ആരോഗ്യമുള്ള മനസ്സിനായ്...

Getting over the 'Floods' in the Mind…

Getting over the 'Floods' in the Mind…

(Mainly intended for the flood victims of Kerala)

It was painful to read the news of people who committed suicide or had heart attacks, when they returned from rehabilitation camps and saw the damage in their houses after the flood waters receded.

We must not forget that some people may develop problems with their mental health because of the stress they face now.

Some symptoms are given below.

- excessive sadness of mind

- lack of interest in anything

- excessive fatigue

- lack of sleep

- difficulty in interacting with others

- increase or decrease in speech

- decrease in attention and concentration 

- loss of appetite

- thoughts, threats, writing or attempts of suicide, 

- excessive anxiety 

- fear or suspicion without basis

- strange experiences such as hearing voices that are not there.

What such symptoms need is counselling and medical treatment.

Covering up the symptoms or attempting suicide are not the solution. On the contrary, that may cause things to go out of your hands. 

Please remember that suicide will not decrease the burden of your family, but only will increase it. The problems you have now will be over today or tomorrow. 

It is better to share the pain and troubles of your heart with someone who can listen to and understand you. Do remember that many others in this world have gone through much worse troubles, and have taken them as challenges, and they are now living happily. 

Don't forget that nothing has happened in our lives without the knowledge and permission of the Almighty. He Himself will give us the strength we need to overcome. We can thank Him that nothing worse has happened. 

Do find some time to engage in activities that will relax your mind, like recreation, friendships, exercise etc. Don't forget to have sufficient rest, sleep and nutritious food. 

Consider troubles as challenges. Dear brothers and sisters, together we can outlive this too. 

You can contact me if you would like to ask any doubts regarding mental health ( 9952343573 / 8838958232 ). 

Dr Sandeep B, Psychiatrist, Karunagappally. 

https://drsandeeppsychiatrist.blogspot.com

Email: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com

മനസ്സിലെ പ്രളയത്തിൽ നിന്നും കരകയറാം:

മനസ്സിലെ പ്രളയത്തിൽ നിന്നും കരകയറാം: (A Malayalam post on awareness about mental health for flood victims in Kerala)

പ്രളയ ജലം ഇറങ്ങിയ വീടുകളിൽ തിരിച്ചെത്തുന്നവർ അവിടുത്തെ നാശനഷ്ടങ്ങൾ കണ്ട ഞെട്ടലിലുള്ള ആത്മഹത്യയെയും ഹൃദയസ്തംഭനങ്ങളെയും കുറിച്ചുള്ള വാർത്തകൾ വളരെ വേദനയോടെയാണ് വായിച്ചത്.

ഇപ്പോഴുള്ള സമ്മർദ്ദത്തിൽ പലർക്കും പല മാനസികാരോഗ്യ പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾ ഉണ്ടാകാനുള്ള  സാധ്യതയുണ്ടെന്നു നാം മറക്കരുത്.

അതിൻറെ ചില ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ ഇവയാണ്:

- അത്യധികമായ മനോവിഷമം

- ഒന്നിലും താത്പര്യമില്ലാതിരിക്കുന്നത്

- വലിയ ക്ഷീണം

- ഉറക്കക്കുറവ്

- മറ്റുള്ളവരോട് ഇടപഴകുന്നതിലുള്ള ബുദ്ധിമുട്ട്

- സംസാരം വളരെയധികം കുറയുകയോ കൂടുകയോ ചെയ്യുന്നത്

- ശ്രദ്ധക്കുറവ്

-  വിശപ്പില്ലായ്മ

- ആത്മഹത്യയെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള ചിന്തകൾ, ഭീഷണികൾ, സംസാരം, എഴുത്തുകൾ, ശ്രമങ്ങൾ തുടങ്ങിയവ

- ആകുലചിന്തകൾ

- അകാരണമായ ഭയം, സംശയങ്ങൾ തുടങ്ങിയവ

- ഇല്ലാത്ത ശബ്ദങ്ങൾ കേൾക്കുന്നത് തുടങ്ങിയ വിചിത്രമായ അനുഭവങ്ങൾ.

ഇത്യാദി ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾക്ക് ശരിയായ കൗൺസലിങ്ങും ചികിത്സയുമാണ് വേണ്ടത്.

ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ മൂടിവയ്ക്കുന്നതോ ആത്മഹത്യയോ ഒന്നിനും പരിഹാരമാകില്ല. മറിച്ചു അത് കാര്യങ്ങൾ കൈവിട്ടു പോകുന്നതിനു കാരണമായേക്കാം.

ആത്മഹത്യ നിങ്ങളുടെ കുടുംബത്തിൻറെ ഭാരം കുറക്കുകയല്ല, മറിച്ചു കൂട്ടുകയാണ് ചെയ്യുന്നതെന്നു ഓർക്കണം. ഇപ്പോഴുള്ള കഷ്ടങ്ങളെല്ലാം ഇന്നല്ലെങ്കിൽ നാളെ മാറും.

നിങ്ങളെ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കാനും മനസ്സിലാക്കാനും സാധിക്കുന്നവരുമായി ഹൃദയത്തിലെ നൊമ്പരങ്ങളും വേദനകളും പങ്കിടുന്നത് നല്ലതാണ്. നിങ്ങളേക്കാൾ എത്രയോ മടങ്ങു കഷ്ടതകൾ സഹിച്ച്, അതിനെ വെല്ലുവിളിയായി ഏറ്റെടുത്ത്, ഇന്ന് സന്തോഷമായി ജീവിക്കുന്ന എത്രയോ പേർ ഈ ലോകത്തുണ്ടെന്ന് ഓർക്കണം.

സർവ്വശക്തൻറെ അറിവില്ലാതെയും അനുവാദമില്ലാതെയും നമ്മുടെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ഒന്നും തന്നെയും സംഭവിച്ചിട്ടില്ലെന്ന് നാം മറക്കരുത്. അവിടുന്ന് തന്നെ എല്ലാം അതിജീവിക്കാനുള്ള ശക്തി നമുക്ക് പകർന്നു തരും. ഇതിലും വലിയ കഷ്ടങ്ങൾ വന്നില്ലല്ലോ എന്നോർത്തു അവിടുത്തേക്ക് നന്ദി പറയാം.

മനസ്സിന് ആശ്വാസം തരുന്ന പ്രവൃത്തികളിൽ/ വിനോദങ്ങളിൽ/ വ്യായാമങ്ങളിൽ/ സൗഹൃദങ്ങളിൽ ഏർപ്പെടാൻ കുറച്ചു സമയമെങ്കിലും കണ്ടെത്താം. ആവശ്യത്തിനുള്ള വിശ്രമത്തിനും ഉറക്കത്തിനും പോഷകാഹാരത്തിനും വിട്ടുവീഴ്ച ചെയ്യരുത്.

പ്രയാസ്സങ്ങളെലാം വെല്ലുവിളിക്കുന്ന അവസരങ്ങളായി ഏറ്റെടുക്കാം, പ്രിയ സഹോദരങ്ങളേ... നമുക്ക് ഒന്നായി ഇതും അതിജീവിക്കാം.

ആർക്കെങ്കിലും മാനസികാരോഗ്യ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് എന്തെങ്കിലും സംശയങ്ങൾ ചോദിക്കാനുണ്ടെങ്കിൽ എൻറെ ഈ നമ്പറിൽ ബന്ധപ്പെടാവുന്നതാണ്: 8838958232.

ഡോ: സന്ദീപ്. ബി, സൈക്യാട്രിസ്റ്റ്, കരുനാഗപ്പള്ളി

https://drsandeeppsychiatrist.blogspot.com

ഈ-മെയിൽ: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com .  

Counselling/ Suicide Helpline

Counselling/ Suicide Helpline:

Whatsapp/ Call: +91 9952343573/ +91 8838958232

Email: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

1)     Are mental health problems similar to other health problems? If so, why is there so much stigma about it?

Mental health problems (psychiatric disorders), in one sense, are similar to other diseases like neurological disorders, heart disease, kidney problems etc. Commonly if anyone develops a disease, he or she goes to the concerned doctor immediately. Also he tells other people about the disease.

But if anyone is affected in his mind, he does not tell anybody about it, nor does he go to a doctor. This is because if it is known to others that somebody is having a mental health (psychiatric) problem, our society gives him titles like “mad” or “mental”.

We need to remember that any one of us can be affected in our minds at any point of time. So, each one of us needs to change our attitude towards those innocent people whose mental health is affected. Then only we can take them to the right doctor at the right time and help them.

2)   How do people commonly develop mental health problems?

There is no one in the world who does not have any problem. Any person at any time can be affected in his mind through some loss or failure or other problems in life. Some people come out of those difficulties. But some people keep on thinking about the problems and are affected in their minds. There will be neurochemical changes in their brains. And there will be changes in their behaviour, which manifest as mental health problems.

3)   What are the common symptoms of mental health problems?

The common symptoms are fear, suspicion, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, hearing voices in the ear when all alone, talking/ muttering/ smiling all alone, violent behaviour, hostile attitude, falsely suspecting spouse’s (wife’s or husband’s) fidelity (faithfulness), recurrent and irrational thoughts and accompanying acts like repeated washing or checking, other strange experiences and behaviours etc.

People also can have memory problems, problems in food intake, sexual problems, diseases for which no cause could be found, addiction to alcohol, nicotine (smoking), drugs, social media, video games, internet etc., personality disorders, anger control problems, interpersonal conflicts, family problems, marriage related problems, career and job related problems, learning problems, guilt, spiritual conflicts etc. Children and teenagers also can develop behavioural and emotional problems because of various reasons.

4)   How should these symptoms be approached?

All of these should be treated promptly and appropriately. Mental health problem is not something to be covered up. One has to take treatment and counselling for mental health problems just like one takes treatment for other diseases. Then it can be controlled effectively.

5)    Is mental health so important?

Many of you would be familiar with this famous proverb “Sound mind in a sound body”. It points to the proven fact that our body and mind are so deeply related to each other. If you have problems in your mind like fear and anxiety, it can affect your body by making you physically weak and prone to various bodily illnesses. Likewise if you have physical ailments, it can affect your mental health also. Research shows that many physical disorders are predisposed, precipitated and exacerbated by many mental health problems.

6)   People say that if you start taking psychiatric medicines, then you have to take life long. Is it true?

No; not at all. This is a common myth. Once the symptoms become better with medicines and counselling, your Psychiatrist can taper medicines slowly. But, please don’t stop or adjust the dose without Psychiatrist’s advice. If you do that, the symptoms may come back and you may need higher doses of medicines.

7)    Are all psychiatric medicines addictive and having serious side effects?

No; not at all. This is another common myth. Only Benzodiazepine group among psychiatric drugs, is addictive. It includes Alprazolam, Diazepam, Nitrazepam, Lorazepam, Clonazepam etc. A good Psychiatrist will prescribe these only if they are really needed for you for controlling severe symptoms, and he will try to taper them at the earliest, so that you do not get addicted to it.

If psychotherapy (counselling) is also given along with medicines, you may need only smaller doses of medicines. A good Psychiatrist will choose a medicine which suits each particular patient so that side effects would be minimum or almost nil. He will always monitor you for any emerging side effect. If needed, he will adjust the dose of medicines, or change over to other medicines with lesser possibility of side effects, or add another medicine to counter the side effects.

For more information:

If you have more questions to ask, you can mail them to   sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com .

Webpage: http://drsandeeppsychiatrist.blogspot.com

Events - Past & Upcoming

Past events:

Talk on “Meaning & Concept of Drug Abuse” on March 20^th 2018, as part of the 3 day ‘Sensitisation training programme on prevention of drug abuse for prison and correctional officers’ at Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration (APCA), Vellore, sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence, New Delhi.

It was attended by Senior level Prison officers including DIGs and Superintendents of Prisons from across the country. 

A Mental Health Camp & Awareness Programme was conducted in Karigiri village, especially for the elderly people, on March 15^th 2018 with the help of the MSW students posted in the institution and the community health volunteers.

Talk on “How to face exams” for 10^th std students of Govt High School, Brahmapuram on 9^th March 2018, in collaboration with the Department of Community Health, SIH-R&LC.

Guest Lecture on “Relationships, Premarital Sex, Addictions & Suicide – Various Mental Health Implications” on February 28^th 2018, in Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Vellore, hosted by School of Biosciences and Technology.

Participated in the Home Management Committee Meeting at the HOPE House, Karigiri on 28^th February 2018.

Mental Health Camps were conducted at Kotagiri Medical Fellowship Hospital, Kotagiri, Nilgris on February 22^nd, March 22nd, June 20th, 2018, in collaboration with CMC Missions Office.

A Mental Health Camp & Awareness Programme was conducted at Sevur on February 1^st 2018 with the help of the MSW students posted in the institution and the community health volunteers.

Visit to Mudhiyor Balar Kudumba Grama Pannai (MBKGP), Kasam, Vellore, and counselling to children and adolescents, along with nursing students from Karigiri School of Nursing, on December 12^th 2016 & December 14^th 2017.

Industry Expert Guest Lecture on “Addictions, Sex & Suicide – From Mental Health Perspective” on November 1^st 2017, in Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Vellore, hosted by School of Biosciences and Technology.

Mental Health & Deaddiction Camp hosted by NGO ‘Mithran’ Rehab Centre, Sathuvachari on October 5^th 2017.

Series of “Puthuvaazhu” Mental Health Camps based at Vaniyambadi and selected areas, conducted by the State Government of Tamil Nadu.

Talk on “Problems faced by Adolescents” at Youth Camp at CSI church, Ottanthangal.

Mental Health & Deaddiction Camp at CSI church, Ottanthangal on 11^th January 2017.

Upcoming Events:

Follow-up Mental Health Camps at Kotagiri Medical Fellowship Hospital, Kotagiri, Nilgris on September 20th, December 6th 2018, February 28th 2019 in collaboration with CMC Missions Office.

Talk on “Spreading Awareness on Mental Health Problems” for the workers of Chamraj Tea Estate, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on September 20^th, 2018.

Talk on “Enhancing Positive Mental Health” for the school children of Chamraj Tea Estate, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on December 6^th, 2018.

Talk on “Enhancing Productivity through Positive Attitudes” for the staff of Chamraj Tea Estate, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on February 28^th, 2019.

No Peace Of Mind?

                       No Peace Of Mind?

Someone once said that if peace of mind could be purchased in the market, it would be the first one that people would be queuing up to buy. How true it is? People commonly think that if they get some earthly thing or goal that they want, they will be happy and peaceful.

For example, they think that if they get the degree or job or house or marriage partner that they want, they will be happy. Once they get what they craved for, they find that the happiness was so short lasting! And they again pursue some other thing that they imagine will make them ‘successful’. Where is an end to all these?

Struggling For Peace?

Rakesh (name changed) is a 27 year old unmarried gentleman who came to the Psychiatry OPD saying: “I don’t have any peace of mind. I am not able to sleep properly. I am confused. Doctor, please help me”.

What Rakesh told is not a rare complaint. Many people - young or old, male or female, learned or unlearned, rich or poor- all alike echo the same words. They live with guilt about their past, worry about the future and not knowing what to do in the present.

Many live in fear of what others will think or say about them or do against them. Many fear whether they will get some disease or land up in some financial loss. Many are worried that they already have sickness and financial difficulties. Many are grieved about the sickness and loss of their loved ones. Many are insecure about their positions which they have grabbed from others by stamping them down.

There are traumatic, haunting memories of physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse from childhood, which many are not able to shake off and come out. Many feel they were cheated and used for the selfish gains and pleasures of others. Many live with embittered hearts, not being able to forgive others. Many feel that even God cannot forgive the sins they have committed in the past. And they wonder why they should live.

What is the solution to this elusive peace of mind?

The Love, Joy And Peace Direct From Heaven…

It was Blaise Pascal, the world famous scientist who said about a God-shaped vacuum inside each of our hearts that can be filled only by God. How true it is; isn’t it? Whether we admit it or not, that sense of emptiness deep inside our very being, an indescribable yearning...!

Often we try to fill this vacuum with wealth, love from others, comforts, sensual pleasures and so on, but all in vain! And it is even more surprising that no religious ritual, philosophy or even good works can fill this vacuum! Even film stars with immense wealth, fame, popularity, influence and beauty commit suicide!

Yes, the Almighty Creator alone can fill this emptiness; He alone can fill our innermost being with inexpressible love, joy and peace! Lord Jesus Christ says: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love” (John 15: 9).

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15: 11).

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14: 27).

“For I am the LORD your God, Who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you'” (Isaiah 41:13).

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Me.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Me” (Philippians 4: 6,7).

“For I have not given you a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” (1John 4:18).

Yes, Lord Jesus is waiting for YOU to come to Him, repent of all your sins and entrust your entire life to Him, so that He can fill you with His love, joy and peace.

Many people ask: “Why do I not have any peace of mind even though I believe in the Lord Jesus?”

We have to understand that what prevents the Lord Jesus from filling our hearts with His love, joy and peace is the sin in our lives. So, what is sin?

If we are honest to ourselves, we will agree on this one thing: we all have disobeyed our conscience knowingly or unknowingly many a time in our thoughts, words and deeds! It is this falling away from the character of God that the Bible calls ‘sin’: “…for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

Do you know what the punishment of sin is, in the eyes of the infinitely holy God? The punishment is that anyone who has committed even the smallest sin should suffer in hell — an eternal separation from God! But how can this loving God cast us, His dear creation, away into hell eternally?

That is why the Almighty God incarnated as a human being in Jesus Christ about 2000 years ago! In fulfillment of the prophecies of the Bible, Jesus was cruelly crucified on the Cross of Calvary…

It was the endless misery of hell-fire which you and I would have to suffer for endless ages that Jesus endured for our sake during those three dark hours on the Cross with deep pain and agony …! And Jesus rose again, conquering death, which is man’s greatest enemy.

You can be cleansed from sin only if

(i)                you want to turn away from all your sins as you see how much the Lord Jesus loves YOU personally (This is repentance), and

(ii)             you believe deep inside your heart that Jesus bore the punishment of hell for YOU on the Cross, died and rose again. And then you will entrust your life fully to Him (This is faith).

If you genuinely repent and believe as above, then the blood of Christ will cleanse your heart. As you surrender every area of your life to the Lord Jesus, He will definitely fill every part of your being with His heavenly, indescribable love, joy and peace!

If you have any further questions or need further help, please feel free to write to me: sandeeppsychiatry@gmail.com . May the Lord bless you in abundance!