Mental Illness Treatment in India

Olivia Verma, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...

Olivia Verma, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had always been high-achieving but privately anxious. Over the past two years, following a promotion and a relationship breakup, her anxiety spiraled into debilitating panic attacks, insomnia, and constant dread that paralyzed her work and social life. She developed a fear of leaving her apartment. Her primary care doctor, noting symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, referred her to a psychiatrist, Dr. Chen. Dr. Chen recommended a combined treatment plan: a low-dose SSRI medication to manage the physiological symptoms and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reframe her anxious thought patterns. Olivia was hesitant about medication but agreed. The first few weeks on the SSRI were difficult, with increased nausea and anxiety, but with weekly CBT sessions, she learned grounding techniques and cognitive restructuring. After 8 weeks, the medication side effects subsided, and the 'constant hum' of anxiety began to quiet. In recovery, Olivia gradually re-engaged with life, starting with short walks and eventually returning to work part-time. Her emotional journey was from feeling broken and trapped by her own mind to understanding her anxiety as a treatable condition. She now describes herself as 'managing' rather than 'being managed by' her anxiety, feeling empowered by the tools from therapy and the stability from medication.