Seema Hingorrany

What roles do you need to juggle as both a therapist and a trauma specialist?

I am a friend, a listener, a confidante and therapist all at once. It is important to be transparent with your patients.

How are the depressed ‘people-pleasers’?

Those who have low self-esteem tend to conceal their weakness by trying to please everyone. There are others who withdraw.

Many celebs fall prey to depression. Has it to do with fame?

The constant pressure of expectations, the lack of appreciation and feeling unwanted when things don’t work your way.

Would depression explain Asha Bhosle’s daughter Varsha’s suicide?

Yes, she was depressed. But to what extent, I don’t know. There can come a time when a person just snaps. It can happen to anyone.

Why so few trauma specialists in India?

India is way behind in mental health because of social taboos. The conventional school of therapy still holds sway. There are only three or four trauma specialists here.

Do superstitions still rule over therapy?

People in the 18-30 age bracket are open to counselling. Those above 40 prefer consulting astrologers or even tarot card readers.

Do you think the mentally ill should have a say on their treatment?

It depends on the patient’s condition. You can’t expect an incoherent, dysfunctional person to know what line of treatment to follow.

Is the risk of depression higher in women?

Not really. Women are more prone because of hormonal changes, environmental and family pressure. Men go into masked depression, they don’t always speak up.

Your book Beating the Blues is due out.

On October 26. It’s a road to recovery for those suffering various depressive disorders.

Have you ever been depressed?

No. Strong genes and a busy career help.