Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, India has gone in a 3 week lock down period. Uncertainty and fear is looming around us, dominating our every action. Adversity can bring about either best or worst amongst us, there is no middle path. Sadly as we read news of people escaping from quarantine or for that matter hoarding […]

Whenever a living organism is faced with a new situation, the brain and body gear up to adapt to this novelty which is understood clinically as a stress response. There are physiological changes causing the release of chemicals which make us physically and psychologically feel or respond. If the change is considered positive, it feels […]

It’s a sudden crisis, there was no storm, no earthquake, no land slide , still.. we see ourselves in an unprecedented situation. We are used to a fast paced life, leisure time has been a luxury, and we have had issues like pollution and plastic but we always thought someone will deal with it. And […]

Drug addiction is emerging as a major problem of epidemic proportions. It is estimated that in Punjab alone there are about 7 lakh patients affected by it. Once a patient goes it to severe addiction (Known as dependence), then the treatment and prognosis become increasingly difficult and complex. This is the time when an expert […]

Suicidal ideation is recurring thoughts about suicide or thinking about planning suicide frequently. The disorder may include transient considerations to a detailed plan. Suicidal tendencies do not include the act of suicide. More often than not, stress, anxiety and long term depression drive individuals into developing suicidal tendencies. Considering most cases, such tendencies are remediable […]

Combating suicidal thoughts that keep coming back requires medical attention in the long term. As a matter of fact, suicidal tendencies are curable. With the treatment and support of the loved ones, it is possible to manage the persisting condition. Diagnosis of Suicidal Tendencies A psychiatric diagnosis is required to identify the exact causes of […]

India has one of fastest growing geriatric population (age 60 years and above) in the world and it is projected to rise to 12.6% of total population by 2026. Increase in life expectancy, though has emerged as boon but also has created questions about the quality of life in the elderly. Our senior citizens which […]

Women and men are not only different in their physical appearance but also in the way they communicate, deal in relationships and react to stress. Gender is a very important determinant of mental health and mental illness. The pattern of psychological distress and psychiatric disorder among women are different from those seen in men. Gender […]

Depression is an illness that affects your brain. It is your reaction to something sad, loss of someone, or dejection. When these feelings aggravate and become intense, it leads to a medical situation  known as  clinical depression. Yoga is one of the good ways to lighten your mood and keep depression at bay. Yoga poses […]

Here are few of the ways laughter can support on depression :- Laughter may strengthen the immune system by activating cells that attack viruses Laughing may lower blood pressure for some by inducing relaxation and preventing the release of stress hormones such as cortical Laughter can trigger the release of endorphins which give you a […]

Today’s life is full of stress. Be it due to work pressure, relationships or fast paced lifestyles. In times of increased everyday stress we push aside the “ME” time that is necessary for our mind and bodies to recharge. Instead we become more stressed, unhappy, tired and this vicious cycle continues. There are so many […]

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects few women after giving birth to an infant. Symptoms include sadness, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, low energy, anxiety, and irritability.Basically , the condition develops within 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, but it can sometimes take several months to present . The […]

People with depression are more prone to experience fatigue and people with chronic fatigue are more likely to become depressed, creating a cycle that can be strong to break. Potential causes of depression fatigue include sleep problems, diet, stress and even the medications used to treat depression. The symptoms of depression can bring about few drastic […]

Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that affects all parts of life, including your mood, energy strength, attention, nature and behaviors. While there is no options of cure for the disorder, the symptoms are treatable. The sooner try to observe  treatment after developing the disorder, the greater your chances are for learning to manage […]

Depression isn’t caused by any one thing. It can be caused by stress, chronic illness, or chemicals in the brain. Depression sometimes runs in families, so someone with a close relative who has depression may be more likely to experience depression. Everyone feels sad or down sometimes, it is important to pay attention when the […]

Stress Stress is often neglected in day to day life event when it could play a very detrimental role in our mental health. It is a process that puts the bodily systems under strain in order to cope with the environmental demands that bring about psychological and biological changes that could account for an illness. […]

In several cases, suicide can be prevented. Research recommends that a good way to prevent suicide is to know the risk factors. Suicide is not a part of mental illness in itself, but a major  potential consequence of several  mental disorders, particularly major depression. Following are few of the possible important  major warning signs that […]

Suicidal behavior includes completed suicide and attempted suicide. Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can’t cope when you’re faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don’t have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You […]

The first thing to understand about depression is that it is not a disease, a punishment for guilt or a sign of being crazy. It is an experience. It is a reaction to the world; it is the way we think, feel and act. Everyone has times when they feel down, sad, empty, low, pessimistic, […]

According to the world health organization Health is a state of combined physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely absence of disease or infirmity. Normal mental health, much like as normal health is a rather difficult concept to elaborate. There are most of the models are available for perception which may constitute normality. Although […]

Psychotherapy is a treatment that is linked between both  a therapist and patient. It is elaborate and  used to treat several mental disorders and emotional difficulties issues .It helps the patient to understand their feelings or emotions. Psychological therapies are good across all ages groups &can be used to help a range of people.. Psychotherapy […]

Light therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many people with SAD or Depression. You can potentially brighten your mood, give yourself more energy, and decrease food cravings by turning on a bright light. Most experts agree that light therapy treatment requires between 2,500 and 10,000 lux. If you’re going to take this route, […]

SAD is a type of a mood disorder that’s a specific related to Seasons- it begins and ends at about the same time every year. Most typically, SAD symptoms start in the late fall and worsen in the winter. It is usually erupts in October and November, when the days become shorter, and typically remits […]

When someone says he or she is thinking  or planning on suicide or says things that sound as if the person is considering suicide, it can be very depressing. You may not be sure what to do to help. Taking action is always the best option. Understand that the person is going through a tough […]

Almost everyone has felt “down in the dumps” at times or had a phase of “the blues.” In this state, you may have referred to yourself as feeling depressed. Depression is different from “the blues” in so many ways. It is important for us to understand the same and act accordingly. You also need to […]

Suicide cannot be just defined as an impulsive reaction. It can be the result of numerous circumstances, instances and the cumulative effect on the psyche of the person. The human mind is unique and each person has his own way of thinking and analyzing aspects. Hence suicide for some may be associated with impulsiveness while […]

Suicide contagion is the exposure to suicide or suicidal behaviors within one’s family one’s peer group or through media reports of suicide and can result in an increase in suicide and suicidal behaviors. People deemed at risk for suicide should then be referred for substitute for mental health services. Suicide contagion can be defined as […]

Suicide causes problems – immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Approximately 112 Indians die by suicide per day. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24-year-olds and more than 9.4 million adults in India have serious thoughts of suicide within the past 12 months. But suicide is preventable. […]

The misuse of alcohol or drugs is second to depression as the most frequent risk factor for suicide and suicidal behavior. The risks increase if Substance Use Disorder (SUD) co-occurs with depression major depressive disorder or other mental health disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and few personality […]

Although the majority of people who have depression do not die by suicide, having major depression does increase suicide risk compared to people without depression. The risk of death by suicide may, in part, be related to the severity of the depression. Most, but not all, people who commit suicide have a mental illness. This […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a drug as any substance which, introduced into the living organism can modify one or more of its functions. Drug consumption behaviour is the same as all another maladaptive behaviour: it is the result of a complex interaction of personal and environmental factors. Historically, drugs have been linked to […]

There is no sure way to prevent mental illness. However, if you have a mental illness, taking steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and to boost low self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control. The burden of mental illnesses has increased over the last few decades. As per WHO estimates the current […]

There are many different conditions that are recognized as psychological health disorders. Mental health issues are in fact one of the leading health ailments that mankind is facing. Depression and anxiety disorders are few mental health issues that are ignored, misdiagnosed and may compound and become chronic health issues. Mental Health is also one of […]

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start between ages 16 and 30. […]

Effective treatment of drugs addictions: Drug addiction is a complex but treatable brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of severe adverse consequences.For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.As a chronic, recurring illness, addiction may […]

Suicide is defined as an act with a fatal outcome that is deliberately initiated and performed by the person in the knowledge or expectation of its fatal out come. Definitions aside, Suicide, taking one’s own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations or in several cases, the consequence of an untreated mental illness […]

There are many causes behind suicidal issues. Most commonly, feelings that one cannot cope up with and experience or situation which seems overwhelming to them. One mistakenly considers suicide to be a solution when they assume their future to be hopeless. Such people may experience tunnel vision, wherein which during the midst of a crisis […]

The act of purposely taking one’s own life is known as suicide. Suicidal behavior refers to an action which leads to an individual’s death, like taking an overdose of a drug or purposely crashing a car. Suicide is a leading cause of unnatural death in India and is in fact propelled by depression. In India, […]

Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 15 and 24, and each year, nearly 4,600 youth ages 10 to 24 commit suicide3. Even more troubling statistics are – For every suicide amongst youth aged 15 to 24, there are between 100 and 200 suicide attempts. In fact, […]

The teenage years are times when individuals develop their identity and sense of self. If a depression is left to develop, it can lead to isolation from family and friends, risk taking behaviors such as reckless driving, inappropriate sexual involvements and drug and alcohol abuse. It can also impact on school performance and study, which […]

Anxiety, Depression, Stress are the ingredients that can propel a person to take devastating steps in one’s life such as suicide. Depression is a mental health issue that has gripped our nation extensively. Every year more than 10 million cases of depression are reported in India with the majority not being reported due to social […]

Stress is defined as one’s response or reaction to real or imagined threat, event or change (Known as stressors).Stress is a state or condition which arises when one perceives that the demand exceeds the existing resourses one can mobilize. Stress is inevitable but one can learn to manage it. Stress is thought to be bad […]

Substance use disorders, commonly known as Drug Addiction, is a chronic and relapsing illness characterized by compulsion to use a substance (Drug) despite harmful consequences, loss of control in limiting intake and resulting emotional and behavioral disturbances. In most of the cases the onset of drug use behavior is voluntary but over time due to […]

People who are addicted to substance abuse can have an adverse effect on their metal and psychological health. These chemical substances can play havoc in their lives and can affect the life balance of many. In additional the social and economic challenges are also face by them. Some of the adverse effects of drug abuse […]

How alarming would it sound when you’re young teen says weed is normal and it’s a way of life? The nightmare still doesn’t end for most of our parents in NCR, in fact it rings a bell only when they face medico legal complications, some medical emergency or severe behavioural issues of their adolescents. The […]

Alcohol and Drug abuse is one of the most common problems witnessed  today but detection of substance use disorder is often complicated by the patient’s unwillingness or at times, even inability to recognise their problematic use of alcohol or drugs. Many people can drive alcohol or use psychoactive substances occasionally without any negative effects on […]

The Pattern of drug abuse among youth depends on a number of factors ranging from the environment to genetic vulnerability. Younger people especially adolescents are vulnerable to peer presence. This is significant because during their age they are undergoing a number of hormonal and developmental changes, moreover, their personalities are changing. These changes can make […]

Sexual health has always been relevant but in today’s time with so much of an early exposure to our children and adolescents, we as parents need to be prepared in advance to handle the curiosity, exploration and experimental behaviour related to sexual health, it also becomes of much more relevance when we as parents are […]

The life cycle of a living organism is primarily guided by the internal hormonal milieu but it is mostly manifested in women due to the cyclicity with which their entire life, from menarche to pregnancy to menopause goes through. The monthly menstrual cycle is a neuro endocrine processes and the physiological as well as psychological […]

Stigma is a social construct which means  a mark of disgrace. If human brain identifies a thing or an event as having negative impact, it has a tendency to withdraw from it. This biological response takes on a behavioural connotation in terms to negative attitude towards a certain entity/group or place. AIDS has been identified […]

The researchers from the University of York, the University of Liverpool and Newcastle University reviewed evidence on the impact loneliness has on heart disease and stroke risk, the notion that being lonely may cause stroke has caught fire. Earlier research with reference to social isolation and early death have also highlighted similar concerns. But how […]

It’s high time we accept that mental health and emotional well being are as important in older age as at any other time of life. WHO has quoted that between 2015 and 2050, the world population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Over 20% of geriatric population will be suffering from […]

A 36 year old businessman was admitted to hospital with Myocardial Infarction. His family wondered how, an energetic, workaholic young man like this who achieved such professional heights in a short span of 10 years, could develop heart disease. Further exploration revealed, a high strung individual, who relaxed little, had irregular and unhealthy eating habits […]

Mood Disorders are characterized by disturbance in an individual’s mood which is significant and pervasive and effects his/her personal, social and or occupational life. A normal mood highlights the general personality of a person and his or her reaction to every day situation , however if a person has a mood disorder, their reactions are […]

Anxiety is a psychological or physical sense of discomfort often felt when one is faced with an unpleasant situation. According to psychoanalytical model, it is a warning signal when one is faced with danger. In physiological terms, it’s a manifestation of ‘Flight or Fight’ reaction. Anxiety can be felt by all in the presence of […]

Jai, a 9 year old boy admitted in Paediatric ICU, was referred to me with major complaints of breathlessness and increased anger for past 2 months. His symptoms deteriorated in the past 1 week and he was also missing school. After assessing and diagnosing the situation of the child we came to know that his […]

According to American Pychiatric Association, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) affects about 5 percent of children and about half of them carry those symptoms into adulthood.The basic symptoms include inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD in children manifests as lack of attention, being accident prone and disturbance in academic performance. In adults, fidgetiness is often sign of […]

Jai, a 15 years old boy studying in grade 10, in one of the high profile schools , from an affluent and educated family presented self in the Child and Adolescent clinic with the main concerns of high level of anxiety. When asked to have food containing sugar or carbohydrates, fear of gaining weight, excessive […]

Substance abuse disorders are classified in medical science as an illness but the society still looks at them as a characterological trait which the sufferer is solely responsible for. Even though the socio cultural factors play a significant role in substance use behavior, genetic and biological influences can’t be discounted.  Epidemiological studies of twins and […]

I have been dealing with different individuals and families for addiction cases, and each one has a story to tell. I have seen numerous shattered hearts and broken families. Alcohol & drugs abuse is not just a disease or disorder, it is not restricted to an individual or family, infact it’s a social problem! It’s […]

Today the youth of India is dependent on alcohol and drugs. According to the official data from the ministry of social justice and empowerment, India has an estimated 3.4 million drug abuse victims and 11 million alcoholics in the country.The implications of alcohol and drug use are huge on the health sector. It is estimated […]

Drug and other psychoactive substance abuse is among the biggest challenges for the modern society and especially for the current generation. Considering the severe consequences of drug abuse it is definitely a cause of great worry to the parents. If we try to find out why it is so the following reasons can be cited. […]

If we analyze the causes of drug addiction it can be grouped under the headings of social, individual, legal, psychological and cultural factors. These factors sometimes work alone or in tandem to motivate a person go on the road to addiction. This habit of addiction can be dependence on alcohol, drugs, psychotropic drugs, cigarette, to […]

Dear Ma’am, I need help! I am studying in class XI in one of the best schools of Gurgaon. I tried smoking weed with my friends just to have fun. Then we (friends & I) kept meeting once or twice a week for movies and group studies and we smoked together and also drank alcohol. […]

How alarming would it sound when your young teen says weed is normal and it’s a way  of life….the nightmare still doesn’t ends  for most of our parents in NCR it rings a bell only when they face medico legal complications, some medical emergency or severe behavioural issues of their adolescents. This further gets complicated […]

Suparna went to a party with her cousin on a weekend. Most of their friends were enjoying drinks and puffing cigarettes. She was little shy initially but she found it fine to smoke though somewhere she was feeling out of the place, and deep in her heart she knew, just to feel accepted by the […]

She was awake the entire night, keeping a check on your well being. She ensured with doctors again and again not because she has less knowledge, but to avoid any mistake (for your health). She was wearing smile, even when you were venting your frustration on her….No she is not your mother, she is your […]

Stress is a complex condition with emotional, cognitive, and biological factors. Excessive stress causes long- and short-term disability in the various human systems.The stress responses differ depending on the type of stress and the individual’s physiological responses. Since the body’s stress systems play a critical role in adapting to a continuously changing and challenging environment, […]

Stress is very common now a day’s and it is affecting all age groups – Be it school going children, young adults or working professionals.  No one is immune to stress in the present fast and competitive world. So, what is stress? Stress is the body’s response to any kind of physical or emotional demand […]

Stress in mechanics is a load, pull or force or a system of forces producing a strain. In life, any event or situation that produces a strain therefore induces a physiological strain. At work place, a system of forces work to produce desired results which more often than not produce a state of strain or […]

Stress appears when we feel that we can’t cope with pressure, and it inturn triggers a physiological responses. These changes are best described as the fight or flight response, a hard-wired reaction to perceived threats to our survival. At times of danger, the body’s innate intelligence automatically takes charge by triggering a set of changes […]

We look around at our friends’ marriage and often conclude that their marriage is better than ours. No wonder we turn to self-pity mode for not being to lucky to have a happier and exciting relationship. Who knew the love shall fade away! Where is the harmony and intimacy we always dreamt of ?? Why […]

Why it is very important to nurture growing girls-physically, mentally and moreover emotionally? Because they are the one who shall lead to reach higher levels of success, empowerment, prosperity and wisdom and ensure that the same is passed from one generation to another. Understand the need: Let’s understand the reason for physical changes- from amoeba […]

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. But you are far more powerful than Depression!! Suparna is Director Marketing in a FMCG Company, one of the most successful professionals in industry. Kunal is Head-SBU. They met at work and fell for each other. […]

Health is a process not a destination in life. A healthy life is a process that includes all aspects of  an individual and social life. So whether it is physical, mental or even spiritual, one has to put adequate emphasis on the well-being of all components of life. The issue of mental health becomes more […]

Mental Health disorders are increasing at an epidemic pace around the world and India too has much to worry about. The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that 20% of India’s population will suffer from some form of mental illness by 2020. This is the frightening statistic considering the fact that India’s mental health sector […]

Cancer is not a death sentence. Cure rates continue to improve as new medicines and treatment modalities are discovered. Some types of cancer have better prognoses (outlooks) than others, but overall, people with cancer are living longer than ever before. Doctors can’t work miracles, hope can: Doctors cannot predict how long a person will live. […]

In the last three decades obesity has increased at an alarming rate undoubtedly… and the physical and medical consequences have been highlighted significantly in the recent movements to reduce obesity, but what we really seem to be missing out is the psychosocial consequence to this condition which can significantly impact an individual’s functioning. The prevalence […]

Is Meditation really a remedy for handling stress? Yes! It does help to take charge of our life. Meditation is nothing to do with any religion. Since Ayurveda is an ancient medical practice and our scriptures suggest complete balance of mind, body and soul, people usually associate it with a way of offering prayers. Well […]

In the last one decade, the word ‘stress’ has got tremendous attention and it is now positioned well in everyone’s day-to-day life. From grandchildren to great grandparents everyone is struggling and juggling with thoughts. Working women, home makers, toddlers, pre-schoolers, teenagers, teachers, employees, employers, parents, children, maids –all fall under the vicious circle of stress. […]

Nisha was driving back home after dropping her husband to the airport after a long tough day at work. She was anxious to reach to her children who were calling continuously. She is the head of human resource at a reputed multinational company. In her thoughts she jumped the lights and collided with a brand […]

Even before doctors advocated breast milk as the best source of nutrition, Indian mother’s accepted breast feeding as her duty and a child’s right. Hence breastfeeding has been accepted as the norm in the Indian socio cultural context. The practice of breastfeeding was partially replaced by bottle feeding in the 20th century in Europe and […]

Every living organism is designed to recognize threat and respond by ‘flight or fight’ reaction. In case of human beings, external threat to physical well being in the form of wild animal attack is rare and therefore threat recognition has shifted to other aspects of human life that we identify as harmful. The fear of […]

Mood swings bother you and everyone around you! Everyone experiences disappointment or sadness in life. When the “down” times last a long time or interfere with your ability to function, you may be suffering..

Even after putting her best in her family, Radha’s husband was shouting at her again, her children were again complaining about the food, her mother-in-law about her joint pains and even when she had a million issues on her

“Drugs destroy lives and communities, undermine sustainable human development and generate crime. Drugs affect all sectors of society in all countries; in particular, drug abuse affects the freedom and development

The CRAFFT screening tool is a specialised 6 item measurement tool that is devised for adolescent children. Each of the letters stand for a word that showcase scenarios in which one could ever be involved. It is designed

Drug addiction is seen as many different things: a social ill, a personal vice, a genetic frailty. Basically on World Anti drug Abuse Day we want people to know that, above all, it’s a Brain Disease.

Raghav had a high life, literally- a lovely family, a good business and supportive friends. But very soon the jitters started. Trouble in the family, ups and down in business, bad health of his parents. Stress and peer