The Mental Compass

  The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations, yet for many, it can be a period marked by anxiety, stress, and emotional turmoil. The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience can overshadow the intended spirit of joy and gratitude.  To navigate this dichotomy effectively, embracing mindful celebrations can facilitate a balance between festivity and mental well-being. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaging with the current moment, while remaining non-judgmental. It fosters awareness and encourages individuals to acknowledge their thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them. During holidays, this can manifest in various forms—whether through reflections, gratitude practices, or simply pausing to savor experiences as they unfold. One of the leading stressors during the holidays stems from expectations—both personal and societal.  Commercial media often presents an idealized version ...

In a world that is always changing, our thoughts can greatly influence our personal growth and the environment we live in. "Sprouting green thoughts" means growing new, positive ideas in our minds, similar to how a gardener cares for his / her plants. These "green thoughts" represent not only personal development but also our responsibility toward nature and society. It’s about planting seeds of hope and positivity that can lead to actions benefiting both ourselves and the planet.  When we talk about "green" thoughts, we are referring to the connection between how we act and the natural world. Just as trees take in carbon dioxide and provide us with oxygen, nurturing these green thoughts helps clear our minds of negativity, allowing us to focus on ideas that promote growth, strength, and a better relationship with our surroundings.   These thoughts are eco-friendly, focusing on sustainability, and encourage actions that improve our lives and help the envi...

Given the emergence of modern dating terms like ghosting, benching, and situationship, it is crucial to teach today's youth how to navigate consent, recognize red flags, and set boundaries to foster meaningful connections while prioritizing their mental well-being. In this age of instant gratification and connectivity, whether offline or online, assertive communication and the art of setting boundaries, are essential skills to avoid feeling overwhelmed, used, or manipulated and to maintain healthy relationships, romantic or platonic.  In any modern relationships, one of the most critical concerns is the fading of clear boundaries. The digital era has redefined friendships, which often overlap with romantic entanglements, further blurring the boundaries. This concept of consent is often misunderstood or misinterpreted or mishandled in relationships, whether in digital interactions or in person, especially in Indian context. Not everyone is aware of the legal aspects and cultural cha...

We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s a man’s world,” and in many ways, it is. Men hold power and privilege in almost every sphere, whether it’s politics, business, or even social dynamics. The  structures of our society were built to uplift men, often at the expense of women and marginalized genders. The inequalities are clear: the other genders are still fighting for equal pay, reproductive rights, and a seat at the decision-making table  (Hebl & King, 2019) . For them, this world is an uphill battle, a system that’s stacked against them. But there’s a part of this conversation that often gets overlooked: the very system that advantages men also traps them. It’s easy to see how patriarchal structures are harmful to women, but what we miss is how they are equally dysfunctional for men.  The privileges of masculinity come at a cost, a cost that doesn’t just affect the people who are excluded from these spaces of power but also those who are supposed to benefit from them. ...

As I stepped into the sprawling nature's premises, I observed the flowers swaying gracefully to the gentle caress of the breeze. A child joyfully dances, mirroring the movements of her mother. The river flows and twists, dancing along the shapes of the landscape. Each time I witness these moments, I feel they communicate something profound to the universe. One day, I encountered a deeply personal incident that completely overwhelmed my mind, body, and soul. The sorrow was so intense that it felt suffocating, leaving me at a loss for words to articulate my feelings. While rehearsing a particularly emotional piece that day, I found myself in tears, connecting profoundly with that experience. In that moment, movement became my voice, my way to release the pent-up emotions. I realized that emotions are not solely a product of the mind; they are also held within our bodies. When we experience tension, it shows in our facial expressions and physical actions. As I danced, I felt the wei...

  By Dr. Kanmani V K - Consultant Psychiatrist, Valasaravakkam, Chennai Dr. Kanmani V K is an experienced psychiatrist with an MD from the prestigious Madras Medical College in Tamil Nadu. With Nine years in the field, she has honed her expertise across numerous institutions and hospitals, developing a profound understanding of psychiatric treatment. Dr. Kanmani approaches her practice with empathy and a non-judgmental perspective, dedicating herself to helping individuals grappling with mental health issues and alleviating their stress. Committed to continuous learning, she has actively participated in various workshops to broaden her knowledge and skills in psychiatry, underscoring her passion for empowering her patients on their journey to mental wellness. Are you feeling anxious or dissatisfied with your appearance? If you're struggling with negative thoughts about how you look, it could be a sign of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. It's important to recognize these feelings and c...

             Mental health has emerged as a pivotal topic in contemporary discourse, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. In many cultures, discussing mental health issues is still considered taboo, leading individuals to suffer in silence. This stigma manifests as social exclusion, workplace discrimination, and a general lack of understanding of mental health conditions. As our society evolves, it is crucial to break down these barriers and foster an environment where open conversations about mental health can thrive. One significant aspect contributing to stigma is the portrayal of mental health in media and popular culture. Often, mental illnesses are sensationalized or misrepresented, leading to false stereotypes and fear. For instance, individuals with mental health conditions are frequently depicted as dangerous or unpredictable, which perpetuates negative perceptions. By promoting accurate and empathetic representations of men...