Welcome to Spill Your Feels – a special weekly column on MedBound Times where readers can send in their queries on mental health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, marriage, and sex. Each week, Dr. Prerna Kohli shares her insights and practical advice to help you navigate challenges and live a healthier life. From stress and parenting to work-life balance and relationships, this column sheds light on the everyday pressures of life with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Prerna Kohli is an eminent clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Aligarh Muslim University, UP, India. Awarded among the 100 Women Achievers of India by the President of India, she is a public speaker, researcher, and social worker. With decades of experience, Dr. Kohli specializes in issues such as substance abuse, parental and marital counselling, relationship challenges, eating disorders, depression, and more.
XXX asks:
In winters, I am unable to sleep without masturbating. Once I do this activity, I immediately go to sleep. How to get rid of this habit?
Dr. Prerna Kohli: Masturbation itself isn’t the problem. The dependence on it for sleep is. Your body has learned a shortcut to switch off tension. Cold weather, low activity, and longer nights make this habit stick. Instead of forcing yourself to stop, give your body another way to wind down. Try a fixed sleep routine, warm showers, light stretching, or slow breathing before bed. Keep screens away and dim the lights. If you slip, don’t shame yourself. Habits fueled by stress loosen when you add calm, not control. The goal isn’t purity. It’s learning to sleep without one trigger.
Pappu Tiwari asks:
Could stress or anxiety be causing physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, mood swings, or sleep problems? Should I be worried?
Dr. Prerna Kohli: Stress and anxiety often show up in the body first. Headaches, tight chests, stomach issues, mood swings, and poor sleep are common signals. Your nervous system doesn’t separate mental from physical distress. That doesn’t mean you’re in danger, but it does mean you’re overloaded. Notice patterns. Do symptoms rise when stress rises? If yes, that’s information. Slow down where you can. Protect sleep. Move your body. If symptoms persist or feel alarming, get checked once for reassurance. Care plus clarity calms the system far more than worry ever does.
Santa asks:
As I move forward in life, my relationships feel like they’re getting worse. I hurt people or get hurt. I overthink and feel emotionally exhausted. How do I fix this?
Dr. Prerna Kohli: Relationships strain when communication and boundaries blur, not because one person is broken. Overthinking turns every conflict into a verdict on your character. Pause before reacting. Ask for clarity instead of assuming intent. And yes, sometimes you’ll hurt people and be hurt in return. That’s human. What matters is repair. Speak honestly. Apologize when needed. Step back when emotions run high. Peace returns when you stop fixing everything at once and start responding thoughtfully, one interaction at a time.
This is your space to ask, share, and reflect. Write to Spill Your Feels with your queries on relationships, mental health, marriage, or personal struggles. Selected questions will be answered in upcoming editions of this column on MedBound Times.
Submit your question here!