Interview with Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta, Renowned Psychologist & Therapist
Our team spoke to Presidents Dr. BC Roy National Awardee Psychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta recently. She is also a passionate corporate trainer on stress management. Here are the excerpts from the interview:-
- Your journey in mental health has been quite remarkable. Could you share what initially drew you to the field of counselling psychology and psychotherapy?
Dr Sona Kaushal : Thank you for this insightful question. It resonates deeply with me. I am a medical doctor, and I pursued my MBBS and later specialised in pathology and biochemistry at the prestigious KGMC Medical College, Lucknow, followed by LLRM Medical College, Meerut, where I taught medical students. I have spent over 25 years in the field of medicine, teaching medical graduates and students. While I was in this field of teaching, I noticed a significant issue: many of the students were under immense stress and anxiety. Medical students face numerous challenges, including an extensive curriculum, frequent exams, and clinical duties, which often lead to considerable distress. Some struggled with homesickness, many with academic pressures, and low self-esteem and depression, which was evident in their demeanors. This observation extended beyond my professional life; I noticed similar patterns of stress in many of my then teenage children’s school friends and among their parents and teachers. I also noticed that the patients and their families coming for treatment to the medical college hospital were also stressed and worried in spite of the treatment. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress in various facets of life sparked my interest in mental health. Witnessing the mental health struggles of medical students, school children, and even patients’ families visiting my husband, a neurosurgeon, highlighted the pervasive nature of mental health issues in society. Motivated by these observations, I pursued a master’s degree in psychology. My medical background provided a solid foundation in understanding patient psychology, but I wanted to delve deeper into human behaviour and mental health. This led me to venture into counselling and psychotherapy, marking a significant shift from my medical career. Recognising the need for accessible mental health support, I established the Pari Foundation NGO. It is a national NGO. Pari, an acronym for Psychological Assistance and Rehabilitation in Children (PARI), focuses on conducting workshops in schools and colleges, spreading awareness about mental wellness. For the past two decades, I have dedicated myself to this field, earning several awards, including the prestigious President’s Award and the Dr. B.C. Roy Award, the highest honour for doctors in social service. Through my work, I aim to educate people on preventing mental illness, recognising early signs and symptoms, and seeking appropriate help. Our initiatives also focus on empowering students to resist drug abuse, thereby contributing to a healthier society. I am blessed to have had a journey that has been truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on mental health awareness and wellness in society. It takes courage and perseverance to change your path. I am now a doctor, psychologist, corporate trainer, life coach, and motivational speaker, and I am loving my work.
Q2: You have appeared on several media platforms, including TV channel debates. How have these media interactions helped you create mental health awareness for students, housewives, and professionals?
Dr Sona Kaushal : Media is a powerful means to reach out to people with your message. Social media platforms, TV debates, TV channels, and print media are particularly effective because they reach a wide audience. The visual impact of appearing on TV with your message is significantly stronger than verbal communication alone. Films are also very effective. When people see you speaking and sharing valuable information, it creates a lasting impression on their minds and has a ripple effect, thereby spreading the message far and wide. I have been invited to participate in numerous TV debates, discussions, and as an expert on various pressing social issues. For instance, I have discussed topics like the NEET exam paper leak and its effect on students’ psyche, various matters of national interest like the implementation of CAA without causing stress in people, cases of rash driving and accidents, and road rage. I have also discussed alcohol and drug addiction in youth and its consequences, as well as increasing cases of aggression, depression, and suicides in youth. These appearances and talks allow me to provide psychological insights and expert opinions, thereby raising awareness about mental health issues and their prevention. Through these media interactions, I can reach a diverse audience, including students, housewives, and professionals. By discussing relevant and timely issues, I help to shed light on the importance of mental health and provide valuable information that can aid in preventing and managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. I also write for print media and appear in their live shows on mental health-related issues. As a CBSE-designated tele counsellor, I empower and educate students telephonically, especially during exam time, to be stress-free. I counsel parents to emotionally support their children when they are stressed. All this media interaction has a tremendous positive impact on people.
Q3: Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. How does Parivartan work to reduce this stigma, and what challenges have you encountered in this process?
Dr Sona Kaushal : Parivartan, which means “change,” is my online channel and Facebook page dedicated to spreading awareness about mental wellness. It also serves as a coaching institute where I teach people about modern parenting techniques, effective communication skills, and other soft skills. Through Parivartan, I post videos and talks on mental wellness, host live interactions, and invite guests to discuss various aspects of mental health. This platform has become an essential resource for information on mental wellness. One of our key messages is that mental illness is as treatable as physical illness, and there should be no stigma attached to it. We emphasize this point frequently on Parivartan, encouraging open conversations about mental health. People are welcome to explore our content, ask questions, and access a wealth of literature, videos, and articles on mental wellness. Parivartan plays a crucial role in educating people that there should be no stigma in discussing mental illness or supporting someone who is struggling with mental health issues. It is essential for individuals to recognize the signs of mental health problems in themselves and others. Our goal is to make this knowledge accessible and to encourage people to share their own mental health stories. In the process of reducing stigma, we have encountered challenges such as deeply ingrained societal attitudes and misconceptions about mental health. However, by consistently providing accurate information and fostering an open dialogue, Parivartan is making strides in changing perceptions and encouraging a more accepting and supportive approach to mental health.
Q4: As an award-winning professional, you have likely encountered various trends in mental health issues. What emerging trends or challenges in mental health do you find most concerning today, and how do you address them in your practice?
Dr Sona Kaushal : One of the major challenges I see today is an epidemic of anxiety, stress, and overthinking, particularly among children and youth. A significant contributing factor to this issue is social media addiction. Many young people exhibit compulsive behaviour, withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance to social media, all of which are signs of social media addiction or screen addiction. When deprived of social media or mobile devices, they experience anxiety and irritability. There is often a problem of sleep deprivation due to excessive late-night screen time or night shifts, leading to anger issues and other psychosomatic problems like asthma and high blood pressure. There is a lot of inappropriate thinking and behaviour in youth due to confusion between the virtual world on screens and the real world, leading to insensitivity and emotional numbing due to exposure to inappropriate content. This screen addiction also results in fewer real-life friendships and weakened family bonds, along with confusion in their studies. Parenting is a big challenge today, and so are marital relationships. Addressing these challenges, Parivartan and PARI Foundation, my NGO, are focused on mental health awareness and counselling, and we work diligently to empower youth to find their own solutions. We emphasize the importance of reducing social media use, encouraging outdoor activities, healthier habits, and real-world interactions. Another significant challenge is drug abuse among youth. They often question why alcohol shops are becoming more prevalent despite the harmful effects of alcohol consumption we teach them about. It’s a difficult question to answer, but we strive to explain the reasons behind these contradictions and emphasize the dangers of alcohol and drugs on their mental, physical, and social health. Empowering youth to say NO to these substances is critical, though challenging, given the mixed messages they receive from their peers, sometimes from home, and also from TV and films. Anger issues and aggression are also increasing, largely due to maladaptive coping mechanisms. Schools are beginning to address mental health issues, but more aggressive efforts are needed in this area. Youth often seek instant gratification and struggle to find effective, rational solutions to their problems. Many resort to maladaptive behaviours such as drug and alcohol use, smoking, aggression, and depression, with some even becoming suicidal. Counselling and psychological first aid help. Mental health is a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently. PARI Foundation and Parivartan are dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those in need, striving to make a significant impact in this crucial area.
Q5: What kind of training, workshops, and allied activities do you conduct for corporate leaders and executives?
Dr Sona Kaushal : Stress has become a widespread issue today, contributing to various mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic diseases. These psychosomatic diseases, accounting for 85% of all illnesses seen today — from high blood pressure to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory ailments, bone pains, migraines, and headaches — are primarily caused by stress rather than pathological factors. It’s crucial to be aware of and manage your stress effectively. A stress-free mind not only leads to personal happiness but also enhances work productivity, making it a valuable asset in the corporate world. I am deeply passionate about conducting corporate trainings, where I offer stress management training primarily because mental health issues are prevalent among corporate employees due to challenges ranging from financial pressures and work stress to family issues. I firmly believe that fostering good mental health among corporate personnel can significantly boost productivity, improve workplace ambiance, cultivate better relationships, and promote overall happiness. Drawing from my background as a medical doctor, psychologist, and life coach, I am committed to addressing these challenges and empowering corporate professionals to achieve stress-free lives. Effective leadership is pivotal in creating a positive corporate environment. Through my workshops, I equip leaders and executives with essential life skills such as empathy, compassion, and the development of a high emotional quotient (EQ). These qualities not only enhance leadership capabilities but also contribute to better team building, team bonding, communication skills, and overall work productivity. My workshops feature interactive sessions, incorporating storytelling and engaging activities to ensure that the message resonates deeply with participants and encourages practical application in their professional lives. By focusing on emotional intelligence and stress management, I aim to facilitate a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being and supports holistic success among corporate leaders and executives.
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Brief Profile
Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta is Presidents’ Dr.BC Roy National Awardee Doctor Psychologist, Therapist, Life Coach, Founder of Pari Foundation &Parivartan Counselling Institute. She is also a CBSE Counsellor and Corporate Trainer on Stress Management.
