Mental Health and Wellbeing

Sleep disorders may make a person more vulnerable to psychiatric illnesses, intensify the severity of the symptoms points out Dr Nileena N.K.M, Specialist in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, and stresses the importance of better sleep for better life. Plus Tips For Good Sleep. What is the correlation between mental health and sleep? Sleep and mental health go very much hand in hand in our day to day life. Many of the psychiatric illnesses are seen to be associated with sleep complaints and…

Mental Health is an increasing concern during Covid-19 due to restrictions, extended lockdown, distancing - social and physical. PatientsEngage and CMHLP - Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy are hosting a webinar series on ‘Mental Health During COVID-19’  COVID-19 is stressful for all of us especially in the context of the extended lockdown. There is a lot of uncertainty, confusion and fear around this lockdown and social distancing. On Monday 20th April 2020, 4pm IST…

There is increased evidence and understanding that chronic digestive disorders like IBS, IBD and gastrophageal reflux cannot be separated from the psychological wellbeing of a person. In light of this, we spoke to Dr. Naresh Bhat, a pioneering gastroentrologist and Dr. Girish Chandra, a Psychiatrist.    Dr. Naresh Bhat, Chief of Gastroentrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru There are several disorders which are referred as Gut Brain Axis or Functional GI disorders. They can affect…

As the global covid-19 pandemic spreads and a lockdown is in place, how can a person with Bipolar Disorder cope with the situation? Vijay Nallawala, founder Bipolar India shares his tips on managing pro-actively.   “When will this end? How much more devastation will it cause? Will my family and I be able to survive this?” Who would have thought that a mere virus could have shaken the world to the core?The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the world, including India, unlike any…

Shikha Aleya, who has dealt with anxiety, shares her experience of accepting the changed scenario due to Covid-19, her self-care routines and coping strategies that address the various aspects that matter to her.  I understand anxiety having worked through it over decades. First I suggest we accept that a certain degree of anxiety has its place in this scheme of things. What is that degree? To the extent that you are okay with it, understand it and are holding space for yourself. I choose…

Insurance companies need to take more initiative and devise different medical insurance packages and products to cover mental health disorders, stressed most speakers at a recent conference organised by Poddar Foundation. With mental health disorders having risen significantly over the last few decades and causing considerable burden and financial stress on the individual and the society as well, it has become imperative to institute the right and proper kind of packages of insurance for mental…

People are increasingly exploring meditation as a way to mental wellbeing. Vineet Saraiwala, who has retinitis pigmentosa and is an avid trekker, marathoner and an endurance cyclist, rang in 2020 at a meditation centre. Here, he writes about his experiences and the questions people harbour about meditation. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. It keeps the mind focussed and body relaxed and provides inner calm. Recently, I went to for 10-day introductory…

Shikha Aleya candidly and meticulously describes her first panic attack, the ensuing anxiety, how she dealt with her anxiety and depression reflects on her support system and the professional team. Her advice for persons in similar situations and their caregivers.  Can you describe your first incidence of a Panic Attack? What was your initial reaction? What made you eventually seek help?  I was in my mid to late twenties, on my way to a meeting along with my (then) husband and work…

Persuading a loved one to seek professional help for a mental health issue can be a significant challenge. Tanuja Babre, a counseling psychologist currently serving as a programme Coordinator of iCALL, TISS shares some best practices that you should follow while having this conversation. It is not easy to watch someone you love struggle emotionally. It is in fact, particularly difficult to manage their distress if their actions impact you negatively. In such a situation managing your…

Finding the right counselor can sometimes be a challenge. And it is possible that the therapist you found is not the right one. Tanuja Babre, a counseling psychologist currently serving as a programme Coordinator of iCALL, TISS explains when you should explore changing your therapist/ counselor. When we are going through difficult times, we are often advised to explore seeking therapy.  However, it is not as simple as it sounds. Taking the advice and acting on it can be complicated.…