In support group you will find a group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other encouragement to fight and survive, safe space to share their stories and comfort that they are not alone. Here are some support groups that are available in India who are providing support online and offline on different issues.
Continue reading “Support Group in India”Celebrity Suicide: Talk but responsibly!
This year had been too tough on us, the world is gone upside down for many of us. This major change in our lives is creating number of mental health conditions and we can see increase in number of suicide incidences as well. Unfortunately, grief of losing someone is visible more when a fellow human who is celebrity by profession and admired by many, dies by suicide.
Constant flow of information on celebrity suicide on social media timeline, television stories and newspaper articles can act as trigger for vulnerable individuals who are struggling to keep themselves safe from their suicidal thoughts. It also can be the tipping point for them, which gives them ‘permission’ to act on what they had so far just been thinking about. Not just many studies suggests but our(Mental Health Professional) own experience says, there are always high number to individuals reaching out to us with symptoms of Depression, Anxiety or suicidal ideation after news of celebrity suicide.
Although, engaging yourself directly with this topic in a public forum is a step in the right direction towards de-stigmatizing mental disorder and suicide. but we also need to be mindful to talk about it in a responsible way, and do not sensationalize the news of suicide. Few things to keep in mind:
- Pictures of deceased individuals or videos of live suicide attempt should not be published.
- Suicide notes, text messages, social media posts, and emails of the deceased person and/or their family members should not be published.
- Don’t give details about the method or location of any suicide death or attempt.
- Don’t speculate about reasons. Verify your facts from multiple sources when the reasons for a suicide death or attempt are not clear.
- Don’t mention suicide as horrific, or unfortunate events. This increases stigma related to suicide.
- Always share contact no of helpline services provider in your country along with any information or news you share on suicide.
There are many wrong phases one may use to express yourselves unconsciously, such as:
| Problematic Phase | Appropriate Phase |
| “Committed suicide” “Successful suicide” | “Died by suicide” “Took their own life” “Ended their own life” |
| “Suicide epidemic” | “Increasing rates” “Higher rates” “Concerning rates” |
| “Failed suicide” “Suicide bid” | “Made and attempt on his life” “Suicide attempt” “Non-fatal attempt” |
After looking at all these news in your timeline or TV if you feel anxious and overwhelmed. There are few productive ways of responding. Such as:
- Logout from your social media for a day, or switch off your phone if needed
- Avoid watching news on any other digital mode or on newspaper and inform others to avoid talking about it with you
- Practice meditation or deep breathing exercise or indulge yourself in creative activity
- In case of emergency. Reach out to helpline service or mental health professional immediately
Also, remember it takes more than urging individuals with mental health conditions to “get help” on social media. We need to change the way we think and speak about suicide to make it easier to connect and help those who are struggling. Next time don’t wait for a celebrity to lose his life by suicide to talk about suicide, always look to open up a dialogue about how all of us together can make change and save lives. We all have a role to play in eradicating stigma through our words and actions, both online and offline.
A real life story of a suicide survivor and motivator for you: Rita(Name changed) was struggling with depression and drug abuse for very long time. Too many of tragic incidences made her depression severe and she started getting thoughts of self-harm. She attempted suicide many times in next few months and then realized she need professional help. She reached out to a psychiatrist and now it’s been more than 20+ years she is out of that painful phase and now motivating others to learn that their life matters.
Here are some Helpline service providers available in India for immediate counseling in case of emergency.
Check out my 4 part YouTube video series on Suicide & it’s prevention:
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Psychological fallout due to Social distancing
The practice of physical distancing and self-isolation is a crucial part of the plan to reduce the spread of CoronaVirus, and to flatten the curve. It might sound like a relatively easy task. As we are entering 3rd month of lockdown, many individuals are already seeing their mental health suffer as a result of reduced social interactions, even though that reduced interaction is saving our lives.
Humans, by nature are social creatures and this situation is not the human condition, where we cannot be comforted, being afraid and cannot hug others. We have evolved over millennia to rely on complex social interactions and this is all unnatural and disorienting for human being.
Before we go deeper, It’s important to know there is a difference between being socially isolated and being lonely.
Social isolation is the objective physical separation from other people – such as, living alone – while loneliness is the subjective distressed feeling of being alone or separated. Loneliness is not just a feeling; it is a biological warning from our body to seek out other people. Physical distancing and self-isolation measures that have been applied to limit the spread of the coronavirus have resulted in an increased number of people feeling lonely.
Long before coronavirus, we have known that loneliness and social isolation has been linked to a number of adverse health outcomes. Past studies show that feeling isolated and loneliness is associated with poor health and higher rates of mortality. And also loneliness or feelings of isolation can lead to anxiety, depression and dementia in adults. A weakened immune system response, higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and a shorter life span can also result from social-distancing.
Similarly, Children who have fewer friends or isolated at school tend to have higher rates of anxiety, depression and some developmental delays.
But when it comes to a global pandemic like COVID-19, there are studies being conducted right now. However it is unfortunate enough, but it is a big relief to know that the entire world is basically in the same situation, a commonality that is leading to the rapid development of coping strategies from multiple sources, including friends, schools and businesses.
Some tips to help us to manage social distancing:
Accepting our emotions. First, we need to accept that these are challenging times and it’s OK to not feel OK. Some of our emotions may arrive from out of the blue, and may make you feel it’s very “Unlikely of you” to feel this but these emotions won’t last forever. They will come and go.
Don’t be hard on yourself. These are unsettling, unprecedented times, and none of us don’t have any previous experience to cope with this situation. Just learn to take one day at a time and try not to overwhelm yourself.
Try not to take it personally. This is a collective need, not a personal slight. So when someone crosses the road to avoid physical contact, try not to take it personally and get hurt. Instead, wave and greet them from distant next time.
Stay connected with friends and loved ones. Phone calls, video conferencing apps and social media are just some of the ways we can keep in touch. Virtual contact is not as effective as face-to-face contact, but we can at least tell people that we’re thinking of them. However, it’s important to stay away from negativity or fake new in social media as this may not help our mood or our anxiety levels.
Practice relaxation and mindfulness. Relaxation and mindfulness exercises help reduce stress and rumination, which can exacerbate depression. We can practice listening to music, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, positive imagery and mindfulness exercises. This lockdown period may be also a time for self-reflection and a chance to consider what is really important to us.
Do something fun, helpful or challenging. Doing activities that provide feelings of pleasure and mastery, and takes our focus away from negative thoughts or worries are helpful in this situation. Activities such as, read a novel, write poetry, watch a movie, cook/bake, garden, play a musical instrument, play games with family or others online, offer at-risk relatives/neighbors help with getting groceries and supplies, learn a new language or take an online course. The list is endless!
Here are some Helpline service providers available to anyone for immediate counseling in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the CoronaVirus pandemic.
In addition, identify trusted sources of information you can turn to, such as MoHFW, UNICEF, WHO or CDC.
Some more resource & information in Hindi language are available in my YouTube video:
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Parenting in the time of COVID-19 crisis
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children in this difficult time. However, not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch out for parents in children for include:
- Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
- Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
- Excessive worry or sadness
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
- Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
- Poor performance in studies or avoiding studies
- Difficulty with attention and concentration
- Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
- Unexplained headaches or body pain
Below are some reactions according to age group and the best ways you can respond:
| AGE | GROUP REACTIONS | HOW TO HELP |
| PRESCHOOL | Fear of being alone, bad dreams Speech difficulties Loss of bladder/bowel control, constipation, bed-wetting Change in appetite Increased temper tantrums, whining, or clinging behaviors | Patience and tolerance Provide reassurance (verbal and physical) Encourage expression through play, reenactment, story-telling Allow short-term changes in sleep arrangements Plan calming, comforting activities before bedtime Maintain regular family routines Avoid media exposure |
| SCHOOL-AGE (ages 6-12) | Irritability, whining, aggressive behavior Clinging, nightmares Sleep/appetite disturbance Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches) Withdrawal from peers, loss of interest Competition for parents’ attention Forgetfulness about chores and new information learned at school | Patience, tolerance, and reassurance Play sessions and staying in touch with friends through telephone and Internet Regular exercise and stretching Engage in educational activities (workbooks, educational games) Participate in structured household chores Set gentle but firm limits Discuss the current outbreak and encourage questions. Include what is being done in the family and community Encourage expression through play and conversation Help family create ideas for enhancing health promotion behaviors and maintaining family routines Limit media exposure, talking about what they have seen/heard including at school Address any stigma or discrimination occurring and clarify misinformation |
| ADOLESCENT (ages 13-18) | Physical symptoms (headaches, rashes, etc.) Sleep/appetite disturbance Agitation or decrease in energy, apathy Ignoring health promotion behaviors Isolating from peers and loved ones Concerns about stigma and injustices Avoiding/cutting school | Patience, tolerance, and reassurance Encourage continuation of routines Encourage discussion of outbreak experience with peers, family (but do not force) Stay in touch with friends through telephone, Internet, video games Participate in family routines, including chores, supporting younger siblings, and planning strategies to enhance health promotion behaviors Limit media exposure, talking about what they have seen/heard including at school Discuss and address stigma, prejudice and potential injustices occurring during outbreak |
There are many things you can do to support your child, but follow few simple steps when you interact with them and have conversation on COVID-19
Keep your own emotions in check: While talking to your child about the coronavirus try not to show your anxiety, as this will only add to their concerns. Remember, you are a role model for your children. How you handle this stressful situation can affect how your children manage their worries. Keep your own emotions in check while talking to your child about the coronavirus so you don’t make your child more anxious.
Respond to questions in an age-appropriate manner: Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from it. Talk about all the efforts being made in your city or country to keep people safe and healthy. Reassure your child that organisations and individuals are involved in developing vaccines and medication to contain the virus, that the hospitals are prepared to treat people who fall sick, and everyone the world over is working together to look after each other. Answer whatever questions your child may have, but don’t overwhelm him with too much information. With older children, have open and calm conversations. Beware of where and how they get information, especially with children who are active online. Point them to reliable and age-appropriate sources of information, so they don’t end up getting exposed to news that could be incorrect or disturbing. In case you’re not able to answer a question your child asks, do your research together to find the answers.
Remember to be available for your child: Your child may experience loneliness as they can not go to school, tuition, parks or when they are asked to avoid getting together with friends to prevent the spread of the virus. Spend time playing with your child to prevent him/her from feeling isolated. Young children often express their feelings and emotions through play. By playing with your child, you can help them experience your care, relieve their anxiety, and improve their sense of safety. For older children, particularly if they are feeling lonely due to lack of interaction with their classmates, spend time connecting as a family. Encourage your child to keep in touch with their friends via phone calls or messaging online. You can also brainstorm with your child and make a list of enjoyable things to do. Some Additional Activities and resources to keep your children or teens engaged.
- Keep up the schedule: Even though the schools are closed, stick to the schedule. Wake up the child on the same time, make them study and have the breaks with some fun activity. Keep your whole family’s schedule consistent when it comes to bedtimes, meals, and exercise.
- Keeping time for digital exposure: Try limiting the child’s screening time as they stay home whole day it is easier for kids to get addicted to digital exposure including `Idiot Box’.
- Take help in some House hold chores: Infuse fun into your regular household chores and get your child involved in helping around the house cleaning & organizing.
- Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak: Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
- Set up a treasure hunt: Use as many items as possible which can engage your child for few hours.
- Read at home: You can use as many books as possible other than school books to make your child’s reading skill awesome. Also, they can listen Audio Stories or read story books and some more books.
- Create a Hobby: It could be anything from building a Fort or spaceship from extra Amazon or Flipkart Boxes to Plantation to practicing or learning musical instrument.
- Write a Letter or Diary: Ask your child to write a letter to the loved ones instead of massaging them. This would help them in their writing skills as well. Also you can encourage them to write the diary.
- Break records of playing Indoor games: Play all kind of indoor games from board games to jigsaw puzzle to checkers. This would boost their attention & concentration power.
- Drawing & Craft: You can encourage your child’s art. Children have a great imagination, so ask them to draw or create or paint something new which would help them in eye-hand coordination.
- Take a virtual field trip: There are many World Museum, Children Museum, Aquarium, Farm, African Wildlife, Castle, National Park, Iconic venues or Zoo (live-streaming animals on their Facebook page daily at 3:00 PM) others goes live online everyday at a particular time giving a virtual trip to the world or just watch earth from above. Here your child can learn about many different things while sitting at home.
Also remember to take care of yourself. Put your own well-being high on the list of priorities. Working at home with children around requires a lot of patience and flexibility. Take care of yourself by getting enough exercise, eating right, staying hydrated, and making sleep a priority. Ask for and accept help from others. Take time off to recharge in whatever ways make sense in your situation. Give yourself due consideration!
In addition, identify trusted sources of information you can turn to, such as MoHFW, UNICEF, WHO or CDC.
Some more resource & information in Hindi language are available in my YouTube video:
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Mental well-being while you work from Home
Tips for Productivity, Mental Health and Staying Healthy
Working from home sounds like a luxury, but it comes with a number of challenges. Individuals work from home for a number of reasons. Whatever the reason for working from home, there are ways you can ensure you are being productive, healthy and happy while working from home. Now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being. As we protect ourselves against potential exposure to the coronavirus, keep in mind that social distancing does not mean social isolation. This resource provides practical tips on taking care of our mental health and well-being.
1. Maintain Regular Hours: Create and maintain a routine and schedule. Set up a designated space for you and each family member to work and learn. Working designated hours, and then stopping when those hours are up, will give your brain time to work and time to rest. Don’t forget to include periodic breaks for recharging in your schedule.
2. Exercise and stay active: Create a Morning Routine, whether it’s having a cup of coffee every morning, doing some morning stretches or taking your dog on a walk, creating a morning routine can greatly help you get ready for the work-day at home. This is not only good for your physical health, but also your mental health. Periodically, get up and move around your home. Walking, stretching, planks or jumping jacks—whatever works best for you to reduce or alleviate stress and increase endorphins. Take a 15-minute walk, go make some lunch or catch up with other family members at home. Many fitness centers are offering free live-streams or app-based workouts for members and the general public, so check online to see what’s available. It’s also important to think about other controls, too. Working in your pajamas might work for some, but it might not be productive for others.
3. Set boundaries on work schedule: When working from home, be sure that you are working reasonable hours. It can be tempting to work more while you have your work at home, however it can also be taxing on your health and well-being, so stick to a schedule with healthy boundaries.
4. Stay connected: Stay connected with family, friends, and support systems using technology like FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangout and other video-based options. Talk about your fears and concerns with people you trust. Chances are they are feeling the same way.
5. Limit media consumption: Avoid continuous exposure to news, media, and social media that may trigger or elevate anxiety, stress, or panic. Stay informed by following few, authoritative resources, but limit media consumption.
6. Distract and redirect: Engage in activities that benefit your well-being, bring you joy and distract you from existing challenges. This might include meditation and yoga, often offered free online. You may also enjoy journaling, reading, art projects, cooking with new recipes, breathing exercises, or listening to a calming podcast or music.
7. If you’re Homeschooling: Try and set up a routine where you have distinct time for your work and your child both. Take regular breaks from your work to check on your child and assess how things are going. If things don’t go the way you planned, make the most of what you are able to accomplish and pick up any dropped threads the following day.
8. Keep your immune system strong: Make a commitment to staying strong by:
- Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating well and staying hydrated
- Taking vitamins
In addition, identify trusted sources of information you can turn to, such as MoHFW, UNICEF, WHO or CDC.
You can find same information in Hindi language in this YouTube video
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Panic during Pandemic – Mental health care from COVID-19
Worrying about all the news on the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the illness it causes? Well, you’re not alone. Even though it’s common to feel tense, nervous and perhaps fearful during difficult times but feeling panic when everyone is talking about quarantine, social distancing and isolation, must be creating panic among many of us. Panic is about feeling trapped and isolated, and about a sense of hopelessness, which starts with feeling of anxiousness. If you’re wondering how to cope with this anxious feeling that are surfacing, and deal with the panic it is creating in your life, this blog post can guide you through steps that may help you to reduce anxiety to a manageable level.
Symptoms of anxiety you may see:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Steps you can take to reduce your anxiety:
- Practicing Self-care: Recognize the things you can control, which may help you to feel less anxious such as good hygiene, Eat & sleep well, and exercise, use face mask, avoid unnecessary travel and crowds, wash your hands often with soap and water (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer), keep your hands away from your face, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage: Take break from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and increase your symptoms of anxiety.
- Unplug social media: Information shared in social media can be misleading and can increase anxiety or give false remedies. First step is to avoid them but staying away from social media and verify information that you receive from family, friends or social media. Stick with sources of credible medical information, so you can avoid misinformation about the virus and the illness it causes.
- Develop an action plan: Plan ahead to feel more in control. If you take basic steps to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak in your community, you may feel a sense of relief. For instance, ask your employer about a work-from-home option (if not yet done), and create checklist of household or other necessary things you may need in coming weeks.
- Connect with your friends and family: Connect with friends and loved ones through video chats, phone calls, texting, and email. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Reaching out can help you and help them. It helps to feel the strength of your connections to your friends and loved ones, even though you may not be with them in person.
- Relax your mind and stay calm: Do yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercise or practice mindfulness. Tap into other ways you like to relax, too. Maybe you like reading a good book, playing musical instrument or watching a good comedy.
- Stay positive: Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking; consider keeping a journal where you write down things you are grateful for or that are going well to stay positive.
- Consult your doctor on call or online: Ask your doctor whether it would be possible to schedule remote appointments via Skype or FaceTime for mental health, substance use, or physical health needs. Many professionals are providing consultation via telephone or internet, which can help you feel safe at home while consulting.
In addition, identify trusted sources of information you can turn to, such as MoHFW, UNICEF, WHO or CDC.
You can find same information in Hindi language in this YouTube video
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Ideal parenting during “Board Exams”
There are exceptionally high numbers of cases between November till February referred from schools/colleges or walk-in parents with concerns related to behavioural changes and academic issues among students, and one of the main cause is exam pressure. Exam time is not only stressful for the child but also for the parents. So, let’s say parents also go through a testing phase during exams. Parental support is crucial during exam season. It not only affects the performance of the child but their overall well-being during the examination. So as an ideal parent the responsibility of a parent is to take exam load and stress off their child and not to burden them more.
- Try to Stay Calm Your child is already dealing with his/her share of stress and can do without you adding to it. So, avoid burdening your children with your stress. It’s understandable that you’re stressed, probably even more than your child. But when the exam date nears, it’s time to not let your nerves can bother your children.
- Set Realistic Expectations Every child is different. You have to trust your child’s abilities and set realistic expectations. Know that your child has a limit and will only able to perform according to his/her ability. So, accept their limitations.
- Avoid Digital Distractions It’s difficult to stay away from digital devices completely, but it’s important to do so during exam time. Install parental controls on electronic devices so that you can ensure they keep away from distractions and focus on doing their best during exams. With this you also try to stay away from phone, laptops or any other digital device, your time in front of devices can distract your child as well.
- Be a Support System Make sure to be around your child, particularly during the important papers. However, you don’t need to put your life on hold for your child’s exams. Speak of only positive outcomes and stay aware of their needs and be available to address any concerns. Make it clear to your kids that your love and regard for them is in no way dependent on how they perform in the exams. It is good to make them understand the importance of the exams, but it should not be done at the expense of their mental well-being. Your words hold a lot of merit. There are statements that you should avoid, such as, “Your future depends on this exam”, and “If you want to do well in life, you must do well in these exams.” These statements could scare them and create a feeling of fear, which might hamper their performance. You should simply use statements such as “perform your best”, “It is just an exam, your future would depend upon your hard work and not just marks”, etc.
- Know exam schedule Last minute rush is not good for anyone or anything. Pin a copy of the examination timetable on the kitchen notice board. You should also note the date and time of each paper. Make sure you are at all times aware when your child has to be in the examination center. Sit with your child and make a daily planner and keep a copy with you as well. This keeps the study well-paced and gives time for revision.
- Enough Sleep Make sure that your child is getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep. A good night’s sleep is very important for your child. Check your child’s timetable to ensure they have enough time for a well-earned sleep. This will calm nerves and keep them alert on the big day. A good sleep will increases memory and lowers the stress levels.
- Continue to socialize Don’t isolate them in the study room. Contact with their peers is very important to maintaining their spirits during this time. You can also support them and lift their spirits when they are taking a break from their studies.
- Listen to the story After each examinations, allow your child to recount to you their daily story, and don’t pressurize if they don’t. Do not be tempted to review in detail the errors or omissions they may have made in answering the paper in question. Such process can increase stress levels. Simply allow them the time and space to tell their story and move on.
- Monitor and Identify any Warning Signs No matter how well prepared a student is, they tend to feel anxious during exams and are worried about their results. It is really important to ensure their mental well-being by checking with them at regular intervals. While being nervous/anxious to some extent is normal, but if the child is using negative statements such as “I can’t do it”, “I am a failure”, I won’t be able to do anything”, then it could be an alarm. There are some other signs in extreme cases, such as loss of appetite, irregular sleeping pattern, irritated mood, anger issues, loss of patience, etc. that could indicate that the child is not keeping well, or is taking undue stress. Keep a check! If you observe any odd behaviour or changes, it is the time for you to intervene. Talk to them about it or consult their school or college counsellor.
Be with them and let them grow independently.
Case 1: Surbhi’s Mother, who was a topper in her school and college days, has same expectation from her daughter. Surbhi, who is preparing for her SSC board, feels too pressured and is performing poorly in academics from past few months. Father noticed changes in Surbhi’s behaviour such as, poor confidence, low self-esteem, feeling anxious, unable to concentrate, changes in appetite and sleep. Surbhi is taking regular therapy sessions and is performing well in studies.
Case 2: Jay who was always an average student, have supportive parents who does not pressuring their only son to perform more then his capability in his HSC exam. But he fill pressured by looking at his friends and wants to do well so he can achieve well. Due to this Jay started feeling low in confidence, isolating self, feel low in energy and spend whole day in front of books but flip pages mindlessly all the time. Jay was on therapy for few weeks and scored 72% in his HSC Exams.
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Media Violence – Impact on your Child’s Behaviour
Aggressive and abusive behaviour in youngsters is increasing at an alarming rate. Many times parents are seen blaming teachers, school/college authorities, bad company of friends, over pampering grandparents or excessive use of mobile. Outsiders blame parents for either neglecting or over pampering their child. But we are missing out one more reason that could be impacting child’s mind, and that is Media Violence.
Watching violent television programs, television news, playing violent video games, violent images in newspaper or reading age inappropriate books/ news updates, may affect child even if they don’t have a history of aggressive behavior. Many researchers have found that violent media can cause aggressive behavior in child.
Parents’ choices about their own media intake can affect child and heavy exposure to violent media can also lead to desensitization. Socio-political issues, news of terrorism, war or details provided on rape incidences or any other crime can also lead children to have aggressive behavior. Unfortunately recent incidences happening in India is also causing Anxiety and stress in many individuals including children.
Though it is good to know what is happening around but you are best to judge if it is really important for your child to know about the violence talk or act happening around. You won’t be able to avoid all exposure to violent media. But in your own home, you have a lot of control over what your child watch, see, and play.
Watch for signs of aggressive behaviour, stress, fear or anxiety. It is typical for a child (and adult) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety after watching a violent event. Your child’s behaviors may change because of their response to the event and may experience.
- trouble sleeping
- changes in appetite
- change in behaviour
- academic decline
- difficulty with concentrating
This is normal for everyone and should begin to disappear in a few months.
Things you should do for your kids:
Keep the news away Turn off the TV and radio news whenever your child is in the house. Read the newspaper out of range of young eyes. Your Preschool child doesn’t need to see or hear, they can be frightened by the pictures or listening to them. Threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally, especially because they can easily confuse facts with fantasies or fears.
Keep an eye on the clock Don’t let child spend too long with virtual violence (Movies or games). The more time they spend immersed in violent content, the greater its impact and influence.
Consider your own reactions Your child will look to the way you handle the news to determine their own approach. They learn from your actions, if you stay calm and rational, they will, too.
Teach conflict resolution Most children know that physically hurting someone isn’t the way to solve a disagreement, but verbal cruelty also is violence. Teach kids how to use their words responsibly to stand up for themselves and others.
Encourage your child Tell them to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling. Some child may find it helpful to express their feelings through art.
It may happen that they have absorbed the news independently of you. Well in such case, it’s important to be open to discussing the facts. However, do so in a manner that’s appropriate for their age.
It’s natural for your child to feel anxious, confused and upset when too much media violence is exposed and it can affect some child more than others. If your child seems to have trouble coping with the images he/she has seen or heard, talk to your child’s pediatrician. A physician can assess your child and make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals if needed.
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Facts about Mental Health
In an effort to clear up common misconceptions and promote increased awareness, we present 30 important facts about mental health.
Continue reading “Facts about Mental Health”Govt. Mental Hospital/Institutes in India
The Government mental hospital provides range of services related to psychiatry in nominal charges, you may find different type of professionals such as Psychiatrist, Neuropsychiatrist, Psychologist, Counsellor/Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Nurse and many others for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Here are some Govt. institutions available in different parts of India.
Continue reading “Govt. Mental Hospital/Institutes in India”
Dr. Rimpa Sarkar 