Depression cant be cured by sweeping it under the carpet: Mental wellness coach Kanchan Rai

Kanchan
Rai, a mental wellness coach who teaches ways to combat depression and helps
overcome mental trauma, says that mental health or depression is still a very
big taboo in Indian society. However, she adds that in pandemic times like
now, people’s mindset is shifting towards mental well- being too.

“I
feel because of this COVID-19 situation, things are changing as people have
started giving preference to their mental health which is a very positive sign.
Of course, there is so much yet to do about creating awareness but things are
changing,” she told Opoyi.

A
Harvard Business School graduate, Kanchan’s aim in life is to help
those who suffer from mental issues and she says that the first positive and
assured step in the direction is to open up and accept the problem.

“Few
things that one should take care of when they feel depressed or not feeling
right is don’t panic. Just try to absorb whatever is happening. Also, try to
figure out the trigger point of feeling that way. Try to
speak with someone like family, friends, or a therapist who will help you to
figure out your red flags. Remember that depression is an illness so kindly try
to treat it like that rather than ignoring it because wrapping it under the
carpet won’t help,” said Kanchan.

She
also emphasised on practicing self-care and start loving yourself.

The
expert has been actively talking to people from all walks of life about the
issues they have faced and what it took to overcome them. Her organisation ‘Let
us Talk’ brings out stories of people who have conquered mental illness. Their
recent guests were Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam and former cricketer Yuvraj
Singh.

Having
battled depression herself, Kanchan believes that there are definitive ways to
overcome it and with the current situation, mental health has become more
important issues than ever before. 

“Depression
is not a feeling, it’s an illness that needs proper guidance and the right
approach. Give yourself small goals to achieve in a shorter period. These are
things that will diversify your mind. Also, reward yourself and create a routine
as these things will help you a lot. Also, start practicing gratitude,” said
Kanchan.

Lastly,
she says that Bollywood is helping a lot in creating awareness.

“There
are many people in Bollywood who have come openly and shared their struggle
with mental health and they have accepted that. In a way, it’s a very good
thing and people are inspired,” she said.