Global Health Mini Documentary 

     During my trip, I had the opportunity, along with my classmates, to interview Dr. Neha, a clinical psychologist at Prerana Psychiatric Hospital in Mysore. This was an interview I was particularly interested in, as it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how therapeutic practices, patient experiences, and treatment approaches differ cross-culturally between the U.S. and India.

 

     This video focuses on the global health challenge of mental health stigma and access to culturally sensitive psychological care, particularly within the Indian context. To provide context, an in-depth overview of daily clinical practices at the psychiatric facility was elaborated on, describing services they offer, such as inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, psychological assessments, and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Neha details the importance of how culture shapes the role in how both patients and practitioners tackle mental illness, and how cultural beliefs, spirituality, and stigma influence what steps individuals take before seeking professional treatment.

 

     One of the most significant aspects of the interview surrounded how religion and spirituality heavily influence perceptions of mental illness within the individual and their community. In many cases, mental health services are treated as a last resort, accessed only after exhausting naturalistic elements or visits to temples, shamans, or other spiritual healers. This pattern is particularly prevalent in rural and semi-urban populations, where deeply rooted cultural beliefs and limited formal education are prevalent. Their cultural interpretations of mental illness, such as attributing symptoms to possession or religious punishment, end up working to their detriment as they delay effective treatment and may worsen symptoms. Dr. Neha shares how psychoeducation is used to bridge scientific understanding with patients’ belief systems in a respectful, integrative way. This way, when working directly with the patient to understand their beliefs, there is a higher likelihood of the patients being more open to incorporating psychological care into their lives.

 

     Neuropsychologically, Dr. Neha detailed how complex trauma, such as sexual abuse, impacts brain function, offering insight into an area that is often underrepresented and specific to my interests. Survivors may experience increased emotional reactivity, anxiety, dysregulation of neurotransmitters, along with lasting effects on memory systems such as the hippocampus and amygdala. These changes may continue to impact their lives even after the abuse has ended, which can affect their relationships with themselves and others, making daily life more difficult without appropriate therapy. This stresses the importance of treating trauma survivors with compassion, sensitivity, and patience, guiding them toward neurorehabilitation and improved functioning.

 

     This interview provides insights that are often overlooked globally but are essential for understanding the intersection of culture, trauma, and mental health. It plays a valuable role in advocating for trauma-informed and culturally responsive mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, as well as encouraging organizations, governments, and clinicians to invest in public mental health education, clinician training, and cross-cultural sensitivity. Dr. Neha’s work demonstrates how feasible, human-centered solutions (such as psychoeducation, group therapy, and value-based practice) can reduce stigma and improve outcomes for underserved communities worldwide.