The Mental Compass

Understanding How Calamity, Emotional Trauma, and Personal Loss Reshape Our Priorities and Relationships By Gurneet Kaur Jaitly  Counseling Psychologist | Life Skills Facilitator | Student Wellness Advocate “Sometimes it takes losing everything to appreciate what was always most valuable.” — Dr. Irvin D. Yalom, Existential Psychiatrist Introduction: When the World Pauses On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171 — a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London — crashed just moments after lifting off from Ahmedabad, claiming over 240 lives and leaving only one survivor  . Among the victims were: A mother flying in to surprise her son for his birthday; A young couple embarking on their honeymoon abroad; A teacher returning to resume classes after months of pandemic lockdown. Their stories remind us — in the harshest way — that love, hope, and connection often travel with us, and that a single unexpected moment can change everything. When tragedy like this strikes, it shakes our belief...

DIRECTOR  : S. Shankar CAST : VIJAY, JIIVA, SRIKANTH, ILEANA D’CRUZ, SATHYARAJ, SATHYAN AND OTHERS "Nanban" is a thought-provoking film that explores the themes of academic pressure, friendship, and the consequences of a rigid upbringing. The story is narrated through a non-linear fashion, weaving together a complex web of relationships and events. Venkat, Senthil, and Pari's friendship is the heart of the film, showcasing how a carefree individual like Pari can bring about a sense of liberation and freedom to those around him. Through the character of Virus, the film highlights the psychological effects of a strict and unsympathetic environment, which can lead to desperation and ultimately, suicide. Paneerselvam's tragic fate is a poignant reminder of the dangers of putting undue pressure on individuals, especially in their formative years. The film also explores the concept of identity, as Pari's true self is revealed to be Kosaksi Pasapugazh, a successful entre...

  Authored by Megha Bajaj with inputs from Priyanka Chadchan In 2017, Reed Hastings, Co-founder of Netflix, was asked, “Who is your No. 1 competitor?” He answered, “You get a show or a movie you're really dying to watch, and you end up staying up late at night, so we actually compete with sleep. And we are winning!” This statement is alarming enough. In a world where everything is one click away, we are smarter and faster. We are evolving as superhumans in our own ways. But it’s vital to pause and ask ourselves: Are we also becoming weaker, lazier, more inefficient, with a shorter attention span, and yes, unhealthier (physically, mentally, and emotionally)? Many would, unfortunately, nod in agreement. Imagine preparing for bed after a wholesome meal and a tiring day, lying on a cozy bed that seems perfect, but eventually not being able to sleep for hours. You check your phone, scroll, and try again, but there are no signs of sleep. You realize it's 4 am; you feel tired, yet you...

"The Powerpuff Girls," a beloved animated series, provides numerous psychological lessons for women, particularly in terms of empowerment, friendship, and self-identity. The trio—Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup—embodies diverse personalities that resonate with different aspects of womanhood, showcasing that strength can come from various traits. Blossoms' leadership qualities inspire self-confidence and strategic thinking, encouraging women to embrace their roles as leaders regardless of societal norms. Bubbles, often perceived as the "sweetheart," teaches the value of emotional intelligence, emphasizing that sensitivity and compassion are strengths rather than weaknesses. In contrast, Buttercup represents fierce independence and resilience, promoting the importance of assertiveness and standing up for oneself. Moreover, the series highlights the significance of collaboration and the power of friendship. The girls’ unshakeable bond exemplifies how mutual support...

Few weeks back, social media was flooded with memes related to the change in the name of the sweets from Mysore Pak to Mysore shree, Moti Pak to Moti Shree and so on. Many sweet shops changed the name of the sweets that carry the word Pak into Shree and they call it as a sign of Patriotism. Is it really patriotism? Or some other psychology plays a role out there. Does changing or ignoring the term make any sense? Some appreciated the change in the name whereas some blamed this act and stood against this. Let’s explore the psychological principles that rule this behavior. Excitation Transfer Theory This incident took place after Operation Sindoor, a fightback by our military forces for the Pahalgam attack. After this the two countries ended up compromising with each other inorder to avoid death and casualties. But most people of our nation felt disappointed by the act of compromise and they wanted some justice for those who lost their lives in Pahalgam. It seems unusual right? Usually c...

The nation held its breath, anticipation hanging in the air as headlines exploded and hashtags like #OperationSindhoor, #JusticeDelivered, and #IndiaStrikesBack trended across social media. Reels, rants, and rage filled our feeds, revealing a war fought not just on borders but within our screens, where information and emotion collided. Amidst this chaos, a mother mourned quietly, her son's image circulating with filters and flashing fonts, becoming a viral symbol of grief. Elsewhere, a teenager reposted the same image with a “caption of solidarity,” unaware if it was even genuine.  What exactly was Operation Sindhoor? Was it a serious military operation or just a sensational online movement?   For many, it was less about facts and more about feelings—truth was often overshadowed by viral storytelling. This isn't just misinformation; it’s empathy lost amid edits and edits, drowning the raw voice of pain in the relentless churn of algorithms. The digital battleground erupted as ...