The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) recently organized a webinar under its ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign, focusing on “Depression Management and Treatment”. The initiative, supported by SAVLON, aims to promote mental wellness, preventive health, and healthy living.
The session featured eminent mental health experts, including Prof. P.K. Dalal (President, Indian Psychiatric Society), Dr. Ishita Mukerji (Senior Psychologist, Kaleidoscope), Dr. Akshay Kumar (Artemis Hospital), and was moderated by Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control.
Prof. Dalal highlighted that depression is a common mental disorder affecting all age groups and is twice as prevalent in females. He emphasized early treatment to prevent severe consequences, including suicide, and clarified that medications are safe, non-habit forming, and can be tapered once patients are asymptomatic.
Dr. Mukerji stressed creating safe spaces for communication and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. She highlighted the need for scaling up accessible mental health services, especially for remote populations.
The panel noted the bio-psycho-social nature of depression, linking it to chronic illnesses and underscoring the importance of addressing psychological impacts alongside physical health. Dr. Kumar distinguished depression from stress and anxiety, noting that unmanaged chronic stress can escalate into depression.
Key takeaways included vigilance for suicidal ideation, active listening, managing post-partum depression, detecting prolonged sadness, and normalizing professional help. The experts stressed awareness, early intervention, and support from families and social networks as crucial for mental wellness.
