Call
+918447748545

Published on: Apr 29, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Guide To Psychiatry And Counseling

Psychiatry and counseling are two important but often misunderstood professional fields. Psychiatry is a medical field that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, while counseling is a helping profession that focuses on assisting people with personal and psychological problems. Both psychiatry and counseling can be incredibly helpful for people struggling with mental health issues. However, there are some important distinctions between the two fields. Here is a guide to help you understand the basics of psychiatry and counseling:

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed additional training in psychiatric care. This allows them to prescribe medication for mental illness, as well

There are many different branches of psychiatry and counseling, each with its own focus and area of expertise. However, there are some general guidelines that can be helpful when seeking out these services. First, it is important to understand what you are hoping to achieve through psychiatric or counseling services. Do you want to address a specific issue or concern? Are you seeking long-term therapy to help improve your overall mental health? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, it will be easier to find the right type of professional help. Next, research different psychiatrists and counselors in your area. Read reviews and compare credentials to find someone who feels like the right fit for you personally.

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. Mental illnesses are characterized by changes in thinking, mood or behavior that can result in distress or impaired functioning. There are many different types of mental illness, with symptoms that range from mild to severe. Mental illnesses can be temporary or long-lasting. They can also be mild, moderate or severe. treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the illness.

If you think you may have a mental illness, it is important to see your doctor or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis. Psychiatry and counseling are two highly important but often misunderstood fields. There is a lot of confusion about what each one entails, and many people are unsure about which one to seek out for help with specific issues. Psychiatry is a medical field that deals with mental health disorders. psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialized in mental health, and they are able to prescribe medication for mental disorders. Counseling, on the other hand, is not a medical field but rather a branch of psychology that focuses on talk therapy.

Psychiatry and counseling are two very important disciplines that can help people improve their mental health. Both psychiatrists and counselors provide valuable services to their patients, but there are some key differences between the two. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health. They have completed medical school and have received training in diagnosing and treating mental illness. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, which can be an important part of treatment for many conditions. Counselors are not medical doctors, but they complete training in mental health topics such as psychology, human development, and family dynamics. Counselors often provide talk therapy, which can be extremely helpful in resolving personal issues or coping with difficult life circumstances.

Psychiatry and counseling are both important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to mental health. When you seek out help for your mental health, it is important to find a professional who can Match YOUR NEEDS with an appropriate therapy. For many people, symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression can be relieved with medications prescribed by a psychiatrist. talking to a counselor or therapy can also be incredibly helpful.

However, finding the right professional to help you work through your mental health struggles is not always easy. It can take time to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. It can be difficult to keep track of all the different types of mental health care providers and what each type offers. This guide will help you understand the difference between psychiatrists and counselors so that you can make an informed decision about which type of provider is right for you.

While there are similarities between psychiatry and counseling, there are also important differences. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete four years of medical school and four years of residency training in psychiatry. This means they are able to prescribe medication, which is an important part of treating mental illness. Counselors, on the other hand, do not have a medical degree. Instead, they complete a master’s degree in counseling, which typically takes two to three years.

Read Blog

Walking Meetings via Voice Chat: A Smarter Way to Boost Health and Productivity in Remote Teams

Remote work has transformed how teams collaborate, but it has also increased sedentary behaviour. Long hours of sitting in front of screens contribute to fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and reduced mental focus. In this context, walking meetings conducted via voice chat have emerged as a simple yet effective corporate wellness practice that aligns productivity with health.

Walking meetings do not require additional time, special equipment or complex planning. They simply reimagine how meetings are conducted.

The Sedentary Challenge in Remote Work

According to WHO and ICMR data:

prolonged sitting increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal problems
remote employees often sit longer than office-based workers
screen fatigue negatively affects mental health and productivity

Traditional video meetings unintentionally reinforce inactivity.

What Are Walking Meetings?

Walking meetings are conversations held while participants walk instead of sitting.

In remote settings, these meetings:

are conducted via voice calls
eliminate the need for video screens
allow participants to move freely

They are ideal for one-on-one discussions, team check-ins and brainstorming sessions.

Why Voice Chat Works Best for Walking Meetings

Voice-only meetings:

reduce screen dependency
allow safer movement
encourage active listening

Without visual distractions, participants often engage more deeply in conversation.

Health Benefits of Walking Meetings

Reduced Sedentary Time

Even short walks help:

improve blood circulation
reduce stiffness
activate muscles

WHO recommends breaking prolonged sitting every 30–60 minutes.

Cardiovascular Support

Regular walking:

improves heart health
lowers blood pressure
supports metabolic health

Incorporating movement into meetings contributes to daily activity goals.

Musculoskeletal Relief

Walking reduces:

neck and back strain
shoulder tension
joint stiffness

This is particularly valuable for desk-bound employees.

Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits

Improved Focus and Creativity

Movement increases blood flow to the brain.

Studies cited by Lancet show that walking enhances:

problem-solving
creativity
memory recall

Many people report clearer thinking during walking discussions.

Stress Reduction

Walking helps:

lower cortisol levels
improve mood
reduce mental fatigue

This supports emotional wellbeing in high-pressure work environments.

Productivity Benefits for Organisations

Walking meetings:

reduce meeting fatigue
improve engagement
shorten meeting duration due to focused discussion

Employees often return to tasks feeling refreshed rather than drained.

Cultural Shift Toward Wellness-Oriented Work

Encouraging walking meetings signals:

trust in employees
commitment to wellbeing
flexibility in work culture

This improves morale and retention.

How to Implement Walking Meetings in Remote Teams

Simple steps include:

designating certain meetings as “audio-only”
encouraging participants to walk indoors or outdoors
keeping meetings concise
sharing agendas in advance

Clear guidelines ensure safety and effectiveness.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Best practices include:

avoiding walking in unsafe or crowded areas
using earphones for clarity
walking at a comfortable pace
pausing movement when taking notes

Inclusivity is important—walking should be optional, not mandatory.

Who Benefits Most from Walking Meetings?

Walking meetings are especially helpful for:

remote workers
hybrid teams
roles with frequent discussions
employees experiencing screen fatigue

They are less suitable for data-heavy presentations.

Walking Meetings as Part of Corporate Wellness Programs

Walking meetings complement:

ergonomics initiatives
mental health programs
physical activity challenges

They integrate wellness into daily workflows rather than adding extra tasks.

Long-Term Impact on Workplace Health

Over time, organisations adopting movement-friendly practices observe:

reduced burnout
improved energy levels
healthier work routines

Preventive health strategies are most effective when embedded into daily habits.

Role of Preventive Healthcare Awareness

NITI Aayog and WHO emphasise lifestyle modification as a core preventive health strategy.

Walking meetings align perfectly with this approach by:

reducing inactivity
promoting movement
supporting mental wellbeing

Small changes deliver cumulative benefits.

Conclusion

Walking meetings conducted via voice chat are a practical, low-cost and highly effective way to improve employee health and productivity in remote teams. By replacing sedentary meetings with movement-based conversations, organisations can reduce screen fatigue, enhance focus and support long-term wellbeing. In a remote-first world, walking meetings represent a smarter way to work—where productivity and health move forward together.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Non-Communicable Disease Reports
Lancet – Physical Activity, Cognition and Workplace Health Studies

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.