Mental Picture

Health News

Protecting Mental Health While Pregnant

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for women, as they prepare to bring a new life into the world. It is a time of great joy and anticipation, but it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Mental health issues are common during pregnancy, and it is essential to take care of your mental health to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Mental health issues during pregnancy can take many forms, including depression, anxiety, and stress. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, relationship problems, financial stress, and physical discomfort. Whatever the cause, it is important to address mental health issues during pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and the baby. According to Shivangi Sagar, Counselling Psychologist and Co-Founder of HopeQure, a platform for counselling and therapy consultations, mood swings are normal during pregnancy but if you feel nervous or down all the time, it could be a sign of something deeper. She says, "Stress over being pregnant, changes in your body during the pregnancy, and everyday worries can take a toll. Depression and anxiety are the two most common and prevalent disorders faced during pregnancy. The prevalence ranges from 8 to 30 per cent all over the world." "Antenatal depression i.e., depression before the birth of the child is a strong predictor of postnatal depression. Depression is sadness or feeling down or irritable for weeks or months at a time. Someone may have depression before getting pregnant. But it also can start during pregnancy for a number of reasons -- for example, if a woman isn't happy about being pregnant or is dealing with a lot of stress at work or stress at home. Whereas, anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear over things that might happen. If you worry a lot anyway, many things can stress you out during pregnancy. You might worry that you won't be a good parent or that you can't afford to raise a baby," says Shivangi. "Perinatal and antenatal mental issues have been associated with many poor outcomes, including maternal, child, and family unit challenges. Infants and young children of depressed mothers are more likely to have a difficult temperament, as well as cognitive and emotional delays. Among mothers who have a history of depression and decide to stop taking their antidepressants during the perinatal period, the majority suffer from relapsing symptoms. If depression continues postpartum, there is an increased risk of poor mother-infant attachment, delayed cognitive and linguistic skills in the infant, impaired emotional development, and risk for behavioural problems in later life." While there is a probability of adverse mental health concerns in mothers during pregnancy, it is of chief importance that these symptoms can be managed. Here are seven ways Counselling Psychologist Shivangi suggests you protect your mental health while pregnant: Seek Prenatal Care: Regular prenatal care is critical to identify mental health issues early on and providing support and resources to address them. Prenatal care can also ensure that both the mother and the baby are healthy throughout the pregnancy. Prenatal yoga is a powerful tool for managing depression. It can assist in elevating the mood during pregnancy and provide strength to the body, especially the pelvic floor, hip, and abdominal core muscles. It gives the mother a healthier pregnancy and research has confirmed that a healthy mother is more likely to have or give birth to a healthy baby. Increase Awareness: It is important to take notice that you are facing mental health issues. It can be helpful to talk to a professional and help you deal with your specific issues. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Sometimes writing a few positive affirmations and reading them aloud can help in uplifting the mind. It is significant that pregnant women should focus their attention on positive things. Communicate Openly: Talking about what is causing you stress with your partner, family, friends or a professional can help you understand your stressors and how you can manage them. It will also help your loved ones support you during this period. Having a strong support system during pregnancy can provide valuable emotional support and connection. Joining a support group for pregnant women can also provide a valuable source of support. Prioritise Self-Care: Taking care of oneself during pregnancy is essential to reduce stress and promote positive mental health. This can include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Taking time for oneself to relax and engage in activities can also help reduce stress. Breathing Exercises: You can try breathing exercises and help you calm yourself in times of stress and anxiety. You can also try mindfulness and meditation techniques to regulate your emotions. Seek Professional Help: If you are experiencing severe or persistent mental health issues during pregnancy, it's essential to seek professional help. This can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Healthcare providers can help identify the best treatment options for individual needs. (N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe) Read More►Benefits of a Hot Shower?
Ayurveda News

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of Canada visits All India Institute of Ayurveda

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of Ontario province recently visited the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi and feels that propagation of Ayurveda in Canada can help ease the burden of hospitals in Canada as Ayurvedic therapies, principles and lifestyle can keep many diseases at bay. The Canadian delegation led by Mr. Michael Tibollo & Canada India Foundation (CIF) visited the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA). Impressed with the facilities of AIIA, Mr. Michael Tibollo said," The institute helped me to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the importance of East and West medicines and saw here the two can work together for the betterment of mankind. In Canada, we are much more focussed on quick results. Many times, we forget about prevention, education, and doing things that lead us to a better lifestyle. Many doctors over here shared their time with me today. They explained to me how interventions using ancient techniques that are tried and proven and have been around for millions of years can reduce the need for acute medicine and acute care in a hospital setting". “With the help of the Canada India Foundation, we believe that the day is not far away when an institution propagating the knowledge of Ayurveda will be set up there in Canada. We are happy to share data-based evidence with Mr. Tibollo and wish that he can present it to the government over there", said Director, AIIA Professor (Dr) Tanuja Manoj Nesari during her meeting with the delegation. The delegation took a round of the institute and hospital as well as laboratories and other facilities to understand the integrative model adopted by AIIA. The official delegation from Canada was also facilitated by the Ministry of Ayush. Director AIIA, New Delhi explained the functioning of different departments including the OPDs, the tertiary care unit, the academic block, and the research center of All India Institute of Ayurveda. A team from the All India Institute of Ayurveda also showcased the facilities around the academic and hospital wing of the institute before the delegation. Also Read in Hindi► अखिल भारतीय आयुर्वेद संस्थान में कनाडा का प्रतिनिधिमंडल  
Health News

The Power of Positive Relationships

There are never any simple solutions or answers to mental health challenges, this is especially true for suicide. Those who contemplate ending their lives are usually at an emotionally draining and isolating precipice of a mental health crisis, they see no way out of. This is why, one of the most important aspects of our lives is to develop positive relationships; having fulfilling and meaningful relationships with our friends and family, people who we love and respect, can help create meaning in our lives and make for an important support system. If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, here are some ways to help them deal with their crisis and be that one person in their lives who can truly help make a difference shared by Dilshad Khurana, Psychologist, Head Mpower, Helpline. Be Empathetic: Empathy is the basis of most human relationships, and it is an even more crucial component when dealing with someone who is going through a mental health crisis. The key to developing meaningful relationships is to really listen to what someone has to say rather than just hearing what they have to say. For instance, while speaking with someone who is going through a tough time with regard to their mental health, it is important that you make eye contact with them during the conversation and be fully present in the moment. Avoid interrupting them or deviating from conversation to a frivolous topic. Try to build a deeper conversation with them and listen to them intently. This can help the opposite person feel more seen and heard, and will eventually help them to open up to you about their mental health struggles. Be aware of the other person's perspective: Always keep the other person's perspective in mind - this is a seemingly simple yet difficult piece of advice to follow. When we take the time to see things from the other person's point of view, it helps us to understand them better and make for a more meaningful relationship. After all, everyone wants to feel like their experiences and opinions are valued and respected, and for those struggling with their mental health, this is even more important. Hence, try to look at things from the other person's perspective the next time you are in a conversation, you may be surprised by what you discover and even help them see beyond their current situation. Open Communication: Communication is one of the first things we learn in life - whether it is learning how to speak or using actions and gestures to convey our feelings, it is one of the most primal aspects of human life. However, as we grow older, communicating meaningfully gets harder, and having tough conversations about how we truly feel gets rarer. But these conversations are vital for those who are coping with issues such as depression or anxiety. And at times, having open and honest conversations can mean the difference between life and death. Thus, communicating openly and honestly with those dealing with mental health struggles is a crucial aspect of developing healthy and positive relationships. Relationship with Oneself: While external relationships play an important role in our lives, the most significant relationship we have is the one with ourselves. Building our self-esteem and self-worth is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and it is a crucial aspect of mental health. If we want to cultivate a positive relationship with ourselves, we need to be kind and forgiving, accept our flaws, and work on accepting our bodies and minds the way they are - this is probably the most important thing we can do for our mental health. Seek Help: Life is not easy when we are under a lot of pressure. Sometimes, we may feel like we aren't good enough and that everything is going wrong. Such feelings can easily precipitate into thoughts of self-harm. However, it is important to know that there is a way out of such a vicious cycle, and trained professionals such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can help immensely. Through their years of experience and study, therapists are trained to help people who are dealing with mental health crises. For instance, someone who is going through a breakup after a long-term relationship or a student who has failed their exam - for them, these failures might seem monumental and something that they cannot get past. However, a trained psychologist can help them to realize that failures in exams, careers, or relationships aren't permanent. Thus, seeking help is perhaps the most important tool in the fight against suicide and mental health problems. Additionally, society plays a significant role in promoting mental health awareness. Through public awareness initiatives such as street plays like the one recently conducted by Whistling Woods International at Churchgate station on World Suicide Prevention Day, or street art, people can help reduce the stigma associated with discussing mental health openly. Thus, having positive personal relationships and being part of a society that is non-judgemental about mental health issues are some of the most important factors that can help to prevent suicide. If you think somebody you know might be struggling, don't hesitate to seek help. Together, we can help prevent suicides by building more positive relationships in our communities and talking about mental health more openly. For professional support, you can reach out to the Suicide prevention helpline. Read More► 6 Mental Health Tips For Indian Millennials That Actually Work
Health News

6 Mental Health Tips For Indian Millennials That Actually Work

Indian millennials frequently experience stress and anxiety since they belong to a generation that is constantly rushing to finish their tasks and accomplish their objectives. Concentration issues, tiredness, alterations in sleep and food patterns, and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness are among the common issues. Here's a look at 6 practical suggestions for the mental wellness of Indian millennials. Disconnect From Electronics and Social Media We must do the same when spending time with family and friends as we do when attending meetings at business by keeping our phones on silent mode. Constant usage of social media can result in negative emotions like melancholy, loneliness, jealousy, anxiety, and general life discontent. A digital detox entails cutting off from technology and social media. It is a time to unwind, partake in enjoyable pursuits, or spend time with loved ones. You can live in the now and engage in meaningful conversations with people by taking a social media sabbatical. By reducing distractions, promoting self-reflection, and even enhancing sleep, taking a break from technology provides you an opportunity to enjoy life. Be Honest With Yourself Honesty improves mental health. Before you can improve the situation, you must admit there's a problem. Others are easier to fool, but you must always be honest with yourself and observant of your feelings. Identify your ideal and actual self. Before making tangible, doable adjustments, you must understand where your ideal self comes from. It's as important to believe in one self as it is, to be honest with oneself because confidence can do so much. Reflect and Adapt Although it may appear that you have no control over the stress at work and at home, there are steps you can take to alleviate the strain and reclaim control. Effective stress management enables you to break stress's grasp on your life, allowing you to become happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate objective is a balanced existence that includes time for work, relationships, relaxation, and enjoyment, as well as the fortitude to withstand pressure and face obstacles head-on. We can handle every new or different situation by reflecting on our reactions to stress or other stimuli. While having a perfect work-life balance is a myth, it's important to try new things and figure out what works best by adopting the most effective stress-management techniques. You are Precious If you understand that every day is a gift, then you are living life seriously and know that you are precious. We occasionally lose sight of how fleeting life is and how priceless we are because of how busy we are. Only you know the difficulties you've faced, and your heart is aware of the amount of bravery you've displayed in each situation. Since you deserve to be loved and accepted, accept the precious you. In addition to preventing anxiety and depression, practicing self-love and knowing that you are precious is linked to an increase in pleasure, greater life satisfaction, and greater resiliency. Do Not Shy Away from Help It takes courage but is extremely helpful to ask for mental health treatment. We must comprehend the significance of instilling good help-seeking behaviour to create a more compassionate and fulfilling society. This is so because we must erase the stigma around mental health. Our general well-being and happiness can be significantly enhanced by seeking treatment, as well as our personal and professional lives. By asking for assistance, one can avoid going through difficult times alone, acquire new coping mechanisms, develop relationships, and enhance your quality of life. Break Lagalo Our way of life has taken on the character of the Rajdhani Express, and there is a great deal of pressure to outdo everyone. While maintaining a high level of performance is good, it's also crucial to slow down. You are aware of what a Porsche with no breaks is capable of. So, unwind and take a break. Take that one day off to rest, and don't feel bad about it. Shake a leg during the break because dancing and grooving might result in many changes. According to studies, moving causes the production of endorphins, or "happy hormones," so if your mind is going round in circles, try shaking your leg. Also, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done since you are the only one who should be aware of and grateful for your efforts. One must seek professional help for counselling if they are still experiencing stress, demotivation, depression, procrastination, or the inability to act decisively at work, which hinders growth at the workplace. They can call or chat on the Mpower Let's talk 1 on 1 free multilingual 24x7 free helpline number 1800-120-820050. (Dr. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson, MPower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust) Read More► Facts & Myths About Arthritis
Health News

Health Concerns Men Should Keep A track Of

Biological, social and behavioural factors have led to differences in the most common causes of health problems faced by men and women. Men die younger than women and bear a greater burden of disease throughout their lives. They get sick at a younger age and have illnesses that last longer than women. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and depression are the top male killers. However, men also face male-specific issues such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Heart Disease Heart disease comes in many forms. All its manifestations can lead to serious and fatal complications if they are not noticed. One in three adult men has some form of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension and stroke are also common in men under the age of 45. Lifestyle modification and routine medical checkups can help manage heart-related risks, as your doctor can calculate your risk for cardiovascular disease based on several risk factors, including cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking habits. Cancer Cancer is the second leading cause of death in men after heart disease. Skin, prostate, colon and lung cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. The combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups ensures that disease stays at bay. Regularly applying sunscreen, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and reducing red meat consumption all help reduce the risk of cancer. Diabetes Diabetes usually sets in without showing any signs. It raises blood sugar levels and eventually passes into the urine. Increased urination and thirst are the first visible signs of diabetes. High glucose acts like a slow poison on blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure and amputations are the consequences for many men. If left untreated, diabetes causes nerve and kidney damage, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, causes vision problems and blindness. Men with diabetes are also at risk for lower testosterone levels and sexual impotence, which in turn can lead to increased depression or anxiety. Mental Health and Depression Depression in men can go unnoticed because the symptoms don't always match what they expect. Men sometimes experience depression as anger or irritability rather than sadness. They are also more likely to sweep these feelings under the rug. It is often believed that depression affects women far more than men. In fact, it may be a tendency for men to hide feelings of depression, or to present them differently than women. When it comes to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, men are reluctant to seek help, which significantly increases the risk of suicidal behaviour. Given the stigma associated with mental health problems, especially among men, it is crucial to dispel misconceptions and make therapy more available to those in need. Erectile Dysfunction The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is atherosclerosis, the same condition that causes stroke and heart attack. In fact, having ED usually indicates that blood vessels throughout the body are not in good condition. Erectile dysfunction is considered by doctors to be an early risk symptom of cardiovascular disease. Although erectile dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, it does indicate a serious health problem. Erectile dysfunction affects two thirds of men over the age of 70 and up to 39 per cent of men under the age of 40. Men with erectile dysfunction are less happy and more likely to be depressed. The bad news is that the average man pays less attention to his health than the average woman. The good news is that men can be healthy by taking control of their lifestyle. Whether it's eating better, quitting bad habits like smoking, or getting regular check-ups, here are some steps you can take to prevent common health problems in men of all ages. Whatever health issues you face, you can take control of your well-being by taking preventative and proactive measures today. (Agency) Read More► Is there a link between Diabetes and Frozen Shoulder?
Research

Study Reveals Why 7 Hours

London: Seven hours is the ideal amount of sleep for people in their middle age and upwards as a new study has found that both insufficient or excessive sleep is associated with poorer cognitive performance and mental health, including dementia. The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, indicates that one possible reason for the association between insufficient sleep and cognitive decline may be due to the disruption of slow-wave 'deep' sleep. Disruption to this type of sleep has been shown to have a close link with memory consolidation as well as the build-up of amyloid a key protein which, when it misfolds, can cause 'tangles' in the brain characteristic of some forms of dementia. Additionally, lack of sleep may hamper the brain's ability to rid itself of toxins, said researchers from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University. For the study, the team examined data from nearly 500,000 adults aged 38-73 years from the UK Biobank. Participants were asked about their sleeping patterns, mental health and well-being, and took part in a series of cognitive tests. Brain imaging and genetic data were available for almost 40,000 of the study participants. By analysing these data, the team found that both insufficient and excessive sleep duration was associated with impaired cognitive performance, such as processing speed, visual attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Seven hours of sleep per night was the optimal amount of sleep for cognitive performance, but also for good mental health, with people experiencing more symptoms of anxiety and depression and worse overall wellbeing if they reported sleeping for longer or shorter durations, the researchers said. (Agency) Read More► Women More Likely to Have Asthma Attacks, Deaths Than Men: Report