Indian Addiction and Recovery Blog

From Me to Mom: Coping with the Loss of Your Old Self After Having a Baby

Akansha Sahay

August 11, 2025

Becoming a mother is often seen as one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. But what happens when you feel like you’ve lost your old self in the process? It’s a topic that’s rarely discussed, and often not openly shared, because society tends to expect mothers to embrace motherhood with complete joy, without hesitation. However, many new mothers experience…

What Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and How Can It Help You?

Akansha Sahay

August 5, 2025

Therapy can take many forms. For some, it means exploring the past, understanding patterns, and healing old wounds. For others, it might look like learning skills to manage stress, anxiety, or relationships in the present. While many therapies dive deep into why a problem exists, SFBT focuses on what’s working and what’s next. It’s a short-term, practical method that helps…

Journaling with AI: How to Use ChatGPT as a Non-Judgmental Writing Companion

Akansha Sahay

July 31, 2025

Journaling is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to understand yourself better. Whether you're trying to process emotions, reflect on your day, or make sense of a difficult experience, putting thoughts into words can help create clarity and calm. Research has shown that expressive writing can lower stress, boost your mood, and even improve immune function (Pennebaker &…

Body-Based Tools for Managing Addiction and Emotional Triggers

Akansha Sahay

July 30, 2025

If you’ve ever felt a strong craving or emotional trigger out of nowhere, you’re not alone. These moments can feel really overwhelming like your body is taking over before your mind can even think. That’s because addiction and emotional triggers don’t just start in your thoughts. They often start in your body. Studies show that addiction is closely linked to…

SFBT Techniques for When You Feel Stuck or Unmotivated

Akansha Sahay

July 28, 2025

We all feel stuck sometimes. Whether it's getting out of bed, starting a task, or just finding the energy to care, it can feel like we’re frozen in place. Motivation doesn’t always show up when we need it most. In those moments, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s not working. We often look at the whole mountain of tasks…

ChatGPT is Not a Therapist: Understanding the Limits of AI in Emotional Support

Akansha Sahay

July 24, 2025

“Can I talk to ChatGPT like a therapist?” is a question many have been asking and talking about lately. ChatGPT has become a go‑to for mental health queries. People ask it for comfort, advice, and a listening ear. There have been these memes and reels going around how ChatGPT is ones best friend, partner and therapist who they like to…

When You’re Not Ready for Therapy Yet; Can AI Be a Starting Point?

Akansha Sahay

July 9, 2025

Starting therapy can feel like a big step and if you’re not quite there yet, that’s okay. Whether it’s fear, uncertainty, cost, or just not knowing where to begin, there are many reasons people delay getting professional mental health support. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck. In recent years, AI-powered tools like ChatGPT have opened up new…

Curiosity, Craving, Compulsion and More: Breaking Down the 5 Cs of Addiction

Akansha Sahay

July 8, 2025

Addiction doesn’t usually begin with a crisis. It often begins with something as simple as a question, “What would it feel like?” That question, that moment of curiosity, can be the first step on a path many don’t realize they’re walking until it’s hard to turn back. Whether it’s alcohol, nicotine, substances, or behaviors like gambling or binge eating, addiction…

What Is Somatic Therapy and How Does It Work?

Akansha Sahay

July 3, 2025

Have you ever felt anxious or overwhelmed and noticed your shoulders tensing, breath getting shallow, or stomach tying into knots? That’s your body responding to stress, even if your mind hasn't caught up yet. Somatic therapy is a type of body-centered therapy that understands emotional pain doesn't just live in your thoughts, it lives in your body too. While traditional…

Could I Have Postpartum Depression? Signs to Watch For

Akansha Sahay

Welcoming a new baby can bring a mix of emotions, joy, love, excitement, and sometimes, sadness and overwhelm. It’s normal to feel a little emotional after childbirth. Many new mothers experience the “baby blues”, feeling weepy, tired, or anxious in the first few days after delivery. But when these feelings last longer or get worse, it could be something more…

Before You Call Someone a Narcissist, Read This

Akansha Sahay

June 17, 2025

You’ve probably heard someone say it, “I think she’s a narcissist” Maybe you’ve even said it yourself after a tough argument or when someone acted selfishly. These days, the word narcissist is everywhere, from casual conversations to social media reels, and it’s often used to describe anyone who hurt us, disappointed us, or didn’t meet our expectations. But before you…

Urban vs rural living and its impact on mental well-being

Akansha Sahay

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common for people to move away from their hometowns and their families, for work or study. Just a generation or two ago, this was far less typical. If your parents or grandparents live in a rural area, you’ve probably noticed just how different their lifestyle is. Maybe you’ve even come across dreamy Instagram reels romanticizing…

The Link Between Diet and Mental Health

Akansha Sahay

June 10, 2025

Have you ever noticed how eating a warm, home-cooked meal makes you feel calmer or more satisfied? Or how bingeing on junk food during a stressful time can leave you feeling more anxious or low the next day? There’s a growing body of research showing that what we eat can directly impact how we feel. Food isn’t just fuel, it’s…

The Hidden Link Between PCOD and Mental Health: What You Need to Know

Akansha Sahay

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting people assigned female at birth, especially during their reproductive years. It’s often talked about in terms of weight gain, irregular periods, acne, or fertility struggles. But there’s another side of PCOD that often gets ignored i.e. its impact on mental health. Living with PCOD can be emotionally…

25 ChatGPT Prompts for Self-Reflection, Healing, and Personal Growth

Akansha Sahay

May 30, 2025

Ever feel like you have so much going on inside but no idea where to begin unpacking it? Self-reflection is important but let’s be honest, staring at a blank journal page can feel overwhelming. That’s where ChatGPT or other AI tools can help. Think of it as a gentle guide someone who asks the right questions, listens without judgment, and…