FORTY WINKS
Mind Molecule
Tuesday 23 January 2024
संगदिल!!
Sunday 21 January 2024
Mind Matters
Unloop The Loop!
The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to his or her community.
Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10th
October every year. The theme for 2023 set by the World Foundation of Mental Health is “Mental Health is a Universal Right”.
Mental health issues are just as real as any other ailment
affecting physical health. The manifestation
of physical ailments is evident but it may take years at times for mental
disorders to surface. Since the approach and management involve the treatment of
deep recesses of the mind outcomes are slower.
Let’s break free from a few myths surrounding mental
health.
1)
Myth:
Women are vulnerable to mental health issues.
Fact: Mental health issues are gender-neutral and
can affect all ages. Men in Indian society are stereotypically considered as physically
tougher and emotionally stronger. Due to social taboos, men hesitate to consult
a professional.
2)
Myth:
Mental health disorder is directly proportional to low intelligence quotient.
Fact: Mental
health issues occur due to conditions resulting from a complex interaction of
social, psychosomatic, and biological factors. Anyone regardless of
socioeconomic status or intelligence quotient can show signs. An otherwise high
achiever student doing well in school may not be in the best mental health state. She/he
too can experience anxiety.
3)
Myth:
People with psychological issues cannot perform day-to-day activities.
Fact: Most often people
with mental health disorders can be just as productive as any other person.
A lot of times families/employers do not come to know if someone is battling
a condition. Only in severe cases, do individuals need assistance.
4)
Myth:
People with psychological issues turn violent and aggressive.
Fact: Violence and mental health
have a very complex connection and the expression of anger alone cannot be a manifestation
of a disorder. On the contrary, a lot of victims of violence have shown symptoms
of psychological disorders. Research shows freedom from violence and abuse promotes
mental well-being.
5)
Myth:
Therapy is a waste mental health patients should be directed towards religion
and spirituality.
Fact:
Treatment
for mental health conditions varies
depending on conditions and severity. The treatment may include medication,
therapy, or both. Recovery is better and relapse is less when individuals get adequate
support from family and community. Following superstitions or mindless rituals is
not a solution.
6)
Myth:
Mental health issues are a sign of a weak mind or character.
Fact: Psychological disorder is not a character flaw or a glitch in brain
functioning. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:
·
Genetic factors.
·
History of trauma or
abuse.
· Life-changing events
like relocation to a new place, birth of
a child, death of a loved one, or sudden change in financials may result in a
psychological issue. In fact, it takes nerve to accept the condition and even
more courage to approach a professional.
7)
Myth:
Overweight or obese people are more affected by psychological dispersers.
Fact:
Contrary
to bizarre societal judgments individuals with flawless skin and perfect
appearance can also be affected by mental health disorders. If we look around
there are a lot of cases from the fashion industry where otherwise physically fit celebrities
have succumbed to psychological disorders. Moreover, physical well-being is a
requirement.
8)
Myth:
People with mental health disorders are possessed.
Fact: Mental disorders are demonstrated in thought, behavior, and expression.
It may become difficult for people to comprehend what exactly is transpiring. Ignorance
causes families to feel that the person is possessed.
9)
All
people with mental illness should be institutionalized.
Not all ailments need hospitalization. Individuals
with psychological disorders recover fully and show no further episodes. For a few,
mental illness may require medication throughout their lives. However such individuals
do learn to cope and manage their conditions without compromising the quality
of life.
10)
Myth: The treatment for mental illness involves
extreme procedures such as electric shocks.
Fact: Treatment of mental health conditions has
come a long way from rudimentary methods of electric shocks and
isolation. Today, with the advancement in pharmacology and intervention
therapy, the treatment is more humane, empathetic, and rational.
Monday 25 September 2023
HEAL WITH YOGA
Presenting the complete article , part of which was published in
www.timesofindia.com Hyderabad edition on September 20th , 2023.
When Ms Smita my friend who is a certified yoga
expert offered to assist I began learning restorative yogic practices at the
age of 45. For past eight months that I have been attending yoga sessions. The
outcomes are apparent- lesser episodes of headaches, thoughts less jumbled,
body more flexible with definite inch loss. Yoga is much more than a framework
of complex asanas or chants or speedy toolkit to nirvana. It is about
realization and reorientation of our inner energy.
There is a need to dispel misconceptions around yoga
being meant for older people, skinny youngsters or for the ones looking to attain
spirituality. Yoga should not be considered a mere adjunct to other forms of
exercise but a complete workout in itself. It is effective and enough to meet
the fitness needs of all. Yoga is
far more comprehensive because it promotes mental, physical, and spiritual
well-being.
I was recently detected with early signs of
arthrosis in both knees. I had witnessed my mother suffer the pain of osteo
arthritis. It was practices of meditation that helped me absorb the shock that
I too was diagnosed with same ailment and precisely at the same age. I
understand that the condition is irreversible, progress gradual and i might
have to live with arthritis rest of my life. The belief in yoga is helping me
to reconcile and repair. The strengthening of mind is as equally essential as
strengthening of muscles. I am sure I will glide through it.
I proudly submit that Yes yoga has changed my life
and I am glad to embrace the change.
Sunday 24 September 2023
Guest Post - The Trigger
Ms Snighda Sharma.
An engineering student who likes to play guitar and write poems when she is not doing the regular teenage stuff. 😈
The Trigger
whoever said t'was supposed to be easy
trying to find your path
create a life of your own
remove the shackles of your binding mindset behind
whoever said t'was supposed to be easy
never pondered enough
on what is like to find the trigger
that binds you to your old habits
preventing better ones to flourish
whoever said t'was supposed to be easy
never struggled or slogged
never had sleepless nights or wandering thoughts
never held a pen or lifted a weight
lived as easy as a feather's touch
little does he know
that feather or nail
hold equal weight
struggle is struggle
however small however great.
Sometimes Silly Sometimes Sweet #Mirage
Sitting in the counselor's office, waiting for his turn, 19-year-old T.J was silently staring at the wall. Dressed in blue overalls once a good-looking teenager he looked nothing but destitute. The huge framed quote hung on the wall of the waiting room felt penetrating into his soul. He felt waves of shooting pain in his head, his hands trembled and the agonizing spasms in the abdomen began. He looked around for help but no one appeared to care. After all, it was all a regular in the rehabilitation center.
T.J dropped out of school because he thought schooling was ordinary. He turned into a recluse in his own home for he thought the family system was outdated. He fled to live the ultimate bohemian dream. Freedom for T.J was all about -
Ask no questions. Expect no replies. Do as you choose. Live as you desire.
T.J had no formal training, no skill, and no exceptional talent. Once money exited his pocket the friends left and then the optimism. The wild-spirited guy went on without food for days. He begged outside temples, ate with monks, and slept on the beach.
Nothing appeared free.
There were who commanded work for money and others demanded favors. Some jobs mocked his dignity and the others hurt his pride. The harder he tried to break away free, the faster the rebound.
Nothing came free.
The quote on the wall -
“ You are free to choose,
But you are never free from the
consequences of your choice”
-
A universal paradox.