depression is a dreaded disorder. And when you are in the grips of it, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But the virtues

4 Jun 20212 min read

5 Signs Of A Panic Attack

What exactly is a panic attack? It is the sudden onset of extreme terror or fear. The person is gripped by panic even though there is

28 Nov 20204 min read

Depression and Anxiety: Differences | Symptoms | Treatments

Whenever we hear about people suffering from mental health problems, the two most common ones we come across are anxiety and depression. We all experience some

4 Oct 20193 min read

4 Myths About Bipolar Disorders Busted

Mental health is often not given the importance it is due. As a result, a large section of society remains unaware of the facts surrounding mental

19 Apr 20193 min read

Depression: Causes & Symptoms

Mental health issues are often ignored and even suppressed. In fact, most people tend to keep them under wraps, refraining from seeking help or even talking

28 Mar 20194 min read

All you need to know about depression

Depression is a serious illness, not merely a word which can be used loosely to describe sadness. There are 4 things that everyone should know about

10 Oct 20186 min read

Bollywood Celebrities Who Kicked Their Smoking Addiction Away!

Chat With Doctor Now ‘Smoking** kills’ but every smoker knows that smoking is not an easy habit to kill. ** From the outside, the life of Bollywood

11 May 20173 min read

6 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help You With Insomnia

You know that feeling when you can’t fall asleep because you are truly, madly and deeply in love. Insomnia is exactly that just without any

7 Feb 20173 min read

Everything That You Need To Know About Depression

Depression in its simplest form can be described as a “negative turn in the way you feel, think and handle daily activities. Even though there are

5 Feb 20173 min read

About Psychiatry

It can take a long time to admit that you are not okay, and even longer to tell someone. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and addiction. Seeing one does not mean you are weak or “mad”; it means you want to feel like yourself again.

When to See a Psychiatrist

Feeling low, empty or hopeless most days for more than two weeks
Worry or panic that is hard to control and gets in the way of work, studies or relationships
Sleeping much less or much more than usual, for weeks
Relying on alcohol, tobacco or other substances to get through the day
Hearing or seeing things others do not, or big swings in mood and energy

Online or In-Clinic?

Many people find it easier to open up from home, and online consultations work well for assessment, medicines and follow-ups. Doctors are bound by patient confidentiality. If medicines are started, regular follow-ups matter, especially in the first few weeks.

Get Help Straight Away

Thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself
Someone close to you talking about suicide, or acting in a way that puts them in danger

Please do not wait for it to pass. Take them, or ask someone to take you, to the nearest hospital emergency, or contact your nearest healthcare provider now. Until help arrives, do not leave them alone, keep medicines and sharp objects out of reach, and call a family member, friend or neighbour to be with you. Asking “Are you thinking of ending your life?” does not put the idea in their head; it tells them they can talk to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medicines. A psychologist or counsellor provides talk therapy, such as CBT, and does not prescribe. Many people benefit from both, and a psychiatrist can guide you on what suits you.

Are psychiatric medicines addictive?

Most antidepressants are not addictive. Some sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medicines can cause dependence, which is why doctors prescribe them for short periods. Do not stop any medicine suddenly; your doctor will help you reduce it safely.

How long do antidepressants take to work?

Usually two to six weeks before you notice a clear difference, and sleep or energy may improve before mood does. Some side effects appear early and often settle. Stay in touch with your doctor during this time.

What should I do if I am having thoughts of suicide?

You do not have to carry this alone, and you do not have to wait until it gets worse. Contact your nearest healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency now. Tell someone you trust, such as a parent, sibling, friend or colleague, what you are feeling, and ask them to stay with you. These feelings can be treated, and many people who once felt this way go on to feel like themselves again.