Counselling/ Suicide Helpline

Counselling/ Suicide Helpline:

Whatsapp/ Call: +91 9952343573/ +91 8838958232

Email: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

1)     Are mental health problems similar to other health problems? If so, why is there so much stigma about it?

Mental health problems (psychiatric disorders), in one sense, are similar to other diseases like neurological disorders, heart disease, kidney problems etc. Commonly if anyone develops a disease, he or she goes to the concerned doctor immediately. Also he tells other people about the disease.

But if anyone is affected in his mind, he does not tell anybody about it, nor does he go to a doctor. This is because if it is known to others that somebody is having a mental health (psychiatric) problem, our society gives him titles like “mad” or “mental”.

We need to remember that any one of us can be affected in our minds at any point of time. So, each one of us needs to change our attitude towards those innocent people whose mental health is affected. Then only we can take them to the right doctor at the right time and help them.

2)   How do people commonly develop mental health problems?

There is no one in the world who does not have any problem. Any person at any time can be affected in his mind through some loss or failure or other problems in life. Some people come out of those difficulties. But some people keep on thinking about the problems and are affected in their minds. There will be neurochemical changes in their brains. And there will be changes in their behaviour, which manifest as mental health problems.

3)   What are the common symptoms of mental health problems?

The common symptoms are fear, suspicion, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, hearing voices in the ear when all alone, talking/ muttering/ smiling all alone, violent behaviour, hostile attitude, falsely suspecting spouse’s (wife’s or husband’s) fidelity (faithfulness), recurrent and irrational thoughts and accompanying acts like repeated washing or checking, other strange experiences and behaviours etc.

People also can have memory problems, problems in food intake, sexual problems, diseases for which no cause could be found, addiction to alcohol, nicotine (smoking), drugs, social media, video games, internet etc., personality disorders, anger control problems, interpersonal conflicts, family problems, marriage related problems, career and job related problems, learning problems, guilt, spiritual conflicts etc. Children and teenagers also can develop behavioural and emotional problems because of various reasons.

4)   How should these symptoms be approached?

All of these should be treated promptly and appropriately. Mental health problem is not something to be covered up. One has to take treatment and counselling for mental health problems just like one takes treatment for other diseases. Then it can be controlled effectively.

5)    Is mental health so important?

Many of you would be familiar with this famous proverb “Sound mind in a sound body”. It points to the proven fact that our body and mind are so deeply related to each other. If you have problems in your mind like fear and anxiety, it can affect your body by making you physically weak and prone to various bodily illnesses. Likewise if you have physical ailments, it can affect your mental health also. Research shows that many physical disorders are predisposed, precipitated and exacerbated by many mental health problems.

6)   People say that if you start taking psychiatric medicines, then you have to take life long. Is it true?

No; not at all. This is a common myth. Once the symptoms become better with medicines and counselling, your Psychiatrist can taper medicines slowly. But, please don’t stop or adjust the dose without Psychiatrist’s advice. If you do that, the symptoms may come back and you may need higher doses of medicines.

7)    Are all psychiatric medicines addictive and having serious side effects?

No; not at all. This is another common myth. Only Benzodiazepine group among psychiatric drugs, is addictive. It includes Alprazolam, Diazepam, Nitrazepam, Lorazepam, Clonazepam etc. A good Psychiatrist will prescribe these only if they are really needed for you for controlling severe symptoms, and he will try to taper them at the earliest, so that you do not get addicted to it.

If psychotherapy (counselling) is also given along with medicines, you may need only smaller doses of medicines. A good Psychiatrist will choose a medicine which suits each particular patient so that side effects would be minimum or almost nil. He will always monitor you for any emerging side effect. If needed, he will adjust the dose of medicines, or change over to other medicines with lesser possibility of side effects, or add another medicine to counter the side effects.

For more information:

If you have more questions to ask, you can mail them to   sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com .

Webpage: http://drsandeeppsychiatrist.blogspot.com

Events - Past & Upcoming

Past events:

Talk on “Meaning & Concept of Drug Abuse” on March 20^th 2018, as part of the 3 day ‘Sensitisation training programme on prevention of drug abuse for prison and correctional officers’ at Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration (APCA), Vellore, sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence, New Delhi.

It was attended by Senior level Prison officers including DIGs and Superintendents of Prisons from across the country. 

A Mental Health Camp & Awareness Programme was conducted in Karigiri village, especially for the elderly people, on March 15^th 2018 with the help of the MSW students posted in the institution and the community health volunteers.

Talk on “How to face exams” for 10^th std students of Govt High School, Brahmapuram on 9^th March 2018, in collaboration with the Department of Community Health, SIH-R&LC.

Guest Lecture on “Relationships, Premarital Sex, Addictions & Suicide – Various Mental Health Implications” on February 28^th 2018, in Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Vellore, hosted by School of Biosciences and Technology.

Participated in the Home Management Committee Meeting at the HOPE House, Karigiri on 28^th February 2018.

Mental Health Camps were conducted at Kotagiri Medical Fellowship Hospital, Kotagiri, Nilgris on February 22^nd, March 22nd, June 20th, 2018, in collaboration with CMC Missions Office.

A Mental Health Camp & Awareness Programme was conducted at Sevur on February 1^st 2018 with the help of the MSW students posted in the institution and the community health volunteers.

Visit to Mudhiyor Balar Kudumba Grama Pannai (MBKGP), Kasam, Vellore, and counselling to children and adolescents, along with nursing students from Karigiri School of Nursing, on December 12^th 2016 & December 14^th 2017.

Industry Expert Guest Lecture on “Addictions, Sex & Suicide – From Mental Health Perspective” on November 1^st 2017, in Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Vellore, hosted by School of Biosciences and Technology.

Mental Health & Deaddiction Camp hosted by NGO ‘Mithran’ Rehab Centre, Sathuvachari on October 5^th 2017.

Series of “Puthuvaazhu” Mental Health Camps based at Vaniyambadi and selected areas, conducted by the State Government of Tamil Nadu.

Talk on “Problems faced by Adolescents” at Youth Camp at CSI church, Ottanthangal.

Mental Health & Deaddiction Camp at CSI church, Ottanthangal on 11^th January 2017.

Upcoming Events:

Follow-up Mental Health Camps at Kotagiri Medical Fellowship Hospital, Kotagiri, Nilgris on September 20th, December 6th 2018, February 28th 2019 in collaboration with CMC Missions Office.

Talk on “Spreading Awareness on Mental Health Problems” for the workers of Chamraj Tea Estate, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on September 20^th, 2018.

Talk on “Enhancing Positive Mental Health” for the school children of Chamraj Tea Estate, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on December 6^th, 2018.

Talk on “Enhancing Productivity through Positive Attitudes” for the staff of Chamraj Tea Estate, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on February 28^th, 2019.

No Peace Of Mind?

                       No Peace Of Mind?

Someone once said that if peace of mind could be purchased in the market, it would be the first one that people would be queuing up to buy. How true it is? People commonly think that if they get some earthly thing or goal that they want, they will be happy and peaceful.

For example, they think that if they get the degree or job or house or marriage partner that they want, they will be happy. Once they get what they craved for, they find that the happiness was so short lasting! And they again pursue some other thing that they imagine will make them ‘successful’. Where is an end to all these?

Struggling For Peace?

Rakesh (name changed) is a 27 year old unmarried gentleman who came to the Psychiatry OPD saying: “I don’t have any peace of mind. I am not able to sleep properly. I am confused. Doctor, please help me”.

What Rakesh told is not a rare complaint. Many people - young or old, male or female, learned or unlearned, rich or poor- all alike echo the same words. They live with guilt about their past, worry about the future and not knowing what to do in the present.

Many live in fear of what others will think or say about them or do against them. Many fear whether they will get some disease or land up in some financial loss. Many are worried that they already have sickness and financial difficulties. Many are grieved about the sickness and loss of their loved ones. Many are insecure about their positions which they have grabbed from others by stamping them down.

There are traumatic, haunting memories of physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse from childhood, which many are not able to shake off and come out. Many feel they were cheated and used for the selfish gains and pleasures of others. Many live with embittered hearts, not being able to forgive others. Many feel that even God cannot forgive the sins they have committed in the past. And they wonder why they should live.

What is the solution to this elusive peace of mind?

The Love, Joy And Peace Direct From Heaven…

It was Blaise Pascal, the world famous scientist who said about a God-shaped vacuum inside each of our hearts that can be filled only by God. How true it is; isn’t it? Whether we admit it or not, that sense of emptiness deep inside our very being, an indescribable yearning...!

Often we try to fill this vacuum with wealth, love from others, comforts, sensual pleasures and so on, but all in vain! And it is even more surprising that no religious ritual, philosophy or even good works can fill this vacuum! Even film stars with immense wealth, fame, popularity, influence and beauty commit suicide!

Yes, the Almighty Creator alone can fill this emptiness; He alone can fill our innermost being with inexpressible love, joy and peace! Lord Jesus Christ says: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love” (John 15: 9).

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15: 11).

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14: 27).

“For I am the LORD your God, Who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you'” (Isaiah 41:13).

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Me.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Me” (Philippians 4: 6,7).

“For I have not given you a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” (1John 4:18).

Yes, Lord Jesus is waiting for YOU to come to Him, repent of all your sins and entrust your entire life to Him, so that He can fill you with His love, joy and peace.

Many people ask: “Why do I not have any peace of mind even though I believe in the Lord Jesus?”

We have to understand that what prevents the Lord Jesus from filling our hearts with His love, joy and peace is the sin in our lives. So, what is sin?

If we are honest to ourselves, we will agree on this one thing: we all have disobeyed our conscience knowingly or unknowingly many a time in our thoughts, words and deeds! It is this falling away from the character of God that the Bible calls ‘sin’: “…for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

Do you know what the punishment of sin is, in the eyes of the infinitely holy God? The punishment is that anyone who has committed even the smallest sin should suffer in hell — an eternal separation from God! But how can this loving God cast us, His dear creation, away into hell eternally?

That is why the Almighty God incarnated as a human being in Jesus Christ about 2000 years ago! In fulfillment of the prophecies of the Bible, Jesus was cruelly crucified on the Cross of Calvary…

It was the endless misery of hell-fire which you and I would have to suffer for endless ages that Jesus endured for our sake during those three dark hours on the Cross with deep pain and agony …! And Jesus rose again, conquering death, which is man’s greatest enemy.

You can be cleansed from sin only if

(i)                you want to turn away from all your sins as you see how much the Lord Jesus loves YOU personally (This is repentance), and

(ii)             you believe deep inside your heart that Jesus bore the punishment of hell for YOU on the Cross, died and rose again. And then you will entrust your life fully to Him (This is faith).

If you genuinely repent and believe as above, then the blood of Christ will cleanse your heart. As you surrender every area of your life to the Lord Jesus, He will definitely fill every part of your being with His heavenly, indescribable love, joy and peace!

If you have any further questions or need further help, please feel free to write to me: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com . May the Lord bless you in abundance!

How the Lord Led Me to Specialize in Psychiatry

One of the questions many people ask me, is why and how I chose to specialize in Psychiatry. During the days of my training in MBBS, I did not have any interest in the field of Psychiatry. But rather, I was averse to Psychiatry because I got the impression from many spheres that this is a field for those who do not have any faith in God and that psychiatrists are those who try to explain faith also as a mere neurochemical phenomenon.

Anyway, the Lord Jesus had to intervene supernaturally in my life on 20th April 2009 through a vision in order to guide me to this fascinating and marvelous field of Psychiatry! (I need to add a sentence here that although there are genuine visions and dreams from the Lord, I am skeptical about the so many so-called visions and dreams many people testify, extending the boundaries of their imagination as well as trying to make up some meaning from their meaningless dreams). 

On 2009 April 19th night I was taking casualty duty in one Aravind Hospital, Chavara, nearby my native place. There were so many patients visiting casualty that time, that I could have my dinner only at about 12: 30 am. And there were patients till about 1: 15 am.

By about 1: 15 am, I came to the duty room very much tired physically, but afresh spiritually because that afternoon I had just finished a two and a half days’ Life Revision Seminar by Dr Kuruvilla Varkey from Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu. Though I thought of going to the bed soon (because one cannot predict when the next patient will come), I was prompted by the Lord to spend a little more time with Him, conversing with Him and worshipping Him.

I was just worshipping the Lord and delighting in His presence with my eyes closed. After some time I was seeing a vision of multitude of poor, helpless, needy people, sitting in darkness and pathetically crying out for help..... I saw two faces more or less clearly: one that of a 60 – 70 year old man and another that of a 7 – 8 year old little girl. The Lord flooded my heart with compassion for all of them, and I was convinced deeply in my heart that the Lord wanted to touch them through me. Suddenly the thought of specializing in Psychiatry became very much alive in my heart (because 12 hours ago, that is, around 1: 15 pm of April 19^th afternoon, Dr. Kuruvilla Varkey had suggested to me the option of specializing in Psychiatry, as I was speaking with him after the Life Revision Seminar. But I had no interest in it when he told me about this option).

After I saw this vision, I was telling the Lord: “Lord, if it is your will, I am willing to venture into whatever field You choose for me. But You need to clarify to me the same, because I do not want to drag a subject which I do not like all the rest of my life”. Immediately I felt an inner urge to open the Bible which was lying near me. I thought of turning the pages of the Bible to whatever portion the Lord was prompting me to go. The page I opened from the Bible was starting with Isaiah 50: 2, which reads like: “Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? ...”. I understood that the Lord is indicating that He is calling me to something. The subsequent part of verse 2 and verse 3 spoke of the Lord’s almighty power. Verse 4 reads like this:

“The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple”.

When I read the word ‘tongue’ in the 4^th verse, I was shocked, because it was just 12 hours ago that Dr Kuruvilla Varkey was speaking to me about Christian Counselling.  The phrase “how to sustain the weary one with a word” confirmed to me my calling to Psychiatry. And this is the best verse on true psychotherapy (counselling) that I have found in the entire Bible.

Another interesting thing is that even the rest of verse 4 about the Lord ‘awakening me morning by morning, and awakening my ear to listen as a disciple’ was literally fulfilled. It was the Lord Who literally woke me up morning by morning those few days as it was mentioned in that verse. Far earlier than the alarm clock rang, the Lord Jesus amazingly woke me up from sleep in the early mornings of three days before and one day after this vision; that is, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th and 20^th of April 2009. On some days, the Lord woke me up around 3 O’ clock and 5 O’ clock in the mornings although I had gone to bed very late in the preceding nights. I was so fresh in my mind when I was woken up by the Lord, that even though I tried to sleep after waking up, I was not able to do so. I could spend quality time with the Lord those mornings.

Even the subsequent portion of Isaiah 50 was literally fulfilled. Verse 5 and 6 speaks about opposition, which I initially faced from my parents because they initially did not like me specializing in Psychiatry. Verse 7 to 9 speaks about the Lord helping me, which was fulfilled when the Lord Himself suddenly changed their minds to support me about my new decision.

Verse 10 speaks about trusting in the Lord in the midst of uncertainty, which was fulfilled when there was a period of one month of uncertainty when there was no vacancy for Non PG seat in the department of Psychiatry in CMC, Vellore, where Dr Kuruvilla Varkey suggested me to join. Soon the uncertainty was over since the Lord Himself created a vacancy there when a doctor in the department chose to go for his Sabbatical leave exactly at the ‘right’ time. Amazing are the Lord’s ways!

In the evening that followed the night I had the vision, I phoned up my mentor and spiritual father, Br Geoji T Samuel, (who is the elder at Christian Fellowship Church, Kottayam – www.cfckottayam.org and Senior Editor at Malayala Manorama newspaper). He told me: “Three times in the last one week I spoke at three different occasions that ‘we need professional psychiatric help for this’ when different people approached us for different problems. So, brother, please do the specialization, be competent in the field and come back. The church needs your service. One more thing: usually when I hear testimonies about visions and dreams, I feel a bit skeptical. But when I heard about your experience, I felt so free in my spirit.” These words encouraged, blessed and strengthened me tremendously.

Eventually, by the Lord’s grace, I joined in CMC, Vellore as Non PG, cleared the entrance exams and did my DPM and MD in Psychiatry! Every day from April 20^th 2009 proves to me my calling into this field! I can honestly say before the Lord Jesus that I enjoy being a Psychiatrist, being an instrument in the Lord’s hands to perceive the depths of agony and anguish in many minds, and to bring a healing touch from the Lord in those numerous lives…

I am a witness to many miraculous recoveries, healings and deliverances (including demons being cast out! https://sandeeppsychiatry.blogspot.com/2018/03/casting-out-of-demon-in-psychiatry-opd.html) in my practice of Psychiatry.

The very next day of my receiving the appointment order and joining in the Department of Psychiatry in CMC, Vellore, on May 23^rd, 2009, Saturday morning, the Lord paraphrased John 15: 16 from my daily Bible meditation, like this: “You did not choose Psychiatry, but I chose it for you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, that your fruit may remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you”. Looking back I am seeing the fruit that remains. And I am expecting all the more fruit in the days to come, leaning on the Lord’s marvelous mercies and abundant grace!