In this deeply insightful episode of The Supreet Singh Show,
Dr. Aninda Sidana, a leading psychiatrist and psychotherapist, joins
Supreet Singh, a prominent
podcaster in Mohali and the Tricity, to explore the complex realities of
mental health, sexual wellness, and
societal conditioning in India. Dr. Sidana, with over 15 years of clinical experience and a legacy rooted in psychiatry, brings a compassionate and holistic lens to issues that are often whispered about but rarely addressed openly. The conversation is a bold attempt to challenge stigma, educate families, and promote emotional well-being across generations. Despite growing awareness,
mental health stigma remains deeply entrenched in Indian society. Dr. Sidana explains how psychiatric care is still viewed as a last resort for the “mad,” leading to secrecy, denial, and delayed treatment. She emphasizes that mental health should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury, and calls for psychoeducation to normalize help-seeking behavior.
While therapy and counseling are gaining popularity—especially among urban youth—psychiatric medication continues to face resistance. Dr. Sidana highlights the irony: therapy is now a status symbol, yet medication is feared due to myths about dependency and identity loss. This divide reflects the complex perceptions of mental health in India, where emotional support is embraced but biological treatment is stigmatized. Sexuality remains one of the most taboo topics in Indian households. Dr. Sidana courageously addresses myths around masturbation, sexual desires, and unrealistic expectations shaped by the media. She advocates for open communication between partners, sexual education, and mutual respect in relationships, emphasizing that sexual health is integral to overall well-being. The episode dives into the psychological impact of toxic masculinity, narcissistic behaviors, and emotional manipulation in relationships. Dr. Sidana explains how cultural norms like the “raja beta syndrome” enable abusive patterns and discourage emotional expression. She urges society to recognize trauma bonding and emotional abuse as serious mental health concerns.
The pandemic intensified mental health challenges, especially for women balancing work-from-home stress and domestic responsibilities. Dr. Sidana discusses the rise in domestic violence, isolation, and anxiety during lockdowns, calling for systemic support and community awareness to address these hidden struggles. Cinema and storytelling play a significant role in normalizing conversations about mental health. Dr. Sidana praises films like Dear Zindagi and celebrity advocates like Deepika Padukone for breaking the stigma. She believes that personal narratives and media representation can act as therapeutic tools, helping people relate, reflect, and heal. Dr. Sidana emphasizes the need for empathetic conversations within families and communities. Understanding emotional languages, removing judgment, and embracing vulnerability are key to creating supportive environments where mental and sexual health can be discussed without shame. Men often suffer silently due to societal conditioning that equates vulnerability with weakness. Dr. Sidana advocates for a new definition of masculinity—one that includes emotional openness, crying, and seeking help. This shift is essential to address the silent epidemic of male mental health issues.
