Meet Shubhrata Prakash, An IRS Officer Turned Author On A Journey To Raise Awareness About Mental Health

In today's society, discussions surrounding mental health have become increasingly vital. Many people may be grappling with mental health issues without a clear understanding of their condition. Depression, a significant mental disorder can range from mild to severe and can stem from various causes. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable lack of open dialogue on this subject. Shubhrata Prakash, India's pioneering civil servant, has taken the lead in openly addressing and discussing mental health matters.

As part of Her Zindagi's latest campaign, 'Shakti Rupena Sansthita,' we are here to share the remarkable stories of women who have become powerful role models by shattering the barriers and motivating countless other women. Today, we'll take you through the inspirational journey of Shubhrata Prakash, an IRS officer, dedicated to tackling mental health issues and raising awareness about how societal stigmas in India can intensify mental health challenges.

Who Is Shubhrata Prakash?

Shubhrata Prakash is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, presently serving as the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax (IT), New Delhi. Throughout her extensive fifteen-year career, she has held diverse roles within the IT department. Her professional experience spans corporate taxation, intelligence, and criminal investigation, as well as internal vigilance. In addition to her work in the civil service, she is also an accomplished author, having written 'The D Word: A Survivor's Guide to Depression,' and a collection of poems titled 'Ink on Water.'

What Inspired Shubhrata Prakash To Talk About Mental Health Problems?

When we asked Shubhrata why she chose to openly discuss her struggles with mental health, (how loneliness affects mental health) she explained that one of the primary reasons was the lack of open conversation on the topic. Mental health issues are prevalent in society but due to various factors, with stigma being a major one, people often refrain from discussing them. She emphasised that this silence impacts everyone, which is why everyone needs to engage in conversations about mental health.

Opening up about her battle, Shubhrata revealed that she faced a dual struggle: managing her mental health disorder and dealing with the anxiety and societal stigma that came with it. She recalled how people would question her, saying things like, ‘Why are you depressed? You should be grateful.’ These questions led her to self-blame and internalise the stigmas surrounding mental health. However, after conducting extensive research and coming across literature online, she realised that mental health problems were not openly discussed as they should be.

Through her research, Shubhrata gained a deeper understanding of depression, which led to her realisation that she didn't need to blame herself. She made a conscious decision, saying, ‘I'm not going to let people shame me for my mental disorder. If people are not ashamed of having diabetes, why should I feel ashamed for having depression.’

Shubhrata Prakash On Mental Health Problems In The Workplace

Shubhrata emphasises the importance of having understanding colleagues. Given her leadership position, she acknowledged that her subordinates might not come from more privileged social backgrounds and may lack the resources to openly discuss mental health issues. She has made it a point to create a safe and supportive environment for her staff. Shubhrata shared, ‘Having supportive seniors in the workplace is important, and I have created that space for my subordinates. My colleagues can always come to me with their mental health problems and know that I will never stigmatise them.’

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Shubhrata Prakash’s Suggestion On When To Ask For Help?

Shubhrata believes that feeling low is a common human experience that can occur at any point in life, and it's a natural emotion. However, when someone undergoes significant changes, such as frequent ‘weepy’ days, changes in appetite (either eating too much or too little), and experiences various symptoms, it's important to differentiate between ordinary sadness and clinical depression.

She suggests that the right time to seek help is when an individual becomes dysfunctional and is unable to carry out their daily activities. Significant changes in thoughts may also be an indicator of depression. Shubhrata emphasises that the sooner you seek help, the better it is for your well-being. However, she advises against self-diagnosis and encourages anyone with doubts to consult a therapist and ask for professional help.

Shubhrata Prakash’s ADHD Journey

Shubhrata shared her journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), revealing that she had always been an inattentive child and only teachers with clear enunciation could capture her attention. In 2014, her psychiatrist prescribed ADHD medications, which significantly improved her attentiveness during training classes. Subsequently, Shubhrata researched on the internet and identified the symptoms associated with ADHD.

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She reached out to her psychiatrist, but initially, the doctor dismissed the possibility, citing her position as an IRS officer. However, this idea continued to linger in her mind, and a few years later, she received a tentative diagnosis of ADHD.

Shubhrata Prakash On Effects of Social Media Built Around Mental Health

Shubhrata believes that influencers discussing mental health can sometimes be problematic because credibility is essential, and there's a risk of spreading misinformation. She emphasises the importance of family support, as when families aren't supportive, individuals might turn to social media for guidance.

She notes that words like ‘toxic,’ ‘gaslight,’ and ‘red flag’ are sometimes used indiscriminately on social media. Shubhrata underscores the significance of having a clear understanding of mental health, as not every instance of feeling low or sad equates to depression. Seeking professional help is crucial.

In the end, Shubhrata conveys the message that it's perfectly okay not to be okay. She encourages people not to self-diagnose and to seek professional assistance. There's no need to feel ashamed and individuals shouldn't allow societal stigmatisation to affect them. Shubhrata also highlights that even if someone has a mental health condition, it's possible to manage it and lead a happy life. The key is to receive treatment and effectively manage the condition.

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