World Mental Health Day 2022: I have dealt with depression in my 20s and with anxiety recently, says Neha Bhasin

Official Instagram Account of Neha Bhasin

Singer-musician Neha Bhasin is known for her musical talent in Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and also solo tracks, which belong to the genre of Indian pop and Punjabi folk music. Mid Day Online met up with her exclusively on the occssion of ‘World Mental Health Day'.

Neha, do you know what the theme of this year's ‘World Mental Health Day'?

The theme, I believe, is global mental well-being.

Have you ever struggled with any kind of clinically diagnosed mental health condition? If so, will you be comfortable sharing your experience?
I have dealt with depression in my 20s and with anxiety recently. Most importantly, I have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is a hormonal mood disorder. I have been dealing with this since 2 decades. Lack of serotonin at that point creates a havoc in my mental health for two weeks every month. I take my mental health very seriously since I have faced the repercussions of it at a young age and at the prime and start of my career. I felt a disconnect, a void. I did therapy in 2012 for dedicated two years and worked on shedding old baggage and learnt meditation and releasing technique. I still start my day in silence and practice gratitude and on listening to positive affirmations. Emotions need to be dealt with everyday else they turn into a baggage.

When did you realize that you have mental health issues that needs to be addressed?
I realized at the age of 20.

Did you try talking / discussing the same with anyone?
I couldn't find the help I really needed then. It was a very different time. I still feel a lot of issues like my PMDD goes undiagnosed or taken seriously due to lack of enough knowledge or studies but the symptoms are as devastating as a bipolar disorder.

Was it tough dealing with Covid 19 times?
Covid 19 was easy initially, but, I think, eventually it took a toll on me. But I did focus on meditation and journaling a lot at that time.

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Since you have addressed the problem and have come our successfully, can you tell us as to how can one identify the people with mental issue?
Change or erratic change in behavioral pattern in a sign. Being sad and depressed though may seem similar but are very different. Empathetic people can see that.

Were you on medication of any sort or only counselling helped you out to overcome it?
I relied more on cognitive therapy that medicines. I also rely on lifestyle, food, nutrition and a disciplined approach to mental health. I did though for a short while take anti-anxiety pills recently as it was affecting my gut and hence my health.

These days, many people (young and old) are becoming victims day by day to the silent problem of mental health. Is there anything that you want to tell them?

You are not alone and you can bs helped, so please don't shut out and reach out to someone you trust and seek help.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Staying sane through it all and still feeling excited about life.

How do you motivate yourself daily?
I listen to Rumi, Deepak Chopra, I do alpha meditations and I practice gratitude. Running helps a lot too. I listen to motivational speeches and run an hour.

Are you a satisfied person today?
No! I am not satisfied, but, I am grateful.

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