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Monday 10am - 7:30pm Tuesday 10am - 7:30pm Wednesday 10am - 7:30pm Thursday 10am - 7:30pm Friday 10am - 7:30pm Saturday 10am - 7:30pm

Aarambh Mental Health Clinic, Office No. 1, 1st floor, Westend Shopping Complex, Opposite Dmart, Aundh, Pune (2026)

Q: What is the address?

Office No. 1, 1st Floor, Westend Shopping Complex, Opposite Dmart, Aundh

04/10/2025

Prioritise your mental health this October 🧠💜
Join us every Sunday for assessments and consultations — at just ₹500. 🕓 4 PM – 7 PM

📍Aarambh Mental Health Clinic, Aundh, Pune
📱Offline & Online consultations available

02/05/2025

Understanding the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is the first step toward getting the right help. Sometimes, the best care comes from both 🙌🏻💙

We offer integrated support from both experts – book your appointment today!

31/03/2025

Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings—it’s a complex mental health condition that requires proper understanding, support, and treatment. With the right approach, stability is possible. Let’s break the stigma and spread awareness 🖤🤍

11/08/2023

Depression and Girlhood
Riya is a bright and curious child. She finds wonder in the simplest things, always seeking to understand how things work and why. Her adventurous spirit brings joy and fascination to those around her. But something changes as she gets older.
During her journey to adulthood, Riya confronts the limitations imposed on her. At 11, she is mortified by herself and fears social judgment. By 13, she strives to conform to society's expectations, sacrificing her true self to be desirable. This facade exhausts her by 14, leading to social isolation. As she turns 15, she loses interest in hobbies and seeks instant gratification. Academic pressures burden her at 16, fostering guilt and feelings of unworthiness. By 17, Riya battles self-destructive tendencies to cope with despair and low self-esteem. Feeling powerless, she settles for a career chosen by her family at 18 and struggles to adapt to university life. At 19, she questions her purpose, mourning the loss of her girlhood and feeling ill-equipped for adulthood. Riya's journey reflects the challenges faced by many young girls in the modern world.

For many girls, growing up involves a transformation from subject to object. The timeline may differ, but most girls will recognize some of their own experiences in the above example. But here is the problem: the above case also depicts typical symptoms of depression. Teens often view varying degrees of stress as normal during adolescence and not cause for seeking medical attention. In addition, depressed adolescents often underestimate the severity of their symptoms. The concept of tragic girlhood in teenage girls overlaps with the symptoms of depression that depression in teen girls is often dismissed as psychological growing pains. But the truth is that depression is not an intrinsic part of being a teenage girl. The experience of existing and functioning in a patriarchal society as a teenage girl can be a contributory factor but is not a prelude to being depressed.

Depression is a polygenic and multifactorial disorder caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological aspects. Symptoms of depression are observed to worsen during puberty, pre-menstrual phase, menopause, and pregnancy stages of life in females. Depression in teen girls can be triggered by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes during adolescence, family history of mental health issues, academic and social pressures, traumatic events, body image concerns, relationship problems, substance abuse, bullying experiences, social isolation, and negative thinking patterns. Understanding and addressing these triggers are crucial for providing appropriate support and intervention to improve the mental health and well-being of teen girls facing depression.
If you are uncertain whether someone is experiencing depression or simply going through typical teenage challenges, consider the duration, intensity, and significant changes in their behavior. While occasional mood swings and stress might be attributed to hormones and adolescence, long-term and overwhelming feelings of sadness, lack of energy, or irritability are not typical and could indicate something more serious like depression.
Meet Shreya, a 16-year-old school student. Her life was turned upside down six months ago when her family had to relocate to a different state due to her father's job transfer. Leaving behind cherished friends and a familiar school, she initially remained optimistic about new opportunities. However, the weight of the changes became overwhelming. She withdrew, feeling lost and isolated in the unfamiliar environment. Struggling to make new friends, she constantly compared them to the meaningful connections she lost, deepening her loneliness and sense of rejection. Her academic performance suffered, impacting her self-esteem. Sleep disruptions worsened her emotional distress, creating a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. Recognizing her drastic changes, her parents sought help, and Shreya was diagnosed with depression. Medication and therapy helped her journey towards regaining control and adapting to her new life, helping her rediscover joy in her hobbies and brighter days ahead.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression, so as not to disregard mental illness as regular signs of hormonal changes in teenage girls. Timely diagnosis of depression in teen girls is crucial as early identification allows for appropriate interventions that enhance the chances of recovery, preventing the condition from worsening and minimizing its impact on their overall development.
If you or someone you know has been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least two weeks, it may be time to talk to a psychiatrist: persistent sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, decreased energy, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, changes in appetite or weight, thoughts of self-harm.
Further, Depressed teens may seriously contemplate, talk about, or attempt su***de. Therefore, it is vital to take any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions seriously. Watch for warning signs like joking about su***de, expressing a desire to die, speaking positively of death, or seeking harmful means such as weapons or pills. If observed, seek immediate professional help, and involve supportive individuals like family and friends to provide necessary care and assistance to the struggling teenager.
It is essential to remember that each individual's experience with depression is unique, and not all girls will experience worsening symptoms in the same way. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, encourage them to reach out to a doctor for support and guidance.

-Tanvi Tamhane, Intern, Aarambh Mental Health Clinic

Tanvi Tamhane is a dedicated student currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in clinical psychology at Amity University. With a passion for understanding the human mind and behavior, she has chosen to focus on two particular areas of interest: women's mental health and social psychology. Tanvi's determination to contribute to these fields stems from her desire to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and society as a whole. In her free time, she enjoys to read, write and travel. Tanvi aspires to contribute meaningfully to the field of clinical psychology. Through her studies and endeavors, she seeks to bring awareness to mental health issues, particularly those impacting women, and promote a more compassionate and inclusive society.

10/08/2023

ADHD in Young Women

Ananya is a 24-year-old woman from Mumbai, India. As a child, she was a gifted student always praised for her exceptional performance in personal life and academics. Once celebrated for her exceptional grades and creativity, Ananya's academic path took a challenging turn as her classes grew more demanding. Struggling to focus, she found herself daydreaming in class, forgetting assignments, and losing the rhythm she once had. The pressure of past achievements weighed on her as she tried to adapt to the new academic landscape.

Disappointed by her performance, Ananya’s parents expressed their dissatisfaction with her declining performance, often comparing her with others and questioning why she wasn't as smart as before. She struggled all through her school life and this took a toll on her academic performance, leading to her poor performance in competitive and board exams.

Later in her 20s, after proper intervention, Ananya was diagnosed with ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). After receiving adequate treatment, support, and counseling, she noticed a hike in her professional performance and behaviour. Her story highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for individuals with ADHD. If Ananya had received appropriate interventions during her childhood, she might have been better equipped to navigate the challenges she faced as she progressed through her education.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting individuals across different life stages. Its origins are influenced by a combination of genetic factors.
The most common symptoms which can be observed include:
* Difficulty paying attention to details and making careless mistakes
* Trouble sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
* Easily distracted by external stimuli
* Forgetfulness in daily activities
* Constant fidgeting, tapping of hands or feet
* Difficulty remaining seated
* Excessive talking, or interrupting others conversations.
* Impulsive decision-making

ADHD has historically been studied and diagnosed mostly on male children, leading to under recognition and misdiagnosis of the condition in females. The prevailing perception of ADHD has often been associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are more commonly observed in boys. This biased view has hindered the understanding and recognition of the disorder in girls, since their symptoms manifest differently. Rather than displaying outward hyperactivity, girls with ADHD are more likely to demonstrate inattentiveness, daydreaming, and internal restlessness. These symptoms are often overlooked or misinterpreted as mere absent-mindedness or personality traits, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.

The gender bias in ADHD research and diagnosis has significant consequences for females with the condition. Many girls and women with ADHD may go unnoticed, as their symptoms do not fit the stereotypical image of the disorder. Consequently, they may not receive the necessary support and interventions, leading to difficulties in coping with the challenges of ADHD.
Early identification of ADHD is crucial for effective management and support. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals with ADHD, including females, can develop strategies to address their difficulties and lead fulfilling lives. One vital aspect of intervention is targeted educational support, which can help students with ADHD improve their academic performance and achieve their potential.

Diya, a young girl from Lucknow, India has been struggling with ADHD her whole life. Growing up in a lower socioeconomic status family, Diya faced challenges growing up with ADHD. Unfortunately, due to the absence of proper treatment and the prevailing ignorance about the condition, her difficulties were misunderstood and mislabeled. This led to her being labeled as "dumb" and "slow" causing her self-esteem to suffer and her potential to be overlooked. As Diya grew older, her parents ignored her potential and believed she was incapable of achieving success in academics or life. They decided to resort to arranging Diya’s marriage as a way to "fix" these personal and academic issues. Diya’s story is an example on how a lack of awareness, resources, and understanding can shape a person's life trajectory.

In an alternate scenario where Diya's parents had access to information, support, and a proper diagnosis for her ADHD, their perceptions might have shifted. With the right interventions and guidance, Diya could have had the opportunity to develop strategies to manage her condition, pursue education or vocational training tailored to her strengths, and fulfill her dreams and aspirations.

Undiagnosed females with ADHD may get caught in a distressing cycle of ignorance and struggle. Their untreated symptoms can lead to academic underachievement, self-esteem issues, and emotional challenges, limiting their future career prospects and overall well-being.
To address these issues effectively, there is a pressing need to increase awareness about the diverse presentations of ADHD in both males and females. This involves educating parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to recognize the varied symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Adopting a more inclusive approach to diagnosis and treatment is essential, considering the unique manifestations of ADHD in females.
Simultaneously, challenging harmful gender norms and societal practices is critical. Instead of resorting to harmful solutions like forced marriages, society should prioritize appropriate diagnosis, support, and evidence-based treatments for individuals with ADHD, irrespective of their gender.

In conclusion, early identification and appropriate interventions are extremely important in mitigating the impact of ADHD on a student's academic career, particularly in females. Understanding and recognizing the distinct symptoms of ADHD in girls and women is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective support. By breaking the cycle of ignorance surrounding mental health, receiving appropriate interventions, and challenging harmful gender norms, society can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with ADHD and empower them to thrive in their personal and professional life.

-Nikita Kunte, Intern, Aarambh Mental Health Clinic

Nikita Kunte is a student pursuing her bachelor's in psychology and psychiatric rehabilitation at Kean University and Rutgers University. Her academic focus centers on research and the administration of psychological tests, which reflects her interest in understanding the complexities of the human mind and behavior, is passionate about creating awareness and absolving stigma around mental illness. She also enjoys painting, traveling, reading, and swimming.

16/03/2023

We're having a camp for mental health on Sunday 19th Jan 2023. Do drop in if you have any queries or want a quick checkup for your mental health

01/06/2022

17th April:

It was not the usual Sunday on the 17th of April 2022. That morning was special as I had the opportunity to interact with my mentor Dr. Anand Nadkarni Sir (a renowned Psychiatrist with extensive work in community psychiatry, writer and poet) over a nice warm cup of coffee. The conversation started with me telling sir about how my training for Ironman event was going on. At the same time, I gathered the courage to tell sir about my dream. A dream which I had envisioned when I started learning psychiatry and at the same time was also pursuing my triathlon pursuits. And within a few minutes of that interaction, I had a whole blueprint in front of me about this project with help of Sir’s guidance and inputs! A dream which in my head, was up till that point about integration of mental health and triathlon (read: role of mental health in an athlete’s life), now not only had a name but also a clear and concise goal and aims. This was the birth of :

MISSION TRIDENT ! - TOWARDS A 'MIND'FUL ATHLETE.
A mission to raise awareness about mental health of athlete’s - through my Ironman journey.

While we were discussing and had already started building castles in air (secondary to the possibilities that were coming to our mind), Savita tai (a psychologist and Dr. Nadkarni sir’s wife) noticed this and asked us what the conversation was about.

Dr. Nadkarni: आमच ना खुप मोथा plan बनल अहे, दोन्वरशाचा! (We have just prepared a big plan for 2 years).

Savita Tai: अच्चा, काय plan? (Okay, what plan?)

Dr. Nadkarni: आमी ना, ट्रायथलॉन अनी मानसिक स्वास्थ्य जोडून एक जागरूकता प्रकल्प कर्नार आहोट (We are making a project that integrates triathlon and mental health).

Savita tai: जोडा जोडा, नक्की जोडा! (Yes yes, go ahead)

And we burst out laughing as finally we were brought back to reality (after building a few castles in the air!).

20th April:

A few days later, I was cruising through the trails of Baner hill with my training group (read: the mad tribe !). My legs felt strong and I was enjoying the feeling of wind gushing through my hair in the backdrop of coach’s instructions. While one part of my mind was focused on running the trail, the other was also experiencing the physical fatigue from the long training session 2 days back (a 5.5-6hr session of 100km cycling followed by 17km running ).

Me: Devika, Why do you take on so much physical stress? Isn’t your work, clinic already tiring? That you choose to spend the only free day you get in training the whole day?

(The other) Me: See ya.. that’s true, but there is a higher purpose to this, right? Afterall, all things, good or bad have some or the other outcome.

Me: Accha, yes that is true. Then besides me being able to complete Ironman Kazakastan, what else will this journey be about?

And then just as I was lost in my own chatter, it struck me.

My journey to pursue my triathlon pursuits, was about not only to seek answer to “Who am I?”, rather it was more about, “ Who I can be?”.

2008:

Back in 2008, I knew who I was. According to me (back then), I was a person who was shy, timid, innocent, under confident and dealing with my own inferiority complex related issues.

In June 2008, when I first entered the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), for Basic Mountaineering course in Manali, for the first time I realised who I could be in my life.

Through the month long course, I saw that I could be :

• More confident, more fearless.

• Could be a part of and belong to a community.

• Could be a good team member and a leader too (when the need arises).

• Risk taker (surviving a night alone in jungle, crossing a crevasse alone are good risks that we were taught to handle in the course).

• Compete with boys!

• And most important of all, have the courage to explore and pursue my own interests.

Current day:

So, my journey of being a psychiatrist who is embarking on doing her second Ironman event in August 2022, is about exploring and experiencing the answers to “Who I can be?”

With subsequent blogs, I shall take you with me, through my good, bad, ugly, ecstatic and also exalting journey of training, work and life !

Dr. Devika Patil
Consultant Sports Psychiatrist
Aarambh Mental Health Clinic

28/03/2022

DEPRESSION IN WOMEN- WHY IS IT DIFFERENT?

Depression is a common mental health disorder that goes beyond “just feeling sad or low”. Research has now shown that depression in women is more common than men and also differs from depression in men, which can be attributed to various biological, socio-cultural, environmental and medical causes specific to women. So let’s try to understand why these differences exist:

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN:

1. Hormonal:. Women are at an increased risk of developing depression during puberty and menopause due to changes in hormonal levels. Pregnancy and child birth may also precipitate depressive symptoms. Along with this, cyclical changes in mood can also be seen before me**es.

2. Socio-cultural : Women are subjected to many major life events like marriage, pregnancy, child birth, motherhood, balancing career with family, raising children, etc. These events can prove to be triggers for some women. Also, the societal expectations of women keeping their needs below their family’s needs can be a hindrance to recognising symptoms of depression.

3. Medical conditions: Due to their unique biology, women are prone to develop certain prevalent medical conditions like anaemia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiencies, osteoarthritis, etc. which, give rise to low mood, irritability, sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, weight gain, lack of concentration which resembles depression.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN:

Depression in women can look different from men in following way:

1. More likely to experience anxiety, panic attacks along with negative thoughts and overthinking and feeling guilty.
2. More often related to a stressful life event.
3. More likely to attempt su***de in the depressive phase.
4. More prone to developing an eating disorder.
5. The risk of developing depression is earlier as compared to men due to hormonal changes seen in puberty.
6. More prone to have multiple depressive episodes in life.

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION :

The lack of access to health care resources specially mental health care services along with the associated misinformation and stigma makes it challenging for women to recognise and seek help for this condition. But an untreated depressive episode can have long lasting and profound effects not only on women but also on her family.

1. Assessment : A mental health professional can make a detailed assessment regarding the symptoms, it’s association with other medical conditions and severity of the condition.

2. Medications: Unlike popular misconception, medications don’t make one dependant or harmful for your health. Rather they work to stabilise the hormonal and cellular imbalances in your brain.

3. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Behavioural Therapy, REBT, psychoeducation have been found to be effective along with medications.

07/03/2022

As humans, each of us struggle to do a balancing act in life. Balance between work, family responsibilities, social life and hobbies.

However, is finding a balance merely a physical process? Let us try to understand more on this.

Our brain has a unique mechanism to maintain a stable state of body's internal environment in accordance to its external environment. In simpler terms, the tendency of the body to maintain its own balance which is under the control of brain is called "Homeostasis". For eg: when it's hot outside , we tend to sweat more to dissipate the heat, when it's cold we shiver which produces heat. In a similar way the brain not only adjusts to the environmental challenges but also to emotional, behavioural, cognitive challenges.

Thus it is a constant dynamic state and not a static state. It is a process and not a destination. Balance takes time and conscious self awareness.

While some of us prefer to focus on a single aspect of life at one time and devote a major amount of our time and energy on it, some of us like to work on multiple aspects of life with lesser amount of time and energy.

In the end, there is no right/wrong way. But each of us ultimately has to find our own way!

-Aarambh Mental Health Clinic

05/03/2022

Finally time to break in some big news!

Aarambh Mental health Clinic is now all ready to offer offline services!

We were blessed to have Dr. Anand Nadkarni sir, a renowned psychiatrist, also a writer and the founder of Institute of Psychological Health to grace the occasion. We thank our family, our teachers and collegues who have contributed immensely for our growth.

Find us at :
Office no. 1, first floor, Westend shopping complex, opposite Dmart, Aundh, Pune- 411007.

To book an appointment call 8857933225/9082835771.

22/02/2022

ONE NAME, MANY FORMS..

Depression is one of the leading cause of temporary dysfunction/poor quality of life worldwide. When we hear some one being "depressed" what do you imagine that person to be like?

Probably, being withdrawn, not interacting with people around him, not being able to sleep properly, feeling sad, anxious, crying excessively and so on.
Yes, this can be one of the possible presentations.

However is this the only way a person with depression can present?

Though the feelings and the mental state of an individual can be similar but it can look different for different people, because we all are a result of unique genetic make up and it's interaction with the environment.

So, it may also look like:
1. A person who's able to do his work, but the productivity of work is affected due to reduced concentration and motivation. He may still be able to interact with people around him, but feels empty, isolated inside.

2. A child refusing to go to school, refusing to play with his peers, appearing more irritable than usual, not performing well in class, getting tearful easily.

3. A mother, post delivery, unable to handle her emotions, not getting good sleep, feeling 'blue' most of the times.

4. An elderly individual having mood changes like irritability, agitation, anxiety, sleep disturbances, low appetite, who has decreased their interactions with others.

For some, it might be a single episode, for some they might have to deal with it more than once and for some it may be a life long, recurrent illness.

The reason that we are talking about this, is to explain that depression has many ways of showing itself in different people. The presentations are as many as the people in the world. So if you suspect that someone may have features of depression, it's a good idea to take a second look. Because depression is a TREATABLE condition. And together, we can try to minimize it's effect on ourselves and our loved ones.

- Aarambh Mental Health Clinic

18/02/2022

I LOVE (ME)!

“Main apni favorite hoon!”

We all remember the time when the above dialogue from the movie “Jab we met (2007)” had become viral. long with its much-loved story line, it also brought into the limelight the character played by Kareena Kapoor, a free-spirited girl, who wanted to live her life on her own terms. While she was not only breaking stereotyped barriers, she also addressed an important aspect of one self: self love.

However, it’s also true that self love doesn’t come equally and naturally to all of us. If we think of self love as a part of our personality, it can be shaped by numerous factors which includes one’s genetic makeup, life experiences, social relations and cultural background.

While there is no definition or a straightforward answer to what is self love, let us go through some personality traits which contribute to self love:

1. Awareness of one’s strength and weakness.
2. Acceptance of one’s self completely.
3. Willingness to work towards a better version of self.
4. Feeling empathetic towards self and others.
5. Ability to recognize and acknowledge one’s emotional needs (healthy and unhealthy).
6. Respecting one’s physical, mental, spiritual and emotional space.
7. Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with others.

Ultimately, what we need to understand here is that self love is a process. We might be bombarded with “tips/techniques to love yourself more” through social media and other means, but what we ultimately need to understand is self love is a process. There might not be an end or destination, but, the process towards self love can itself prove to be an enriching and fulfilling life experience with it’s share of highs and lows.

Dr. Devika Patil
Aarambh Mental Health Clinic, Aundh, Pune
9356277203

Aarambh Mental Health Clinic

04/10/2025

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Monday	10am - 7:30pm
Tuesday	10am - 7:30pm
Wednesday	10am - 7:30pm
Thursday	10am - 7:30pm
Friday	10am - 7:30pm
Saturday	10am - 7:30pm