Month: September 2024

Setting healthy boundaries in relationships is essential for maintaining emotional well-being and mutual respect. Whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, clear boundaries foster trust, prevent resentment, and allow for healthy, sustainable relationships. By understanding your limits and effectively communicating them, you can nurture stronger bonds. If you’re struggling with establishing boundaries or understanding the dynamics of your relationships, seeking guidance from professionals, such as the Best family counselling in Kerala, can be an excellent step toward self-growth and improved relationships.

Why Boundaries Matter

Boundaries are personal rules that define how others can treat you, interact with you, and behave around you. They play a crucial role in emotional health because they protect you from mistreatment and feeling overwhelmed. If you don’t have boundaries, people might take advantage of your time, energy, or emotions. This can make you feel frustrated, stressed, and even burnt out.

Healthy boundaries ensure that people respect you while you respect others. When people set clear boundaries, it cuts down on misunderstandings and fights, which leads to stronger more trusting relationships. Remember, boundaries aren’t about controlling others. They’re about protecting your well-being.

Types of Boundaries

You can set different kinds of boundaries in your relationships:

1. Emotional Boundaries: These boundaries help you understand your emotions and make sure others respect how you feel. If someone always downplays your feelings, setting an emotional boundary can stop you from feeling drained.
2. Physical Boundaries: These involve your personal space and how others touch you. Each person feels different about how close others should get so it’s key to tell people what you’re okay with.
3. Time Boundaries: Finding a balance between work, relationships, and personal activities is crucial. Time boundaries help you avoid taking on too much and let you put self-care first.
4. Material Boundaries: These relate to your stuff and money. Setting limits on lending cash or sharing personal items can help you avoid feeling used.
5. Intellectual Boundaries: These boundaries guard your thoughts, beliefs, and views. To respect intellectual boundaries means you let others share their ideas without putting them down or brushing them off.

 

Steps to Set Healthy Boundaries

1. Reflect on Your Needs: Before you can set boundaries, you need to understand what your needs are. Take time to reflect on past experiences to identify situations where you felt disrespected or uncomfortable.
2. Communicate Clearly: Once you’ve identified your boundaries, it’s important to communicate them clearly and assertively. Be specific about what you need, but also be open to a two-way dialogue. It’s not about being defensive, but about having a constructive conversation.
3. Be Consistent: Boundaries are only effective when they’re enforced consistently. If you allow someone to cross your boundary once without consequences, they may think it’s acceptable to do so again.
4. Practice Self-Care: Setting boundaries is a form of self-care. It involves prioritizing your mental and emotional health. Ensure that you have time and space for yourself, even in relationships.
5. Seek Support if Needed: If you’re finding it challenging to set boundaries, seeking guidance from a professional can help. Therapy or counselling can equip you with the tools to communicate effectively and assert your boundaries confidently.

Overcoming Challenges

Setting limits isn’t a walk in the park if you’re new to it. You might stress about others’ reactions or feel bad for putting your needs first. Keep in mind that healthy relationships grow when people respect each other, and setting limits shows you respect yourself. Sometimes, folks won’t like your boundaries, but that’s their problem, not yours.

You can protect your well-being and build a life where you feel at ease and secure in your relationships. This is your right. If you don’t know how to begin, feel free to ask for help from experts like the Top Online Psychology Counselling Services in Kochi. They can give you tailored advice and ways to handle tricky relationships.

Healthy boundaries are vital for the success of any relationship. They help maintain balance, respect, and emotional well-being, fostering stronger and more fulfilling connections. By recognizing your own limits, communicating them clearly, and enforcing them consistently, you can improve both your relationships and your overall mental health. If you’re struggling to navigate your boundaries, remember that professional support, such as the Best psychologist in kerala, can guide you through the process and help you build healthier, happier relationships. 

 

In today’s fast-paced world, children face numerous challenges that can impact their mental health. As parents, ensuring the emotional and psychological well-being of our kids is more important than ever. From school pressures to social media influences, it’s crucial to recognize when our children may need help and to provide them with the right support. Thankfully, there are various resources available, including online counseling and therapy services in Kerala, that can help both parents and children navigate mental health issues effectively. 

1. Open Communication

One of the foundational aspects of supporting your child’s mental health is maintaining open lines of communication. Create a safe space where your children feel comfortable discussing their feelings without fear of judgment or punishment. Ask them about their day, and encourage them to share any concerns, whether they relate to school, friends, or social activities. Being an active listener not only builds trust but also helps you stay aware of potential emotional issues early on.

2.Set a Positive Example 

Children often mirror the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. By managing your own stress, practicing self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook, you set a powerful example for your children. Show them healthy ways to cope with difficult situations, whether it’s through mindfulness, physical activity, or creative outlets. Modeling good mental health habits can help them adopt these practices as they grow.

3.Monitor Screen Time and Social Media Usage

In this digital age, excessive screen time can affect your child’s emotional and psychological well-being. Social media, in particular, can expose children to unrealistic comparisons, cyberbullying, and harmful content. It’s essential to monitor the time they spend online and discuss the potential risks of social media. Encourage offline activities, such as sports or hobbies, to promote a more balanced lifestyle.

4. Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise plays a significant role in mental health, and this applies to children as well. Regular physical activity can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall mental health. Encourage your child to participate in sports, outdoor play, or any activity that they enjoy. A healthy body often contributes to a healthy mind.

 5. When Needed, Seek Professional Assistance

Your child may occasionally require professional assistance to manage their mental health, even with your best efforts. Early detection of warning indicators is crucial, such as abrupt behavioral changes, social disengagement, or deteriorating academic performance. In situations like these, consulting professionals, like the best psychologist in Kerala, may help ensure your child gets the help they need. They can better manage their emotions and create coping skills with the assistance of professional therapy.

6. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits

Adequate sleep is essential for children’s mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which can worsen mental health problems. Ensure that your child follows a regular sleep routine by establishing consistent bedtimes and limiting screen time before bed. Encouraging relaxation techniques like reading or light stretching before sleep can also help your child wind down and rest better.

7. Encourage Emotional Expression

Teaching your child to express their emotions in healthy ways is a vital part of supporting their mental health. Encourage them to label their feelings and talk about what they’re going through. You can introduce them to creative outlets like art, writing, or music to help express emotions that may be difficult to articulate in words. Journaling, for instance, can be a great tool for kids to explore their thoughts and emotions independently.

8. Build Strong Routines

Having consistent daily routines provides children with a sense of security and stability, which is crucial for their mental well-being. When kids know what to expect, it reduces anxiety and helps them feel more in control. Creating structured routines around meals, schoolwork, and leisure activities can help children feel grounded and more able to manage stress.

9. Encourage Social Connections

Human beings are inherently social, and children thrive when they have strong, healthy relationships. Encourage your child to maintain close friendships, and provide opportunities for socialization through extracurricular activities, clubs, or playdates. A supportive peer group can help children build self-esteem and offer a sense of belonging, which is essential for their mental health.

10. Be Mindful of Academic Pressure

While academic success is important, excessive pressure can be detrimental to a child’s mental health. Recognize when your child is overwhelmed by schoolwork and provide support where needed. Help them develop time-management skills, but also teach them the importance of balance. Encouraging breaks, and relaxation during study sessions, and making sure they have time for hobbies and relaxation can reduce stress and anxiety related to school.

Parental involvement is crucial in the multifaceted strategy needed to address children’s mental health. We may provide our children with a helpful atmosphere by encouraging good habits like getting enough sleep, expressing our emotions, and maintaining balanced routines. We can also help them by being aware of social pressures and screen usage. When necessary, contacting the Best psychology counselling in Kerala using can offer vital support to guarantee our kids’ emotional and mental development.

ജീവിതത്തെ പാതിവഴിയില്‍ ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചവരുടെ കഥകളും കണക്കുകളും ഇന്നും അവസാനിച്ചിട്ടില്ല. ഇന്ന് ലോക ആത്മഹത്യ പ്രതിരോധ ദിനം, പ്രതിവര്‍ഷം ഈ ലോകത്ത് ഏഴു ലക്ഷത്തിലധികം ആളുകള്‍ ആത്മഹത്യയിലൂടെ മരിക്കുന്നതായി കണക്കുകള്‍ വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നു. ഇതില്‍ എഴുപതിനായിരത്തിലധികം ഇന്ത്യക്കാരും ഉണ്ട്. ദൈവത്തിൻ്റെ സ്വന്തം നാടെന്നും വിദ്യാസമ്പന്നരുടെ നാട് എന്നും അറിയപ്പെടുന്ന നമ്മുടെ കേരളം ഒട്ടും പിന്നിലല്ല. ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല്‍ ആത്മഹത്യ നിരക്കുകള്‍ ഉള്ള സംസ്ഥാനങ്ങളില്‍ ഒന്നാണ് നമ്മുടെ കേരളം. വിദ്യാഭ്യാസവും സാമ്പത്തികവും എല്ലാം ഉണ്ടെങ്കിലും എന്തുകൊണ്ടാണ് നമ്മുടെ ഈ നാട്ടില്‍ ഇത്രയധികം ആത്മഹത്യ നിരക്കുകള്‍ കൂടുന്നതെന്ന് എപ്പോഴെങ്കിലും ചിന്തിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ….?

പലപ്പോഴും പലരും പറയുന്നതും ചിന്തിക്കുന്നതും, സാമ്പത്തിക നഷ്ടമോ അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ മറ്റെന്തെങ്കിലും കുടുംബ പ്രശ്‌നങ്ങളോ ആയിരിക്കും എന്നാണ്. ശരിയാണ് ഇതു തന്നെയായിരിക്കും പലപ്പോഴും ഒരു കാരണമായി വരുന്നത്. എന്നാല്‍ ആരെങ്കിലും ഒരാള്‍ അവരോടൊപ്പം ഒന്ന് സംസാരിക്കുവാനോ ഒന്ന് ചേര്‍ത്ത് നിര്‍ത്തുവാനോ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നെങ്കില്‍ അവര്‍ ലോകത്ത് ഉണ്ടായേനെ. അപ്പോള്‍ അതിന്റെ മൂല കാരണമായി വരുന്നത് ഒറ്റപ്പെടല്‍ തന്നെയാണ്. ഒറ്റപ്പെടലും അതിലൂടെ വരുന്ന വിഷാദവുമാണ്.

എന്താണ് വിഷാദരോഗം ?

മസ്തിഷ്‌കത്തിനും നാഡീവ്യൂഹത്തിനുമുണ്ടാകുന്ന പ്രവര്‍ത്തനവ്യതിയാനമാണ് വിഷാദരോഗത്തിന് കാരണം. രോഗിയുടെ ചിന്തകളെ ബാധിച്ച് അതിലൂടെ അവരുടെ പ്രവര്‍ത്തികളെ നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്ന ഗുരുതരമായ രോഗമാണിത്. മനുഷ്യന്റെ ഭക്ഷണരീതി, ഉറക്കം, വ്യക്തിത്വം എന്നിവയെ കടുത്ത തോതില്‍ സ്വാധീനിക്കുമ്പോഴാണ് വിഷാദം രോഗമായി മാറുന്ന സാഹചര്യമുണ്ടാവുന്നത്. വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ തൊഴില്‍ മേഖലകളിലെ സമ്മര്‍ദ്ദങ്ങള്‍,സാമ്പത്തിക പ്രതിസന്ധി നേരിടേണ്ടി വരുമ്പോള്‍, ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടവരുടെ സ്‌നേഹം നഷ്ട്ടമാകുമ്പോള്‍, കൗമാരക്കാര്‍ക്ക് എല്ലാവരുടെയും പ്രതീക്ഷയ്‌ക്കൊത്ത് ഉയരാന്‍ സാധിക്കാതെ വരുമ്പോള്‍ ഇങ്ങനെ പല കാരണങ്ങള്‍ വിഷാദ രോഗത്തിലേക്ക് നയിക്കാം.

മാനസികമായും ശാരീരികമായും വളരെ ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടിലാക്കുന്ന ഒരു രോഗമാണ് വിഷാദരോഗം. ആണ്‍ പെണ്‍ ഭേദമില്ലാതെ എല്ലാവരിലും വിഷാദരോഗം കണ്ടുവരുന്നുണ്ട്. വളരെ പെട്ടന്നുതന്നെ രോഗം തിരിച്ചറിഞ്ഞ് ചികില്‍സിച്ചില്ലെങ്കില്‍ മരണം വരെ സംഭവിക്കാവുന്ന അവസ്ഥയാണ് വിഷാദരോഗം. സാധാരണയായി കാണുന്ന രോഗങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നും വ്യത്യസ്ഥമായിരിക്കും വിഷാദം. കാരണം പലപ്പോഴും മാനസ്സികമായി തളരുന്നത് തന്റെ ജീവിതത്തില്‍ അപ്രതീക്ഷിതമായി എന്തെങ്കിലും സംഭവിക്കുന്നത് ഉള്‍കൊള്ളാന്‍ ശരീരത്തിനും മനസ്സിനും ഒരുപോലെ സാധിക്കാതെ വരുമ്പോള്‍ മാനസ്സികമായി തളരുന്നു. ഇത് പിന്നീട് വിഷാദരോഗമായി മാറുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. സാധരണയായി കാണുന്ന മാനസ്സിക ലക്ഷണങ്ങള്‍ പലപ്പോഴും ആരും ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുന്നില്ല ആദ്യം തന്നെ തന്നിലുണ്ടാകുന്ന വ്യത്യാസങ്ങള്‍ തിരിച്ചറിയണം.

സാധാരണയായി കാണുന്ന ലക്ഷണങ്ങള്‍ 

– ഭക്ഷണ ശീലങ്ങളില്‍ മാറ്റം വരുന്നു

– ഏകാന്തത അനുഭവപ്പെടുന്നു

– നിരന്തരമായ നിരാശ അനുഭവപ്പെടുന്നു

– കുടുംബവുമായും സുഹൃത്തുക്കളുമായും വഴക്കുകള്‍

– സ്വയം ഉപദ്രവിക്കുന്നതിനെക്കുറിച്ചോ മറ്റുള്ളവര്‍ക്ക് ദോഷം ചെയ്യുന്നതിനെക്കുറിച്ചോ ചിന്തിക്കുന്നു

– ദൈനംദിന ജോലികള്‍ ചെയ്യാന്‍ കഴിയാതെ വരുന്നു.

– ആശയക്കുഴപ്പം, കോപം, കുറ്റബോധം അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ ഉത്കണ്ഠ എന്നിവ തോന്നുന്നു

– ജീവിതത്തോട് മടുപ്പ്

ഈ ലക്ഷണങ്ങളാണ് സാധരണയായി മാനസ്സികമായി ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുകള്‍ അനുഭവിക്കുന്നവരില്‍ കാണുന്നത്.

ചികിത്സാരീതികള്‍ എങ്ങനെ..?

വിഷാദരോഗത്തിന് തുടക്കം മുതലേ ചികിത്സ ആവശ്യമാണ്.

– സൈക്കോതെറാപ്പി

– കൗണ്‍സിലിംഗ്

– സ്‌ട്രെസ് മാനേജ്‌മെന്റ് ടെക്‌നിക്കുകള്‍

– ഗ്രൂപ്പ് വര്‍ക്കുകള്‍

തെറാപ്പികളിലൂടെ മരുന്നുകള്‍ ഇല്ലാതെ തന്നെ ചികിത്സിക്കാം. എന്നാല്‍ ചിലരുടെ മാനസ്സികാവസ്ഥ വളരെ മോശമായിരിക്കും. അവര്‍ക്ക് മരുന്നുകള്‍ ആവശ്യമായി വരാം. ലക്ഷണങ്ങള്‍ തിരിച്ചറിഞ്ഞ് ചികില്‍സിക്കുകയാണെങ്കില്‍ പൂര്‍ണമായും രോഗം ചികില്‍സിച്ച് ഭേദമാക്കാനാകും.

ജീവിതം ഓരോ നിമിഷവും വെല്ലുവിളികള്‍ നിറഞ്ഞതാണ്. മാനസിക വിഷമവും വിഷാദാവസ്ഥയും ഉത്കണ്ഠയും എല്ലാം അതിന്റെ ഭാഗമാണ്. എന്തിരുന്നാലും അതില്‍ നിന്നൊക്കെ നമ്മളെ പുറത്തു കൊണ്ടുവരുവാന്‍ നമ്മള്‍ ഇഷ്ടപെടുന്ന ഒരുപാട് ഘടകങ്ങള്‍ ചുറ്റുമുണ്ട്. അതെല്ലാം കണ്ടെത്തി ജീവിക്കുകയാണ് നമ്മുടെ ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ലക്ഷ്യം പാതിവഴിയില്‍ അടര്‍ന്നുവീഴാതെ ജീവിതത്തില്‍ ഒരു ലക്ഷ്യവുമായി മുന്നോട്ടുപോവുക.

ആത്മഹത്യ കുറിച്ചുള്ള ആഖ്യാനം മാറ്റുക എന്നതാണ് ഈ വര്‍ഷത്തെ ലോക ആത്മഹത്യ പ്രതിരോധ ദിനത്തിന്റെ പ്രേമയം. അതില്‍ നമ്മള്‍ ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല്‍ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ടത് പരസ്പരമുള്ള ആശയവിനിമയം പുനരാരംഭിക്കുക എന്നതിലാണ്, പരസ്പരമുള്ള സംഭാഷണങ്ങള്‍ നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു തുടങ്ങുമ്പോള്‍ അവിടെ ബന്ധങ്ങള്‍ അകലുന്നു ഈ അകല്‍ച്ച പലപ്പോഴും പലര്‍ക്കും താങ്ങുവാന്‍ കഴിയുന്നില്ല അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ അവര്‍ക്ക് മറ്റൊരാളെ ആസ്ഥാനത്തേക്ക് കൊണ്ടുവരുവാന്‍ കഴിയുന്നില്ല.

നിശബ്ദതയല്ല വേണ്ടത്, തുറന്ന് സംസാരിക്കലാണ്…. നിങ്ങളുടെ ഏറ്റവും നല്ല സുഹൃത്തായി കേരളത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും നല്ല കൗണ്‍സിലിംഗ് സെന്റര്‍ ആയ ആത്മ മൈ മൈന്റ് മൈ കെയര്‍ഉണ്ടായിരിക്കും.

 

Social media, particularly among teenagers, has transformed from a simple medium for communication to a major hub for social interaction in today’s digital world. Teenage life has been shaped by social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, which provide a forum for self-expression, connection, and innovation. But as these networks gain popularity, worries about how they may affect young users’ mental health are also growing. This article will explore the ways in which social media may be negatively impacting the mental health of teenagers and the reasons it may be necessary to seek help from the Best psychologist in Kerala in order to address these problems.

Teenagers’ Attraction to Social Media

For teenagers, social media is a way of life rather than just a recreational activity. They explore their identities, form new friendships, and learn new hobbies there. Social media offers a quick link to friends and the rest of the world through the simplicity of sharing images, videos, and thoughts. But there may be hazards associated with this relationship that could have a long-term effect on a teen’s mental health.

1.The Effect of Comparative Social Media

Teens are in a crucial phase in the development of their sense of self and self-worth. Due to social media’s emphasis on visual content, harmful comparisons are frequently made. Adolescents are frequently exposed to well chosen pictures of other people’s life, which frequently present an idealized view of the world. 

Social media’s “highlight reel” format fosters unattainable ideals of pleasure, prosperity, and attractiveness. Teens may have low self-esteem, problems with their bodies, and a general decline in life satisfaction if they don’t think they live up to these expectations. According to studies, teens who use social media more frequently are more likely to feel anxiety and depressive symptoms as a result of these comparisons.

2.The Widespread Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that has increased in frequency with the popularity of social media. Cyberbullying is more flexible than traditional bullying, as it can occur at any time or location. Being anonymous makes it more difficult to recognize and put an end to. Social media’s never-ending connectivity makes it possible for victims of bullying to endure harassment even in the comfort of their own homes.

Cyberbullying can have serious repercussions, including anxiety, sadness, and in the worst situations, suicidal ideation. Being bullied online has a significant psychological impact and, for many teenagers, feels unavoidable. Even with social media firms’ best efforts, cyberbullying is still a widespread issue that can seriously impair the mental health of teens.

3.The Effects of Addiction to Social Media

Another emerging issue with social media is its addictive nature. With features like never-ending scrolling and notifications, social media platforms are made to captivate consumers. Teens may use social media excessively as a result, turning it into their main source of engagement and entertainment.

Overuse of social media might interfere with vital life functions like sleep. Teenagers frequently stay up late browsing through their feeds, which prevents them from getting enough sleep. Anxiety and depression are two mental health conditions that are strongly associated with poor sleep. Furthermore, the incessant urge to be online can result in “phubbing,” a phenomena where teens put their online persona ahead of in-person encounters, further isolating them from deep connections.

4.FOMO, or the fear of missing out,

Social media also makes the mental health issue of FOMO (fear of missing out) worse. FOMO is a condition in which people feel jealous and unsatisfied because they think others are having more fun or have better lives than they do. Because social media is always displaying what other people are doing, it exacerbates FOMO among teenagers who don’t engage in the same activities.

Teenagers who experience FOMO may experience worry, tension, and obsessive activity in an effort to stay involved and connected. In addition, it could promote bad habits like overscheduling in an effort to keep up with friends. The overwhelming pressure to be involved all the time might exacerbate mental health issues.

Using Social Media Sensibly for Improved Mental Health

Although social media poses certain difficulties, it’s crucial to understand that it’s not always bad. The way it’s applied is crucial. Teenagers can take advantage of social media’s advantages without falling victim to its pitfalls if they have the proper mindset. The following tactics can assist in preserving a positive relationship with social media:

1. Establishing Sound Limits

It’s critical to support teens in establishing boundaries for their use of social media. This can involve setting up specific times, like after school or during breaks, to check social media and making sure it doesn’t conflict with important activities, like sleeping and spending time with family. Promoting tech-free times, particularly before bed, can have a big impact on wellbeing and the quality of sleep.

2.Encouraging Harmonious Online Exchanges

Teenagers’ bad experiences with social media can be mitigated by encouraging them to follow accounts that support self-acceptance, mental health awareness, and positivism. Accounts that emphasize hobbies, personal development, or inspirational information might lessen the emphasis on comparison and offer a healthier online experience.

3.Promoting Real-Life Relationships

Teens must continue to build solid offline interactions. Playing sports, going to clubs, or going on family vacations are examples of activities that promote in-person relationships and can give a counterbalance to their virtual life. Making real-world relationships is essential to preserving mental health and developing social skills.

4.Getting Expert Assistance

It’s critical to get professional assistance if a teen’s use of social media is having a negative effect on their mental health. Teenagers facing these difficulties can get helpful and easily available support from the Top Online Psychology Counseling Services in Kochi. A psychologist can address underlying mental health issues and offer skills for managing social media use.

Teenage mental health and social media use have a complicated and nuanced relationship. These platforms carry a lot of hazards in addition to providing great chances for creativity and connection. In order to help teenagers use social media properly, parents, schools, and mental health professionals must be aware of these risks. Speaking with the best psychologist in Kerala as problems emerge will provide you the assistance you need to deal with them head-on. We can help kids reap the benefits of social media while preserving their mental health by encouraging a balanced attitude toward it.