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The Blue Whale Game has got everyone worried and all the parents alert. whatever the age, all parents are telling their children not to download the game, restricting and monitoring the mobile phone usage of their kids whatever the age. The real challenge though is to realize that something will always be there and we cannot monitor our kids all the time, everywhere. Its more important for us to understand what makes our young minds get involved and attracted with such things in the first place and how to prevent the same.
The Blue Whale game and many others like this, pull our kids into them by using two key psychological determinants of an adolescent mind’s psyche. The first is Curiosity and the second is – Thrill Seeking!
Curiosity is the most powerful determinant for a young mind to experiment with something novel and mysterious. whether it is cannabis use in college or late night drinking parties, its all done to satiate an element of curiosity.
Thrill seeking is the second pivotal phenomenon of an adolescent personality which makes one put societal norms at bay, seeking adventure, a high, a thrill and putting one in danger sometimes whether driving in high speeds or playing such games.
But, as they are a natural element of an adolescent mind’s psyche, we cannot abolish them or regulate them altogether. Though, if we can teach them the skill of exploration in a safe and controlled manner from an early age, it shall definitely help when the curiosity seeks attention of some dangerous activity in adolescent years by engaging in risky situations more responsibly and safely.
Thrill seeking can also be made more responsible by teaching kids to confide in ourselves from the early years of nascent learning. Letting them know that we as parents find it acceptable to know, understand and share their enthusiasm for such things, shall make them more trusting in relating to us of such matters and if we can teach them the art of responsible decision making by demonstration and not lecturing, we would have won the battle.
So, as long as there is a young mind, there will be threats: lets work on long term preparation than engaging in a sudden,transient knee jerk reaction to each new situation now and then.
Mental illness can it self be quite impairing and in some cases incapacitating, in the manner that it prohibits or prevents an individual from engaging effectively into the social and occupational spheres of life. This may happen during the active illness state or even with some residual symptoms of the illness despite adequate treatment, which can be quite challenging and also discouraging for a treating Psychiatrist.
Howsoever, most of the times what is even more discouraging for a Psychiatrist or a Therapist is the imminent, unjustified and unscientific stigma attached to the mentally ill which severely limits an individual’s participation into the society despite complete recovery from the illness. Sometimes, this stigma is even more impairing than the illness itself. Whether its finding work again, making friends or finding a life partner, everything is much more difficult. Rigid beliefs about mentally ill, critical comments, discrimination, poor support (even) from the loved ones make matters extremely difficult.
Only if, the society can provide the mentally ill with some rights, faith and respect, everyone can contribute to the society in multiple ways and lead a life full of dignity, productivity and happiness.
Dr Sugandha Gupta delivering a talk and interacting with the staff at punjab National Bank, Rajenrdra Place branch, New Delhi on the topic of “stress & mental health – 10th July 2017
Worldwide prevalence of depression is almost 322 million, which means that around us, amongst our own loved ones there are people suffering from this tormenting disease. Yet, we are unable to identify their suffering (people tend to hide it well as depression is a sign of emotional weakness) or are unable to discuss this with them (lack of our own awareness. abilities & limitations).
Howsoever, it has been found in studies that talking to some one about one’s emotional difficulties not only provides immediate support but also inculcates a long term sense of control, confidence & hope.
We don’t need to do much, just provide a patient, compassionate, non judgmental and reflective listening. Impart a sense of adequacy, channelize thoughts and emotions in a positive direction and provide hope.
So, this World Health Day, let’s come out of our closets, open up our minds & free our souls of the sufferings – let’s talk!
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID:
GOOD COMMUNICATION:
THINGS TO SAY & DO
1. Try to find a calm place, free of distractions to talk to.
2. Be patient & calm.
3. Show that you are listening – nod and make eye contact.
4. Stay close, but keep a comfortable distance as a person who has undergone a recent traumatic experience may feel threatened.
5. Provide correct & factual information. If the information is not available – ‘admit & assure to find it out as soon as possible’
6. Give information in the simplest way possible.
7. Acknowledge his pain & suffering.
8. Acknowledge his strengths & capabilities
9. respect their privacy, maintain confidentiality.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID:
GOOD COMMUNICATION:
THINGS NOT TO SAY & DO
1.Do not pressurize for information.
2. Do not interrupt o rush someone’s story.
3. Don’t give your opinions of the person’s situation
4. Don’t judge what they have or haven’t done- don’t say-“you are lucky to have survived…”
5. Don’t tell someone else’s story
6. Don’t tell about your own troubles.
7. Don’t make false promises.
8. Don’t feel you have to solve all the person’s problems.
9. Don’t take away their sense of capability and strength.
The world mental health day is celebrated every year on the 10th of October to create awareness about mental illness in the masses.
The first mental health day was celebrated in 1942 and since then has been carried n with greater participation till date.
This year’s mental health day theme is – Psychological First Aid!
What is psychological first aid?
In the simplest of words it means providing psychological & social support to a person in distress.
Who all can do it?
Anyone with the right guidance can, you need not be a doctor, counselor, nurse or religious figure.
When can it be done?
1. any natural disaster – floods, droughts, terror attacks, riots.
2. any personal distress – robbery, divorce, death of a loved one, loss of job.
3. anyone suffering from violence or abuse at home or work.
Why do we need Psychological First Aid?
People do better in long term if
They feel safe, connected to others, calm & hopeful.
They have access to social, physical & emotional support
They regain a sense of control by being able to help themselves.
Principles of Psychological first aid:
PREPARE – learn about
• Crisis event
• Available services & support
• Safety & security concerns
LOOK – observe for
• Safety
• People with obvious urgent basic needs
• People with serious distress reactions
LISTEN-
• Make contact with people needing support
• Ask about their needs & concerns
• Listen to them, help them feel calm.
LINK-
• Help people’s basic needs& access services
• Help people cope with problems
• Give information
• Connect people with loved ones and social support.
The world mental health day is celebrated every year on the 10th of October to create awareness about mental illness in the masses.