Beyond the Couch: How 3 Psychologists Navigate Their Own Mental Health Battles

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of mental well-being, it's easy to forget that even those who guide us through our toughest emotional landscapes are human. On World Mental Health Day, we delve into the personal journeys of three prominent psychologists – Dr. Pallavi Singh, Dr. Sonal Anand, and Dr.

Prerna Kohli – as they candidly share their own struggles, their triumphs over adversity, and the invaluable strategies they employ to maintain their mental fortitude.

Dr. Pallavi Singh, a Mumbai-based Counselling Psychologist, openly discusses her experience with loss. The passing of her father, followed by her mother's illness and a challenging divorce, plunged her into a period of profound grief and anxiety.

"There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, unable to function," Dr. Singh recounts. Despite her professional expertise, she realized the critical need for personal support. Her path to healing involved extensive self-reflection, journaling, and most importantly, seeking therapy herself. "It's crucial to acknowledge that even psychologists need support.

My own therapist provided a safe space to process my emotions, validate my experiences, and equip me with coping mechanisms." She emphasizes the power of mindfulness, regular exercise, and maintaining a strong support system of friends and family as her daily anchors.

Dr. Sonal Anand, a Psychiatrist and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist at Wockhardt Hospitals, shares a different yet equally poignant narrative.

Her battle with an auto-immune disorder during her medical residency years tested her resilience. The physical toll was immense, but the mental strain of managing a chronic illness alongside demanding academic and professional pressures was perhaps even greater. "It was a constant tightrope walk between accepting my limitations and pushing through the pain," Dr.

Anand explains. She found solace and strength in deep breathing exercises, consistent meditation, and a dedicated yoga practice. "These practices became my sanctuary, allowing me to detach from the physical discomfort and reconnect with my inner peace. They taught me the profound art of self-compassion, a lesson I now pass on to my patients."

Dr.

Prerna Kohli, a Clinical Psychologist, highlights the unique stressors of her profession – the emotional labor of holding space for others' pain, the constant demand for empathy, and the risk of burnout. Her personal challenge involved navigating complex family dynamics and the inevitable emotional exhaustion that comes with caring for loved ones while maintaining a demanding practice.

"There were times I felt emotionally depleted, wondering if I had anything left to give," Dr. Kohli admits. Her solution? Rigorous self-care rituals, strict professional boundaries, and a commitment to her own spiritual growth. "I prioritize activities that replenish my energy, whether it's spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or simply disconnecting from work.

Setting firm boundaries ensures I don't overextend myself, allowing me to be fully present for both my family and my clients." She advocates for continuous learning and supervision, ensuring she remains grounded and ethically sound in her practice.

These powerful personal accounts underscore a fundamental truth: mental well-being is a continuous journey, not a destination.

For these psychologists, their professional insights have been tempered and deepened by their own lived experiences, making their advice all the more resonant. Their shared wisdom points to common threads of resilience: the courage to seek help, the discipline of consistent self-care, the power of mindfulness, and the unwavering support of community.

As we reflect on World Mental Health Day, their stories serve as a potent reminder that acknowledging our vulnerabilities is the first step towards building unshakeable mental strength, and that even the experts on mental health require self-care and support.