Breaking the Silence: Dr Aninda Sidhana on Mental Health, Trauma, and Redefining Strength

In a world where silence still surrounds so many women’s mental health struggles, especially those tied to sexuality and trauma, voices like Dr Aninda Sidhana’s are not just important—they are essential.

In this compelling episode of The AboutHer Show, I had the honour of speaking with Dr Aninda Sidhana, a renowned Psychiatrist and Psychosexual Medicine Specialist, educator, and survivor-advocate. What emerged from our conversation wasn’t just insight—it was a powerful blueprint for what it truly means to listen, support, and build systems that serve women’s well-being in a more meaningful way.

If you’ve ever felt that the conversations around gender, health, and emotional resilience need a deeper, more inclusive lens, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Meet Dr Aninda Sidhana: Redefining Mental Health Advocacy

Dr Aninda Sidhana is a distinguished mental health professional with over a decade of experience across general hospital psychiatry and tertiary neuropsychiatry care. Her areas of expertise range from stress management and addiction to marital therapy and complex psychiatric conditions. But what truly sets her apart is her focus on psychosexual medicine—particularly the mental health challenges women face that are often left in the shadows.

Also Read: Healing Out Loud- Sid Mallya on Mental Health, Rejection & Reinvention

Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Dr S.S. Tantia M.C.H. & Research Centre and Guest Faculty at JSS Mysore, she is also a writer, educator, and fierce advocate for gender equality. As a survivor of gender-based violence herself, Dr Sidhana brings a deeply personal perspective to her professional mission: to break the silence around women’s trauma, sexuality, and emotional recovery, and to redefine strength on women’s terms.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Redefining Masculinity is Key to Combating GBV

Dr Sidhana doesn’t just work with women—she works to shift the societal structures around them. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered on how masculinity needs to be redefined. “We cannot solve gender-based violence by only focusing on women,” she says. “We must bring men into the conversation—not just as allies, but as participants in unlearning and rebuilding.

Sexual Health and Mental Health Are Inseparable

Women’s sexual wellness is still a taboo topic, especially in India. Dr Sidhana emphasised that sexual dissatisfaction, trauma, or shame often manifest as emotional or psychological disorders. She advocates for integrated treatment that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of women’s health, and urges for greater sex education tailored for women.

The Power of Lived Experience

As a survivor herself, Dr Sidhana’s voice carries not just clinical authority but deep emotional resonance. She shared how her personal journey of healing has made her a more empathetic, aware clinician—and why she believes lived experience is vital in shaping better mental health care models.

Women’s Mental Health Needs Systemic Support

While awareness is increasing, Dr Sidhana pointed out that many mental health policies and services still don’t address the unique realities of women—be it postpartum depression, work-life stress, or trauma recovery. She calls for more structured support through public health systems, corporate wellness programs, and educational reform.

Self-Care for Caregivers

One of the quieter yet most powerful moments in our conversation was when Dr Sidhana talked about her own self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” she said. Whether it’s journaling, a walk in nature, or deep breathing, she insists that every caregiver—professional or personal—must create space for themselves to decompress and heal.

Listen to the Full Episode: Click here to listen on Spotify

💬 A Quote to Carry With You

“Empowering women is not just about giving them a voice, but also about creating a society where their voices are heard, valued, and respected. When women rise, we all rise together.”

— DrAninda Sidhana, The AboutHer Show

Sid’s story is a reminder that sometimes, sharing our story becomes someone else’s survival guide. He came forward not because he had everything figured out, but because he believed that even one honest conversation could spark change.

Also Read: He Won’t Say Much. That Doesn’t Mean He’s Fine.

Join the Movement

This episode isn’t just an interview—it’s a call to action.

Whether you’re someone who works in mental health, someone who has experienced trauma, or simply someone who believes in equity and emotional well-being, this is a conversation to lean into. Listen. Reflect. Share. Because the more we talk, the more we normalize healing.

💬 Leave us a comment, tag a friend, or share your thoughts using #TheAboutHerShow
📢 Let’s raise our voices—together.