How to Tackle Stress?
By Dr. Kavita Sony, Mental Wellbeing Partner
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives. Whether it’s work pressure, relationship struggles, financial worries, or simply the burden of expectations — stress creeps in, affecting both our mental and physical health. I’m Dr. Kavita Sony, a psychologist with a doctorate in psychology and a mission to be a mental wellbeing partner for those silently suffering. I’ve seen lives lost to depression — young, vibrant individuals who couldn’t find a way out of their darkness. That was my turning point.
I chose this field not just as a profession, but as a calling.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is often misunderstood. People think it’s only about being ‘mad’ or having extreme conditions. The truth is, it’s about our emotional, psychological, and social well- being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Yet, even today, when someone is struggling mentally, they often avoid seeking help.
There’s a stigma attached — the belief that needing a counsellor means you’re weak or broken. That belief is damaging. I’ve worked with countless clients who initially resisted
therapy. They felt “I’m okay, I’m not crazy.” But over time, their struggle deepened, leading them to rely on medication instead of prevention. Counselling is not a last resort — it’s an early solution.
My Journey, My Challenges
The biggest struggle I face as a mental health advocate is awareness. We need to normalize therapy, encourage open conversations, and create safe spaces. Many clients come to me only after hitting rock bottom. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Just like we visit doctors for physical ailments, we should seek help for mental pain without shame.
Despite these challenges, I’ve been blessed to receive recognition for my work, including prestigious honors such as the Bharat Ratna Samman, Padma Shri, Bharat Gaurav Ratna, National Medical Award, and accolades as Best Psychologist for Children C Adults and Best Marriage Counsellor. These awards are not just medals — they’re reminders of lives touched, crises averted, and hope restored.
A Moment of Transformation
What motivates me every day is seeing someone step out of their struggle — when a client says, “I finally feel free,” or “I’ve learned to love myself again.” That transformation is what I live for. My goal is simple but powerful: to help people move from merely surviving to truly living.
I dream of a world where people are not judged for their emotions, but supported. A world where mental health is given the same importance as physical health. Where a stressed mind finds peace, and a hurting heart finds hope.
Practical Steps to Tackle Stress
So how can you tackle stress in your daily life?
- Talk to Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group — don’t bottle it up.
- Take Disconnect from screens, go for a walk, breathe.
- Practice Meditation and journaling can help declutter your thoughts.
- Set It’s okay to say no. Protect your energy.
- Seek professional help Counselling is not weakness — it’s strength in action.
Final Thought: Learn to Live Happy
You deserve happiness. You deserve peace. Don’t wait for life to break you down before you take action. Learn to live happy — not just exist. Be proactive about your well-being. Your mind matters.
If you’d like to connect, you can find me on Instagram at @ks_counsellor_and_mor. Let’s work together to build a world that’s stress-free, one heart at a time.
