The next iconic woman to feature in our Super Women series is Dr. Anjali Chhabria – India’s leading psychiatrist and psychotherapist and author of the book Death is Not The Answer: Understanding Suicide and the Ways to Prevent It. Dr. Chhabria has been contributing to the field of mental health for the last two and a half decades. She runs Mindtemple – a mental health center in Mumbai that takes care of the psychiatric, emotional, and behavioral needs of individuals. She is also a trained past-life regression therapist, hypnotist, and has introduced innovative treatment modalities aimed at constantly improving patient care. With International Women’s Day just around the corner, our correspondent Ideal D’Souza interviewed Dr. Anjali Chhabria about her professional life and the challenges faced by her in her path to success.
What inspired you to become the person you are today?
My mother taught me to speak out my mind without any fear and my dad helped me to work for perfection. They always taught me to be truthful and honest in whatever I do. My mother-in-law wanted me to realize my dreams. All of them ensured that I got the opportunities they could not get and it was with their support that I aimed high and broke the barriers slowly but surely. My kids continue to give me inspiration, even today as they want me to achieve greater heights. Last but not the least, each patient of mine has inspired me to do the best for them and work harder. I feel that I still have miles to go. My main goal is to reduce suicide rates in India and the world as a whole.
Why did you pursue Psychiatry as your profession?
The human mind always intrigued me. I used to wonder what triggered people to behave in a particular manner. I choose this field almost instantly and effortlessly realizing that this was my calling. I was helping people to choose life over death and giving them a ray of hope. This profession allowed me to help people smile after years of sadness and helped them get over their fears.
What are some of the challenges you faced as a woman as you carved out your career path and also life as a whole?
I belonged to a traditional Indian family. I was the first doctor of the family so I had to really request the family for continuing my higher studies. The social stigma attached to being a psychiatrist proved to be a major challenge as people believed that this is not a woman’s job and said things like “Paagal ho Jayegi” and that there is no difference between a patient and a psychiatrist. People have asked me if I am a psychologist since the field was male-dominated. I remember going to a conference where I was the only woman among 100 male colleagues.
Anything that you would like to speak on the issue of women’s mental health in India?
Mental health is generally a neglected area, particularly in women. Women suffer more in India.
Any message for all women out there on Women’s Day?
Do we celebrate Men’s Day? No, right! So likewise we should stop celebrating Women’s Day as every day is rightfully ours. Let’s stop discriminating on the basis of gender and be truly equal in all ways.
