Mental health is a complex topic where real issues are ignored but false assumptions and misinformation are paraded as the truth. In this episode, we look at some of these myths and their effects and get an expert view on the mental health situation in India and the way forward. Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Debanjan Banerjee joins us on this episode.

Un-Viral is a podcast where we tackle that dangerous combination of the two kinds of virality—misinformation about health. Tune in to discern the real from the fake, and remember to Un-Viral.

Resources:

1. Mental health consequences of COVID-19 media coverage: the need for effective crisis communication practices 
2. A study of Patients attending Mehendipur Balaji Temple: Psychiatric and psychodynamic aspects
3. India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people: How telemedicine can bridge the gap between health experts and patients?
4. Mental health implications of COVID-19 pandemic and its response in India
5. National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16
6. Indian mental health statistics on World Economic Forum
7. WHO Resources on Mental Health, India
8. Myths and misconceptions on Mental Health: UNICEF, NCBI
9. Mental Health programs in schools: WHO Framework
10. Mental Health Resources/Tips: MoHFW, The Indian Express
11. List of verified resources/mental health helplines: Vogue, Ticketfairy, Grazia

Researcher - Nanditha Kalidoss
Writer, Host, Producer - Parvati Mohan
Editor, Designer - Jyothi Jeeru and Suresh Dharavath