Tenderness Helpful in the Treatment of Mental Depression, a few years ago, I visited a hospital of national repute for the treatment of a friend, who happens to be a doctor himself. After the primary necessary investigations, the OPD doctor advised him to be admitted.

Summery

We were sitting on a bench in front of the concerned ward and suddenly we saw one of the patients run out of his ward, followed by his wife. As soon as he saw me, he started shouting – ”Told you for work, had to go to the bank, had to bring goods from the market, ration was also over, school fees had to be deposited, office papers”.

His wife, standing behind him, started apologizing to me again and again for his behavior’s . I put my hand on this unfamiliar gentleman’s shoulder and assured him that all the work had been taken care of and he didn’t have to worry about anything. My words worked their magic and the person who was creating a ruckus sometime back, calmly went back to the ward. 

There is a lot of power in tenderness

There is a lot of power in tenderness, which creates a positive aura in the mind of even a mentally unwell person. The film ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ has also tried to convey the same message through the concept of ‘Jadoo Ki Jhappi’.

In today’s society, in the atmosphere of increasing depression and mental pressure, there is an essential need to listen patiently to one’s troubles, happiness and sorrow, to create an atmosphere of affection. In today’s world, especially in the era of Corona and post Covid , people have been surrounded by many kinds of problems personally or professionally and eventually become victims of depression.  

As time demands ,the discussion of mental and psychological wellness started gaining momentum and now the whole world seems to be talking about it.  The need for Tenderness in more mental hospitals in the country has also been discussed.

In my opinion, it’s time to encourage the growth of mental wellness experts/volunteers in India, both for urban and rural areas and train them in a way to counsel people suffering from depression or mental illness with passion , affection and dedication.

Today the biggest problem

Today the biggest problem is that there is no one who wants or has the time to listen and unless people are able to express their stories or problems openly, it is tough to get out of depression. There can be many reasons for dejection, but it is important that the suffocation trapped in the mind of the concerned person should come out first. We all have to take the initiative. Our small efforts can save someone from big troubles.

Yoga, exercising, spiritual practices, dance and music could be instruments to create a positive environment. “Ayurvedic dietary modifications and Yogic Methods are known to be helpful in mitigating depression. Appropriate counselling methods to enhance the resilience of a patient suffering from depression is also known to help”, added Dr. Kishore Kumar, Professor of Ayurveda and Head, Dept. of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

Snigdha Mishra , a New Delhi based psychotherapist and mental health educator confirms that  “professionals like journalists working under undue mental pressure  should also act the same as anyone else to stay mentally fit.  Exercise ,sleep well ,therapy of course to learn in-depth techniques suitable for oneself. Because what works for one may not work for others. Hence a therapist might help you create a good plan for yourself and also ways to stick to it.” 

Conclusion

Government, non-government organizations, industrial and corporate houses alike, should come forward to extend their support  in forming  a psychological army for a healthy society.  We, at ShareYrHeart, as envoys of mental and psychological wellness are always prepared to accept such challenges .

Summary: Parenting plays a profound role in shaping a child’s overall well-being, including their mental health. When a child faces the challenges of mental illness, it is vital for parents to provide the right support, understanding, and guidance to aid their recovery. 

Building a Strong Foundation of Understanding and Empathy

Understanding and empathy form the bedrock of proper parenting when a child is dealing with mental illness. It is crucial for parents to educate themselves about their child’s condition, its symptoms, and how it impacts their emotions and behavior. This knowledge allows parents to approach the child’s struggles with compassion and provide appropriate support.

Fostering Open Communication and Active listening

Encouraging open communication is essential to establishing a safe space for the child to express their feelings and concerns. Parents should actively listen without judgment, allowing the child to share their experiences and emotions. This two-way communication not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also enables early detection of potential challenges, ensuring timely intervention.

Providing Access to Professional Mental Health Care

Proper parenting involves seeking professional mental health care for the child. Collaborating with therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists creates an integrated support system for the child’s recovery. Regular therapy sessions can help the child develop coping mechanisms and address underlying issues contributing to their mental health struggles.

Creating a Nurturing and Stable Environment

A nurturing and stable home environment is vital for a child’s mental health recovery. Setting clear boundaries, maintaining consistent routines, and offering unconditional love create a sense of safety and security for the child. This stable foundation enables the child to focus on healing and growth.

Positive Reinforcement and Celebrating Progress

Recognizing and celebrating the child’s efforts and milestones, no matter how small, is essential for building their self-esteem and motivation. Positive reinforcement reinforces the idea that progress is valued, encouraging the child to continue their journey towards recovery with determination and confidence.

Educating Family and Community to Reduce stigma

Proper parenting extends beyond the confines of the home. Parents can play a pivotal role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness within the family and community. By educating others about the child’s condition and fostering understanding and acceptance, parents create an inclusive support network for the child.

Teaching Healthy Coping Strategies

Parents can actively teach their children healthy coping strategies to manage stress and emotions. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and engaging in creative activities can empower the child to navigate challenges and cope with triggers effectively.

Promoting Physical Well-Being

Physical and mental health are intertwined, and proper parenting involves encouraging a balanced lifestyle. Parents should prioritize a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep for their child. A healthy body contributes to a healthier mind, enhancing the child’s overall well-being.

Advocating for the Child’s Needs

Parents act as advocates for their children in various settings, such as schools or social circles. Ensuring the child receives appropriate accommodations and support in these environments fosters an environment conducive to recovery and growth.

Patience and Flexibility

Recovery from mental illness may be a gradual process, and parents must exercise patience and flexibility. Each child’s journey is unique, and parents should respect their pace, offering unwavering support through the ups and downs.

Conclusion

Proper parenting can be a powerful force in helping a child recover from mental illness. By providing understanding, empathy, and the right support, parents create a nurturing environment that facilitates healing and growth. Active listening, open communication, and access to professional care further strengthen the child’s chances of recovery. Together, with love, patience, and a commitment to reducing stigma, parents can empower their children to overcome mental health challenges and embrace a brighter, healthier future.

Generally, we are aware of what is going on around us but it is not that we are aware of everything that is happening. When we listen to a lecture in a class, in between our thought moves to some other things. This only shows that our consciousness moves away. The states of consciousness are subjective and very personal.

Though discussion of conscious experience occurs in every topic of psychology, defining it and explaining it has been difficult. Many people refer to consciousness as a person’s current awareness of external and internal stimuli. This is one aspect of consciousness. We are conscious not only when we monitor our environment but also when we try to control ourselves and our environment.

Hence consciousness involves:

• Monitoring ourselves and our environment so that perceptions, memories and thoughts are represented in awareness.
• Controlling ourselves and our environment so that we are able to initiate and terminate behavioral and cognitive activities.

Monitoring ourselves is one important aspect of it. Processing information from the environment is the main function of the body’s sensory system. It aids in becoming aware of what is happening in our surroundings as well as within us. But it focuses only on some stimuli and ignores others. This helps in dealing with information overload. Our attention is selective; events that are important for our survival are given top priority.

Another important function of it is controlling. It helps in planning, initiating and guiding our actions. Of course all our behaviors are not controlled by consciousness. In fact, many behaviors occur outside of it.

It refers to a person’s awareness of the sensations, thoughts and feelings being experienced at a given moment. An altered state of consciousness is a change from an ordinary pattern of mental functioning to a state that seems different to the person experiencing the change. Altered states of consciousness can vary from the distraction of a vivid daydream to the confusion and perceptual distortion caused by drug intoxication.

Preconscious memories: Though our awareness at any given moment is only limited, stimuli that are not our focus of attention can have some influence in our consciousness. For instance, when you are having lunch in a restaurant, ignoring the conversation of others when your name is mentioned by someone that catches your attention.

Many of our memories and thoughts which are not part of our consciousness can be brought into awareness. For instance, you may not be conscious of your friend’s marriage that took place last month. But the memories can be brought into your awareness if you wish. Memories that are accessible to consciousness are preconscious memories.

The unconscious: The earliest theory of consciousness is the psychoanalytic theory by Sigmund Freud. He believed that a major portion of the mind was unconscious. It contains memories impulses and desires that are not accessible to consciousness. Freud believed that unpleasant memories and unfulfilled wishes are diverted to the unconscious. Though these are not accessible to consciousness, they exert a strong influence on one’s behavior. Many psychologists and researchers disagree that unconscious contains only unpleasant memories. Instead they state that there are memories and mental processes that are outside of consciousness. In other words, all agree that there exists and unconscious aspect.

Automaticity and Dissociation: while controlling is an important function of consciousness, some activities with frequent practice become automatic or habitual. For instance, when we learn to drive it requires our complete attention. Once we master the activity, we are able to drive at the same time carry on a casual conversation. The habituation of responses that initially required conscious attention is called automaticity. In such activities the control is there but it is dissociated from consciousness. Proposed by the French psychiatrist Pierre Janet, dissociation is a state that under certain conditions some thoughts and actions become split off, or dissociated from the rest of consciousness and function outside awareness.

Consciousness is a person’s perceptions, thoughts and feelings at a given moment. It monitors and controls our actions.