Mind it! A new TV show deals with mental health

‘Mann Ki Baat’, a series focusing on issues related to the mind and mental health of individuals and the society at large, is to be telecast on Doordarshan twice a week starting July 21, every Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. Directed by Dr Avdesh Sharma, a psychiatrist and an expert on the subject, he has worked closely with Dr Sujatha D Sharma, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He says, “Today, we are increasingly aware of the psychological havoc created by pressures in our lives due to breakdown of social norms, increasing competitiveness, degradation of moral and ethical values and loss of faith in human relationships. The results are there to see – stressed out individuals with chaotic life styles, struggling to cope and feeling helpless and alienated in their own homes, families and communities.” The series took shape out of this need to create awareness on mental health issues both that can be seen and those that deeply affect us. Says Dr Sujatha, “Our mind is the most precious asset we have.” She has earlier scripted several other television documentaries on mental health. Dr Avdesh Sharma has anchored and directed numerous health programs for the electronic media for over 30 years. The series deals with psychosocial issues spanning all ages, from stresses in children and adolescents to marital issues, problems of women and the senior citizens. It also deals with depression, anxiety, suicide, sleep and eating disorders, alcohol abuse, myths and stigma about mental illness etc. There is also a focus on self growth such as enhancing emotional intelligence, positive emotions and controlling negative ones.