The Mental Compass

Some bonds are born in the heart, not the womb.  Raksha Bandhan has become another occasion threaded through millions of homes, worry-free silk, tempting sweets and solemn pledge of protection. A sister ties a rakhi and a brother resolves to protect her.  However, in a world wherein family was once confined under one roof, this occasion has become something much greater. It’s no longer just about brothers and sisters bound by blood. It’s about chosen siblings, those who enter our lives not through lineage, but through love. In a time when the meaning of family is being redefined, Raksha Bandhan is finding new ground. It is no longer limited to biological relationships or patriarchal protection, it is blossoming into a celebration of mutual care, emotional safety and deep companionship. Because sometimes the people protecting you the most, never did so by growing up with you. Instead, they had every reason to walk away but chose to be there.  We tend to forget our friends ...

M arriage is a commitment of two souls to walk together on the same life journey. But we can see so many issues in marriage life from the people around us. Why does this happen? Let’s concentrate on the one recent major issue of dowry and its consequences. Dowry and Marriage In the past month, there are 2 dowry related suicides reported in Tamil Nadu. According to NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), 6,450 deaths were registered in India because of dowry related issues. This happens because the burden to adjust in a family setting always falls on the women. It is being instigated that women are the one who should adjust, adapt to the demands of the in-laws family. And the female’s complaint against her in-laws goes unaddressed by the husband and even by her parents. This gives rise to the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness and because of that, women stop voicing it out and stop seeking help. It’s heartbreaking that some families instil the thought in their own daughter that a wo...

Television and movies not only entertain, they provide the blueprint for how many of us imagine love to unfold. Because of the artistic choices of directors, love on television and in the movies is larger than life, dramatic, passionate, and fated. So what do psychologists say about how these celluloid illusions shape our very expectations of love and relationships? Across the decades, media romance has built love as abrupt, passionate, and fate-ordained: soul mates find each other and are immediately drawn to each other, conflicts are resolved at climactic points, and "happily ever after" is the sure outcome. Exposure to these stories causes fans to adopt idealized notions of romance, such as in "true love," "love at first sight," or unbreakable destiny. Holmes (2007) noted that media romance audiences were more likely to agree with such perceptions, expecting relationships to be effortless and maximally rewarding just because of fate. But real relationsh...

The cartoon "Arthur" offers valuable psychological lessons that can enhance mental health awareness among viewers, particularly children and their families. One prominent theme is emotional resilience, exemplified through Arthur's experiences with friendship conflicts and personal setbacks, teaching children to cope with disappointment and develop problem-solving skills. The show also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, as characters often navigate social situations that require compassion and communication, fostering emotional intelligence.  Additionally, "Arthur" addresses issues like anxiety and self-esteem; episodes where characters face new challenges or feel excluded highlight the significance of expressing feelings and seeking support, reducing stigma around mental health struggles. The cartoon subtly encourages open dialogue about emotions, promoting mental health literacy from an early age. Moreover, "Arthur" demonstrate...

Disasters are not natural. They only occur when hazards meet vulnerability.- Terry Cannon Skies are not always silent with tears. Sometimes they scream - loud, ferocious, merciless. The monsoon, once looked forward to as an expected bearer of our hope, becomes unrecognizable. It stops being poetry and becomes panic. What begins as gentle rain turns into walls of water, swallowing streets, homes and unfortunately with them: certainty. Floods don’t knock. They barge in. A child's exercise book or a bed that once held weary dreams  float, sodden and disoriented, among the wreckage of nature's chaos. The news tells us about numbers and rainfall maps  but it does not convey the heartbreak of watching years of your life slowly sink beneath rising waters. It does not convey the trembling forefinger gripping a drenched photo. It does not listen to the silence of a person who loses not just a home but a history.  Floods are not only a disaster from nature, they are deeply human ev...

On social media, trends like “That Girl,” “Clean Girl,” and “Pink Girl” are everywhere. These trends show a perfect and pretty lifestyle. They include waking up early, drinking green juice, having glowing skin, clean rooms, soft outfits, and calm vibes. At first, they seem inspiring. But for many young people, especially girls, they bring pressure and stress. What starts as motivation slowly turns into anxiety. How These Trends Became Popular Today, aesthetics are not just about how something looks. They are also about how someone lives. The “That Girl” trend shows a girl who wakes up at 5 am, writes in her journal, exercises, eats healthy, and looks like she has everything under control. The “Clean Girl” trend is about natural beauty, simple makeup, tied hair, and soft clothes. The “Pink Girl” is about soft and sweet looks, usually with a love for pink things. These trends seem healthy at first. They promote a clean lifestyle and good habits. But when someone feels like they must foll...

Many of us have encountered someone who struggles with alcoholism or chain smoking. When asked about it, they often respond with statements like, "I'm trying to quit smoking," or "I'm trying to stop drinking, but I just can't." Despite their efforts, they frequently relapse, which might lead others to question their sincerity or determination. Is quitting really that difficult? The truth is- yes, it is. Addiction is a powerful force that can be incredibly hard to overcome. However, that doesn't mean it's impossible. With genuine commitment, consistency and a strong will, anyone can break free from addiction and reclaim control over their life.  Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) Substance use disorders are characterized by the compulsion to use one or more substances, along with the perceived loss of control and a negative emotional state. SUDs are becoming a major concern for the public's health. Studies show that the most commonly used subst...

It’s 2 a.m. And you’re typing out your fears to someone you’ve by no means met in person. They stay thousands of miles away, yet in some way, they understand you better than many people in your physical world. Welcome to the age of virtual friendship—where emojis, voice notes, and video calls take over cafe conversations, but the emotions remain the same. The Rise of Digital Bonds Friendship has evolved through the years. From playground bonds to pen friends, and now to Instagram DMs and Discord servers, the essence of connection has remained the same: to be seen, heard, and valued. With the appearance of social media, forums, gaming groups, and messaging apps, friendships are not limited by geography or time zones. Contrary to the perception that online relationships are superficial or “lesser,” studies indicates that digital friendships can be simply as emotionally considerable as offline ones. Psychologist John Cacioppo, who studied loneliness and social connection, cited that it’s ...

“He never talked about it”  That’s what many children of soldiers say when asked about their father’s time at war. No tales of battle, no display of medals. Just a silent stare, a straightened back, and now and then a distant look when the fireworks burst or the patriotic songs.  But silence is not absence.  It’s often grief.  It's often a trauma.  It’s often a heavy history carried in the body, not in words.  Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of bravery. Of strategy, Of sacrifice. But for the men and women who served, and for the families who waited with trembling hearts, it is also a day of psychological weight. Because long after bullets stop flying, battles continue- within minds, in memories, in dreams that won’t fade.  The Invisible Wounds of War While we think of war, we often think of physical injuries. But many soldiers carry emotional wounds that no one can see.  They may have Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), feel guilt for surviving,...