What does my mind say?

What is Mental Health and why is it so important?

Just as you go to a doctor for your general physical check-up, your mental health check-up is also an important aspect of your overall wellness. WHO defines Health as “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition states the biopsychosocial aspect of a person’s life. To be called a healthy person you must have a healthy physique, a sound mind, and a well-balanced social life. If even one of the mentioned aspects is disturbed it will cause gradual mental and social instability. Mental health has to be given priority because even if you like it or not your mind gets tired and it needs adequate rest from thinking. Thus, some researches prove that Yoga, morning walks, meditation or prayer help you keep your mind calm and peaceful. Just as you give your body a break your mind will need time off from your busy schedule.

What are the myths related to Counselling?

Counseling is only for weak-minded people.

No, Counselling is done not only for people with problems but it can be used for your normal lives. When you vent your feelings, you feel calm and relieved from stress.

All people with mental illness are “crazy”.

No, the majority of patients with mental health issues are not hyperactive. In that case, they are hospitalized and kept on supervision by professionals.

Only people out of their minds go for counseling.

Counseling is meant for anyone who is ready to seek help or if someone wants to talk about their problems. It is not only meant for the mentally ill.

Counselors will talk behind my back

Counselors are meant to keep your secrets safe. Counselors are not allowed to disclose any information given to them. Only if the person is going to be harmful to himself or society, a counselor needs to inform the parents or the concerned authority.

Counseling doesn’t work or it will make my problems even worse.

A counselor will help you solve your problems. A counselor will give you the motivation and the courage to face your situations.

When do you realize that you have a mental health problem?

Lack of sleep
Mood instability
Distancing from friends
Cannot move on from a traumatic incident
When you feel lonely for a long time
When you have bad dreams most of the nights
When you have negative thoughts most of the times
When you are withdrawn

How does meditation, yoga or prayer help keep my mind calm?

Yoga and meditation help your body as well as your mind to stay calm and think about life as a whole. Yoga helps in building muscle strength, the perfection of posture, drops in blood pressure, etc.

“The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” explains Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California.

Meditation helps the body, mind and heart to focus on being in a calm state. It improves in reducing stress, boosts mood and also eases chronic pain at times. There are a lot of studies that prove that keeping the mind calm will help you develop a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Prayer is a very important task in a person’s life. Thank God for giving you such beautiful people who are around you, thank Him for being so kind to you and keeping you safe. Ask Him to bless others and keep them safe from all evils.

A few facts for your knowledge.

Our world is running/developing at a very fast pace. People’s expectations from us become complex. You need to realize that our society expects everyone to be perfect in life and there is no imperfection. No matter how hard you try, you are unable to reach their expectations. So, be yourself, do what you can do, but do it to your satisfaction, you do things that you love but love the things you do. We are human and tend to fail. We make mistakes and we are also vulnerable, it’s okay, accept and keep working. Failures are part of the process. Stay strong during the weak moments of failure, be positive.

Impact of global pandemic on the youth

Antonio Vian Noronha 20/06/2020 No Comments

Youth are the growth factor for any country. They form a large portion of the population. India is one of countries where youth are in abundance. But due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, life has come to a standstill. Lockdown has damaged the economy and its adverse effects are felt by our youth. The unemployment rate is increasing at a jaw dropping rate. In the past three months youth of every country across the globe have lost their jobs. Companies have laid off a huge number of employees to cut down the costs and sustain in the market. Lots of youth who have retained their jobs despite facing huge pay cuts in salaries. Some of them have availed loans for various purposes. Many of them have taken up EMI schemes. But due to the Coronavirus they have lost their livelihood. They are not able to pay the loans and pay interest. For some, the situation is so dire that it has led them to commit suicide. Depression has taken deep roots in their life also affecting their loved ones.

The Awakening

Antonio Vian Noronha 19/06/2020 No Comments

I am Namita. (name changed) I lost my father when I was 18. I have a brother who is elder to me. I have completed my teacher training program and worked in School as a teacher. After a few years of experience, members of my family forced me to get married. In April 2018 I tied the knot with the person chosen by my family. In the beginning, life was very pleasant and smooth going. We went out in the evenings, had food outside, met friends and relatives. I felt very happy and thanked my mother for choosing the right person for life. As days passed, my husband started behaving strangely and showing his real character. but I did not change my attitude towards him. I tolerated everything and I lived with him. Then one fine day, like bolt from the blue, I got a call from a lady that my husband has an extramarital relationship with her for the last 7 years. Then I was shocked and felt very bad but even then I did not change my attitude and I loved him sincerely despite the fact which I was told on the telephone and continued to live with him. Then he started punishing me with physical torture as well as mental torture. I told him that I was pregnant thinking with this news he would stop torturing me but it was different. He tortured me more and more and I had a miscarriage. But in spite of all these atrocities I stayed with him and continued working in the school After some time, he forced me to leave the job but begged him to allow me to continue in the school. But again he started to give a lot of mental and physical torture to me. Then finally I decided to resign and came back to my mother. I did not lose heart nor did I worry about my past. I then decided to stand on my own legs with Education “the greatest asset” my parents had given me. I thought to myself why I should waste my life for a person who has no feelings, it is not worth it. I got a good job in a school and continuing as a teacher, enjoying with little children, forgetting all my past, dedicating my life to these children who are the future of our country. Thank you Secret Sharz for providing some space for persons like me to share all our problems with full confidence.

Relationships

Antonio Vian Noronha 18/06/2020 No Comments

I was about 15 years old when I got into my first one sided relationship. It was not a great one. The girl got to know and she said it was not going to go anywhere. I used to lie a lot during this time.