The Mental Compass

TakeHelp Life Counselling Solutions® has been into EAP Services from 2019. We give a combination of individual support services as well as group support services. TakeHelp can say with pride that we have added tremendous value in the personal lives of several individuals and families through our EAP program interventions. 1) Can you describe your organization's EAP services and expertise? TakeHelp specialized in EAP from Day one. One thing was that we understood corporate requirements well as I have serviced corporates right from the beginning of my career as an Enterprise Specialist. More importantly as I have handled large teams myself in the course of my corporate career, I know what are the typical Wellness concerns and needs of Employees. It also helped that among our panel of Psychologists we had some renowned EAP specialists. So, with this domain expertise we put together a web-portal that focused on providing a Professional, Competent, Safe, Confidential and Anonymous eco-s...

Mrs. Arthy Sriram is a recognized Counseling Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in the corporate sector, where she has worked as an In-House Counselor and conducted Awareness sessions for various companies. In this interview she talks about her role as a Corporate Counsellor and her perspective on Workplace Mental Health. 1) Can you share your perspective on the importance of mental health in the workplace? It is a well known fact that mental health is as important as our physical health. A healthy  work space can help to improve the employee’s work productivity, enhance personal and professional growth. An employee with good mental health feels supported and is more resilient and is able to tackle challenge at work. Though we know that our physical and mental health are intertwined , we do not prioritise our mental health thereby leading to various issues both at workplace and home. 2) What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your role as a corporate counselor?...

  The modern workplace is increasingly focused on employee well-being, yet the pervasive issue of organizational stress, often called the silent crisis, remains largely overlooked. As work demands escalate due to constant connectivity and high expectations, employees are facing unprecedented stress levels. This article highlights the harmful effects of workplace stress on mental health and emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies to create a healthier work environment. Modern workplaces often prioritize productivity and efficiency, often at the expense of employees’ mental health. The pervasive culture of hustle, fueled by technology and social media, creates an environment where individuals feel compelled to be perpetually engaged. The relentless pressure to perform can lead to chronic stress, characterized by feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. The WHO highlights that workplace stress significantly contributes to major mental h...

  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...