Dhyan Sreenivasan plans to launch 'mental health through laughter' platform

Malayalam actor Dhyan Sreenivasan has earned the moniker 'interview star,' thanks to his hit interviews, which people often love even more than his movies for their fun content. For many, watching snippets from his interview is famously a stress-busting activity. Interestingly, the actor recently revealed his thoughts on turning his ability to ease people's stress into a mental health service.

In an interview with influencer Pearle Maaney, Dhyan said that he is in talks to put together a start-up facility, collaborating with psychologists, for mental health. At the interview, Dhyan said, "The current work culture is extremely helpful and many people are into therapy and counselling. Many haven't realised how stressed they are, or don't understand the difference between psychology and psychiatry. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, OCD, bipolar, post-traumatic disorders, sleeping disorders and the like are really rampant and they are all connected with stress." Dhyan opines that laughter can be an effective solution for all these issues. 

He confessed that many people often text him how they listen to his interviews as a relaxing activity. Dhyan referred to the now popular Bangalore-based mental health app, Rocket Health, where people can book appointments to avail themselves of the services of psychologists. "I am also thinking of starting a platform where people can come and talk to me. Many don't have anyone to talk to and are suffering even from sleep and gut health issues, which are connected to mental health," said Dhyan. The host, Pearle, who is also into motivational speaking, expressed interest in being part of the initiative.  

Laughter Therapy
Also known as 'Humour Therapy,' it is a complementary therapy used as part of many treatments to help patients relieve pain. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is even used to help cope with serious diseases and includes laughter exercises, books, puzzles, clowns, comedy movies and games as part of it. The Mayo Clinic also says that there is ample data on the long-term and short-term benefits of laughter therapy. While it can stimulate organs, soothe tension and relieve stress responses in the short term, laughter also can improve mood, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction and thereby amp up our immune system, long-term. Interestingly, even if it feels a little forced, turning the corners of your mouth to crack a smile has its benefits.