Mental health in India has long been clouded by stigma, misinformation, and silence. But change is underway, and leading that change are voices like Dr. Roop Sidana, a veteran psychiatrist with over four decades of experience. In a powerful episode of the True Life Experiences Podcast, hosted by Supreet Singh, Dr. Sidana shares his journey, insights, and vision for a mentally healthier India. As a rising podcaster in India, Supreet Singh has carved out a niche with his show, The Supreet Singh Show, which is known for its authenticity and depth. His True Life Experiences Podcast brings forward stories that matter, from entrepreneurship and innovation to mental health and personal growth. This episode with Dr. Sidana is a testament to the show’s commitment to the best self-help content that educates, empowers, and inspires.
Dr. Sidana’s journey began in the early 1980s, with medical training at PGIMER Chandigarh and Christian Medical College Ludhiana. Over the years, he has served in prestigious institutions, led community mental health initiatives, and founded Prerna Deaddiction & Rehabilitation Centre, a nonprofit offering holistic care for addiction and chronic mental disorders. Dr. Sidana reflects on how mental health was once feared and misunderstood. Films portrayed psychiatric hospitals as terrifying places, and even doctors avoided association with psychiatry. Through decades of awareness campaigns, rural outreach, and education, the narrative is shifting, especially post-COVID-19.
Mental illness affects not just individuals but entire families. Dr. Sidana stresses the importance of quality family time, open communication, and non-judgmental listening, especially for children and teens facing academic and social pressures. Faith, self-love, and resilience are key to overcoming mental health challenges. Suicide prevention, he notes, begins with recognizing cries for help and offering support through counseling, helplines, and community care. Dr. Sidana discusses how smartphones and social media are creating new mental health issues, from anxiety over phone absence to reduced attention spans. He advocates for digital fasting, encouraging families to disconnect during meals, social visits, or designated days to restore emotional balance.
India’s Mental Healthcare Act introduced patient rights and legal protections, but also made involuntary treatment more complex. Dr. Sidana explains how emergency psychiatric care must balance autonomy with safety, especially in cases involving suicide risk or harm to others. This episode is a standout in the world of Indian podcasts, offering a rare blend of clinical expertise, cultural insight, and emotional depth. Supreet Singh’s True Life Experiences Podcast continues to be a beacon for best self-help content, tackling topics that are often ignored or misunderstood. Mental health is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. As Dr. Roop Sidana reminds us, healing begins with awareness, empathy, and education. Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, or policymaker, this episode offers tools and insights to foster a stigma-free, mentally resilient India.
