In high-performance environments—think finance, law, medicine, or elite-level gaming—success often demands unwavering focus, long hours, and emotional suppression. While ambition can drive excellence, unrelenting pressure may trigger serious mental health issues, including psychosis. This article explores how psychosis manifests in high-stress careers, its warning signs, and why proactive mental health care is essential.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality. It can involve hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized thinking, or erratic behavior. Contrary to stereotypes, psychosis isn’t always violent or chaotic—it often begins subtly and can affect high-functioning individuals.
How High-Pressure Environments Contribute to Psychosis
1. Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Overload
High-pressure professionals often push themselves beyond healthy limits. Chronic sleep loss impairs brain function and increases vulnerability to hallucinations and delusions.
2. Unrelenting Stress
Constant decision-making, tight deadlines, and fear of failure can overwhelm the brain’s stress regulation systems, potentially leading to psychotic breaks.
3. Isolation and Overwork
Many high-achievers sacrifice social connection and personal well-being, which are critical buffers against mental health decline.
4. Perfectionism and Internalized Pressure
Those who equate self-worth with performance may suppress emotional distress, allowing early symptoms of psychosis to go unnoticed.
Common Warning Signs of Psychosis in Professionals
Paranoia or unjustified distrust of others
Disorganized thoughts or speech
Unusual perceptual experiences (e.g., voices or visual distortions)
Extreme mood swings
Withdrawing from social or professional interactions
Irrational beliefs that defy logic or feedback
If these symptoms persist or intensify, it’s crucial to seek professional assessment.
Real-Life Cases and Industry Examples
Wall Street professionals facing psychotic breaks after weeks without sleep during trading seasons.
Medical residents showing early psychotic symptoms during 80+ hour work weeks.
Creative professionals developing delusions tied to their work under pressure to perform.
These cases show that psychosis is not a result of weakness—but of unmet psychological needs in high-stress conditions.
Prevention and Support Strategies
1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Workplace culture must shift to embrace vulnerability and mental health education.
2. Mandatory Mental Health Screenings
Regular psychological check-ins can catch early symptoms before they escalate.
3. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Promote sustainable workloads and restorative time off.
4. Offer Access to Mental Health Professionals
Confidential access to therapy, coaching, and psychiatric care should be a standard benefit.
5. Teach Stress Management and Resilience
Training in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and time management helps professionals protect their mental health.
Conclusion
High-pressure careers can push individuals to greatness—but they can also push the mind beyond its limits. Understanding psychosis in this context is not about placing blame, but about promoting awareness, early intervention, and a healthier approach to success. Just as no one is immune to burnout, no one is immune to mental illness—and the strongest thing anyone can do is ask for help when the mind begins to bluff.
Professional poker may appear glamorous, with high-stakes games, international travel, and the thrill of competition. But behind the poker face lies a world of psychological pressure, emotional fatigue, and mental health challenges. The unique lifestyle of a poker pro—marked by irregular hours, intense competition, and financial uncertainty—can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
Why Mental Health Matters in Professional Poker
Mental health is the cornerstone of peak performance. While physical health is important, the mental strain of decision-making, emotional regulation, and resilience is what often separates good players from great ones—or burnout from balance.
Common Mental Health Challenges in the Poker World
1. Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Poker is high-pressure. Players must make rapid, complex decisions with large sums of money on the line. This constant tension can lead to chronic stress and anxiety disorders.
2. Depression and Isolation
Professional poker often involves solo travel, late nights, and hours of isolated gameplay. Without strong social connections, this can result in loneliness and depressive symptoms.
3. Sleep Disruption and Fatigue
Tournaments often run late into the night or across time zones, disturbing sleep schedules and reducing cognitive function—impacting both health and performance.
4. Addiction Risks
The gambling environment can exacerbate risky behaviors, leading to problematic gambling, substance abuse, or compulsive habits as coping mechanisms.
5. Emotional Burnout
Endless grinding, financial swings, and the mental burden of variance (luck-based outcomes) can cause emotional exhaustion and a loss of joy in the game.
Why Mental Health Is Often Ignored in Poker
Stigma around mental health, especially in competitive male-dominated spaces.
Cultural glorification of toughness, emotional detachment, and grinding through adversity.
Lack of structure or HR systems that are standard in traditional careers.
Financial instability making it harder to prioritize health over income.
Strategies to Protect and Improve Mental Health in Poker
1. Professional Counseling or Therapy
Working with a therapist—especially one familiar with high-performance environments—can provide essential tools for mental resilience.
2. Routine and Self-Care
Implementing regular routines for sleep, nutrition, and exercise improves mental stability and decision-making.
3. Peer Support Networks
Connecting with fellow players or online communities to share experiences reduces isolation and fosters understanding.
4. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
Practices like meditation, journaling, or even therapy apps can help players stay grounded and reduce tilt (emotional reactivity).
5. Financial Planning and Backup Plans
Working with financial advisors to create stability and reduce pressure helps players avoid feeling like every hand is a make-or-break moment.
Conclusion
The poker world needs to go all-in on mental health. Success at the table is as much about emotional resilience and mental clarity as it is about strategy. By acknowledging the hidden toll and implementing support systems, the professional poker community can promote a healthier, more sustainable way to play.
Mental health challenges often begin during childhood and adolescence, yet many schools still lack comprehensive strategies to address emotional well-being. By implementing mental health education in schools, we can equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize, manage, and seek help for mental health concerns. Early education is not just preventative—it’s transformative.
Why Mental Health Education Matters
Early Intervention Saves Lives Half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Teaching students to recognize signs and symptoms early can lead to timely support and treatment.
Reduces Stigma Open dialogue around mental health helps normalize these conversations, empowering students to speak up and seek help without shame.
Promotes Emotional Intelligence Emotional awareness, empathy, and self-regulation are just as vital as academic skills. Mental health education fosters these competencies.
Improves Academic Performance Students who are mentally and emotionally healthy are better able to concentrate, perform academically, and form positive relationships.
Encourages Healthy Coping Mechanisms Mental health programs teach students how to handle stress, manage anxiety, and build resilience—all essential for long-term well-being.
Key Components of a School-Based Mental Health Program
1. Curriculum Integration
Mental health topics should be woven into existing subjects such as health, science, or social studies. Topics may include:
Understanding emotions
Stress management
Anxiety and depression awareness
Substance abuse prevention
Suicide prevention
2. Trained Educators and Staff
Teachers, counselors, and staff should receive proper training to identify signs of mental distress and know how to respond appropriately.
3. Peer Support Programs
Creating peer-led support groups or mentorship initiatives can foster connection and a sense of community among students.
4. Access to On-Site Counselors
Schools should provide access to licensed mental health professionals who can offer assessments, counseling, and referrals.
5. Parent and Community Involvement
Workshops and communication with parents ensure consistent mental health messaging between school and home environments.
Best Practices for Implementation
Start Early: Introduce basic mental health concepts in elementary grades.
Use Evidence-Based Materials: Adopt resources and programs backed by research.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure content is culturally sensitive and inclusive of diverse student backgrounds.
Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly assess the program’s effectiveness through surveys and feedback.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Lack of Funding: Advocate for government and community support, or seek grants from mental health organizations.
Resistance to Change: Educate stakeholders on the long-term benefits of mental health programs.
Limited Resources: Partner with local mental health agencies or nonprofits for additional support.
Conclusion
Implementing mental health education in schools is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. As we prioritize emotional well-being alongside academic success, we empower students to thrive in every area of life. Schools have a unique opportunity to become a cornerstone of mental health prevention and early intervention, shaping a brighter and healthier future for all.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet early signs of mental distress often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a shift in mood, energy levels, or behavior, recognizing these changes early on can lead to quicker intervention and better outcomes. This article explores the early indicators of mental health struggles, how to identify them, and the importance of responding with care and support.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Catching mental health issues early can:
Prevent worsening conditions
Improve quality of life
Enable faster recovery
Reduce the risk of crisis or hospitalization
Just as with physical illnesses, timely detection is key to effective treatment.
Common Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Struggles
1. Persistent Sadness or Irritability
Unexplained feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability that last more than two weeks may indicate depression or anxiety.
2. Withdrawal from Social Activities
A sudden disinterest in spending time with friends, family, or engaging in activities once enjoyed can be a red flag.
3. Changes in Sleeping or Eating Habits
Insomnia, excessive sleeping, sudden weight loss or gain, or lack of appetite are all possible symptoms of emotional distress.
4. Decline in Performance
Poor concentration, lack of motivation, or declining school or work performance may signal cognitive and emotional fatigue.
5. Increased Sensitivity
Heightened reactions to criticism, rejection, or stress can point to underlying emotional strain or anxiety disorders.
6. Substance Use or Risky Behaviors
Turning to alcohol, drugs, or risky behavior to cope with emotions often signifies an attempt to self-medicate.
7. Unexplained Aches and Pains
Mental health issues often manifest physically. Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or chronic pain without a clear medical cause may stem from psychological stress.
Mental Health in Different Age Groups
Children may show behavioral issues, frequent tantrums, or regression.
Teens might experience mood swings, academic decline, or social isolation.
Adults could face burnout, chronic anxiety, or depressive episodes.
Seniors might exhibit memory problems, withdrawal, or increased somatic complaints.
Understanding age-specific signs helps tailor support and communication.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Start a Conversation Approach the person with empathy. Use open-ended questions and avoid judgment.
Encourage Professional Help Suggest speaking to a therapist, counselor, or doctor. Early therapy can be life-changing.
Be Supportive Sometimes just listening or being present makes a huge difference.
Take Care of Yourself Supporting someone else’s mental health is easier when your own well-being is stable.
Conclusion
Recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles isn’t about diagnosing—it’s about noticing changes and showing that you care. By staying informed and compassionate, we can reduce stigma, support those in need, and promote healthier lives for everyone.
In today’s fast-paced and often isolating world, mental health has become a central focus of overall well-being. While therapy, medication, and self-care practices are vital, one often overlooked yet powerful component of mental health is community support. A strong network of friends, family, peers, and community members can provide emotional strength, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging that is essential for maintaining good mental health.
Why Support Networks Matter for Mental Health
Support networks offer both emotional and practical benefits for individuals facing mental health challenges. Here are some key reasons why community and social support matter:
1. Reduced Feelings of Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation are closely linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Being part of a community helps individuals feel seen, valued, and less alone in their struggles.
2. Emotional Resilience
Having people to lean on during tough times fosters emotional resilience. Whether it’s a listening ear, words of encouragement, or just companionship, support networks help individuals bounce back more quickly from stress or setbacks.
3. Accountability and Encouragement
Community members can provide motivation and hold you accountable when working toward personal goals like regular exercise, therapy attendance, or healthy habits—key factors in mental wellness.
4. Access to Resources
Being connected with others often opens doors to resources such as support groups, mental health professionals, job opportunities, or financial assistance.
How to Build a Strong Mental Health Support Network
Building a support network takes time, effort, and intentionality. Here’s how you can start:
1. Identify Your Existing Support System
Start by recognizing who is already in your life—friends, family, coworkers, neighbors. List people you feel safe with or who have been supportive in the past.
2. Join Local or Online Communities
Mental health support groups, hobby clubs, faith communities, or volunteer organizations can offer meaningful social interaction and connection.
3. Seek Professional Help
Therapists and counselors are key members of any support network. They not only provide expert guidance but can also help you develop skills to build and maintain other relationships.
4. Be Open and Vulnerable
While it can be scary, sharing your feelings with trusted individuals strengthens bonds and invites mutual support.
5. Offer Support to Others
Support networks are a two-way street. Being there for others builds reciprocity and deeper connections.
The Role of Community in Preventing Mental Health Crises
Communities that foster open dialogue about mental health, encourage mutual aid, and destigmatize asking for help can significantly reduce the occurrence of mental health crises. Prevention becomes more effective when individuals feel safe to express their needs and know they will be supported.
Final Thoughts
Strong support networks are not a luxury—they are a necessity for mental health. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge or simply trying to maintain emotional balance, community plays an essential role. By cultivating meaningful connections and engaging with others, you lay the foundation for better mental well-being, resilience, and a healthier, more connected life.
The Double-Edged Sword of Fame: Navigating Public Attention and Personal Privacy
Fame is often portrayed as a dream come true—glamour, admiration, and success. However, behind the spotlight lies a complex reality: the loss of personal privacy. The double-edged sword of fame brings both rewards and risks, especially in a digital age where boundaries between public and private life are increasingly blurred.
The Allure and Cost of Public Attention
For many, achieving fame is a goal tied to validation, influence, and financial gain. Social media, reality TV, and viral content have made it easier than ever to step into the public eye. But with visibility comes scrutiny. Celebrities, influencers, and public figures often face relentless media coverage, online trolling, and judgment from strangers.
While the attention can boost careers and open doors, it can also strip away the ability to lead a normal life. Everyday actions—dining out, vacationing, or expressing opinions—can be sensationalized, criticized, or misunderstood.
The Mental Health Impact of Fame
Constant exposure to public opinion can take a toll on mental health. Anxiety, depression, identity confusion, and burnout are common among those thrust into fame. The pressure to maintain a perfect image, meet expectations, or stay relevant can create emotional strain.
Young celebrities and content creators are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the experience or support systems to cope with fame’s challenges. Cases of mental health breakdowns, substance abuse, and even tragic losses highlight the dark side of living in the public eye.
Personal Privacy in a Digital World
Maintaining personal privacy has become increasingly difficult. Paparazzi, online sleuths, and data tracking have made it possible to uncover nearly every detail of a public figure’s life. Leaks, unauthorized recordings, and social media surveillance mean that moments meant to be private can go viral within seconds.
Public figures often find themselves navigating issues like:
Doxxing and stalking
Hacked personal accounts
Misuse of private images or messages
Unwanted commentary on family, relationships, and personal choices
Strategies for Protecting Privacy While in the Spotlight
Though fame and privacy may seem incompatible, there are ways to manage the balance:
Set clear boundaries – Define what aspects of life are off-limits and communicate those boundaries to fans and media.
Use privacy tools – Leverage privacy settings, legal protections, and secure platforms to guard personal information.
Build a supportive team – Publicists, mental health professionals, and legal advisors can help manage fame’s pressure.
Practice digital mindfulness – Be intentional about what is shared online, and take regular breaks from social media.
Share authentically—but selectively – Vulnerability can foster connection, but it’s essential to protect sensitive matters.
Conclusion
Fame can be empowering, but it comes with significant emotional and psychological risks. Understanding the double-edged sword of public attention and actively safeguarding personal privacy are crucial for long-term well-being. For those living in the spotlight, balance—not perfection—is the key to thriving.
In high-performance environments—think finance, law, medicine, or elite-level gaming—success often demands unwavering focus, long hours, and emotional suppression. While ambition can drive excellence, unrelenting pressure may trigger serious mental health issues, including psychosis. This article explores how psychosis manifests in high-stress careers, its warning signs, and why proactive mental health care is essential.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality. It can involve hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized thinking, or erratic behavior. Contrary to stereotypes, psychosis isn’t always violent or chaotic—it often begins subtly and can affect high-functioning individuals.
How High-Pressure Environments Contribute to Psychosis
1. Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Overload
High-pressure professionals often push themselves beyond healthy limits. Chronic sleep loss impairs brain function and increases vulnerability to hallucinations and delusions.
2. Unrelenting Stress
Constant decision-making, tight deadlines, and fear of failure can overwhelm the brain’s stress regulation systems, potentially leading to psychotic breaks.
3. Isolation and Overwork
Many high-achievers sacrifice social connection and personal well-being, which are critical buffers against mental health decline.
4. Perfectionism and Internalized Pressure
Those who equate self-worth with performance may suppress emotional distress, allowing early symptoms of psychosis to go unnoticed.
Common Warning Signs of Psychosis in Professionals
Paranoia or unjustified distrust of others
Disorganized thoughts or speech
Unusual perceptual experiences (e.g., voices or visual distortions)
Extreme mood swings
Withdrawing from social or professional interactions
Irrational beliefs that defy logic or feedback
If these symptoms persist or intensify, it’s crucial to seek professional assessment.
Real-Life Cases and Industry Examples
Wall Street professionals facing psychotic breaks after weeks without sleep during trading seasons.
Medical residents showing early psychotic symptoms during 80+ hour work weeks.
Creative professionals developing delusions tied to their work under pressure to perform.
These cases show that psychosis is not a result of weakness—but of unmet psychological needs in high-stress conditions.
Prevention and Support Strategies
1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Workplace culture must shift to embrace vulnerability and mental health education.
2. Mandatory Mental Health Screenings
Regular psychological check-ins can catch early symptoms before they escalate.
3. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Promote sustainable workloads and restorative time off.
4. Offer Access to Mental Health Professionals
Confidential access to therapy, coaching, and psychiatric care should be a standard benefit.
5. Teach Stress Management and Resilience
Training in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and time management helps professionals protect their mental health.
Conclusion
High-pressure careers can push individuals to greatness—but they can also push the mind beyond its limits. Understanding psychosis in this context is not about placing blame, but about promoting awareness, early intervention, and a healthier approach to success. Just as no one is immune to burnout, no one is immune to mental illness—and the strongest thing anyone can do is ask for help when the mind begins to bluff.
Professional poker may appear glamorous, with high-stakes games, international travel, and the thrill of competition. But behind the poker face lies a world of psychological pressure, emotional fatigue, and mental health challenges. The unique lifestyle of a poker pro—marked by irregular hours, intense competition, and financial uncertainty—can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
Why Mental Health Matters in Professional Poker
Mental health is the cornerstone of peak performance. While physical health is important, the mental strain of decision-making, emotional regulation, and resilience is what often separates good players from great ones—or burnout from balance.
Common Mental Health Challenges in the Poker World
1. Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Poker is high-pressure. Players must make rapid, complex decisions with large sums of money on the line. This constant tension can lead to chronic stress and anxiety disorders.
2. Depression and Isolation
Professional poker often involves solo travel, late nights, and hours of isolated gameplay. Without strong social connections, this can result in loneliness and depressive symptoms.
3. Sleep Disruption and Fatigue
Tournaments often run late into the night or across time zones, disturbing sleep schedules and reducing cognitive function—impacting both health and performance.
4. Addiction Risks
The gambling environment can exacerbate risky behaviors, leading to problematic gambling, substance abuse, or compulsive habits as coping mechanisms.
5. Emotional Burnout
Endless grinding, financial swings, and the mental burden of variance (luck-based outcomes) can cause emotional exhaustion and a loss of joy in the game.
Why Mental Health Is Often Ignored in Poker
Stigma around mental health, especially in competitive male-dominated spaces.
Cultural glorification of toughness, emotional detachment, and grinding through adversity.
Lack of structure or HR systems that are standard in traditional careers.
Financial instability making it harder to prioritize health over income.
Strategies to Protect and Improve Mental Health in Poker
1. Professional Counseling or Therapy
Working with a therapist—especially one familiar with high-performance environments—can provide essential tools for mental resilience.
2. Routine and Self-Care
Implementing regular routines for sleep, nutrition, and exercise improves mental stability and decision-making.
3. Peer Support Networks
Connecting with fellow players or online communities to share experiences reduces isolation and fosters understanding.
4. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
Practices like meditation, journaling, or even therapy apps can help players stay grounded and reduce tilt (emotional reactivity).
5. Financial Planning and Backup Plans
Working with financial advisors to create stability and reduce pressure helps players avoid feeling like every hand is a make-or-break moment.
Conclusion
The poker world needs to go all-in on mental health. Success at the table is as much about emotional resilience and mental clarity as it is about strategy. By acknowledging the hidden toll and implementing support systems, the professional poker community can promote a healthier, more sustainable way to play.
Mental health challenges often begin during childhood and adolescence, yet many schools still lack comprehensive strategies to address emotional well-being. By implementing mental health education in schools, we can equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize, manage, and seek help for mental health concerns. Early education is not just preventative—it’s transformative.
Why Mental Health Education Matters
Early Intervention Saves Lives Half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Teaching students to recognize signs and symptoms early can lead to timely support and treatment.
Reduces Stigma Open dialogue around mental health helps normalize these conversations, empowering students to speak up and seek help without shame.
Promotes Emotional Intelligence Emotional awareness, empathy, and self-regulation are just as vital as academic skills. Mental health education fosters these competencies.
Improves Academic Performance Students who are mentally and emotionally healthy are better able to concentrate, perform academically, and form positive relationships.
Encourages Healthy Coping Mechanisms Mental health programs teach students how to handle stress, manage anxiety, and build resilience—all essential for long-term well-being.
Key Components of a School-Based Mental Health Program
1. Curriculum Integration
Mental health topics should be woven into existing subjects such as health, science, or social studies. Topics may include:
Understanding emotions
Stress management
Anxiety and depression awareness
Substance abuse prevention
Suicide prevention
2. Trained Educators and Staff
Teachers, counselors, and staff should receive proper training to identify signs of mental distress and know how to respond appropriately.
3. Peer Support Programs
Creating peer-led support groups or mentorship initiatives can foster connection and a sense of community among students.
4. Access to On-Site Counselors
Schools should provide access to licensed mental health professionals who can offer assessments, counseling, and referrals.
5. Parent and Community Involvement
Workshops and communication with parents ensure consistent mental health messaging between school and home environments.
Best Practices for Implementation
Start Early: Introduce basic mental health concepts in elementary grades.
Use Evidence-Based Materials: Adopt resources and programs backed by research.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure content is culturally sensitive and inclusive of diverse student backgrounds.
Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly assess the program’s effectiveness through surveys and feedback.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Lack of Funding: Advocate for government and community support, or seek grants from mental health organizations.
Resistance to Change: Educate stakeholders on the long-term benefits of mental health programs.
Limited Resources: Partner with local mental health agencies or nonprofits for additional support.
Conclusion
Implementing mental health education in schools is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. As we prioritize emotional well-being alongside academic success, we empower students to thrive in every area of life. Schools have a unique opportunity to become a cornerstone of mental health prevention and early intervention, shaping a brighter and healthier future for all.
मानसिक रूप से बीमार होना कोई मजाक की बात नहीं है। ये बहुत दर्दनाक चीज़ है। आप को अगर कोई शारीरिक रोग है तो सभी आप के लिये करुणावान होंगे, पर जब आप को कोई मानसिक रोग है तो, दुर्भाग्यवश, आप हँसी के पात्र बन जायेंगे। ऐसा इसलिये है क्योंकि ये मालूम करना बहुत कठिन है कि कोई कब बीमार है और कब बेवकूफी कर रहा है? यदि किसी के परिवार में कोई मानसिक रूप से परेशान, अशांत है, तो ये उनके लिये सबसे बड़ी समस्या है। आप को पता ही नहीं चलता कि वे कब वास्तव में पीड़ा भोग रहे हैं और कब ऐसे ही बनावट कर रहे हैं ? आप समझ नहीं पाते कि कब आप उनके साथ करुणावान हों और कब कठोर?
मनुष्य का मानसिक स्वास्थ्य एक नाजुक चीज़ है। स्वस्थचित्तता और पागलपन के बीच एक बहुत छोटा अंतर होता है। यदि आप अंतर की इस सीमारेखा को रोज़ धक्का मारते हैं, तो आप उसे कभी पार भी कर लेंगे। आप जब क्रोध में होते हैं, तो हम कहते हैं, “वो गुस्से से पागल हो रहा है” या, “वो अभी पागल हो गया है”। आप उस थोड़े से पागलपन का मजा भी ले सकते हैं। आप थोड़ी देर के लिये सीमा पार करते हैं और एक तरह की स्वतंत्रता और शक्ति का अनुभव करते हैं। पर किसी दिन, अगर आप इसे पार कर के वापस लौट न पायें, तो पीड़ा शुरू हो जाती है। ये शारीरिक दर्द की तरह नहीं है, ये बहुत ज्यादा गहरी पीड़ा है। मैं ऐसे बहुत से लोगों के साथ रहा हूँ, जो मानसिक रूप से बीमार हैं और उनकी सहायता करता रहा हूँ। ऐसा किसी को नहीं होना चाहिये, पर दुर्भाग्यवश अब दुनिया में ये छूत की बीमारी की तरह फैल रहा है।
सुरक्षा जाल से परे जाना
पश्चिमी समाजों में ये बहुत बड़े स्तर पर हो रहा है, और भारत भी बहुत पीछे नहीं है। भारत में, खास तौर पर शहरी इलाकों के लोग इस दिशा में कई तरह से आगे बढ़ेंगे क्योंकि शहरी भारत पश्चिम की अपेक्षा ज्यादा पश्चिमी होता जा रहा है। अमेरिका की तुलना में यहाँ ज्यादा लोग डेनिम पहनते हैं। मानसिक बीमारियाँ, पहले के किसी भी समय की अपेक्षा, अब ज्यादा बढ़ रही हैं क्योंकि हम वे सब सहारे, साथ, सहयोग के साधन खींच कर फेंक रहे हैं जो लोगों के पास थे। पर हम इन सहारों के स्थान पर कुछ भी ला नहीं रहे हैं। अगर लोग अपने आप में चेतन और सक्षम हों तो सब कुछ ठीक रहेगा, भले ही आप सभी सहारों को खींच कर अलग कर दें। पर वो सक्षमता दिये बिना अगर आप सहारे तोड़ देंगे तो लोग टूट जायेंगे।
मानसिक बीमारियाँ, पहले के किसी भी समय की अपेक्षा, अब ज्यादा बढ़ रही हैं क्योंकि हम वे सब सहारे, साथ, सहयोग के साधन खींच कर फेंक रहे हैं, जो लोगों के पास थे। पर हम इन सहारों के स्थान पर कुछ भी नहीं ला रहे हैं।
बहुत लंबे समय से, हम अपनी मानसिक और भावनात्मक स्थिरता के लिये कुछ चीजों पर निर्भर रहे हैं। पर अब, ये सब चीजें ले ली जा रही हैं। इन चीजों में से एक है परिवार। परिवार हमें सहारा देता है – चाहे कुछ भी हुआ हो, कोई न कोई हमेशा आप के साथ खड़ा होता था। जब आप चीजें सही करते हैं तो हर कोई आप के साथ होता है, पर जब आप कुछ गलत करते हैं तो वे सब दूर हो जाते हैं। परिवार ऐसे लोगों का समूह था जो आप के द्वारा किये जा रहे सर्कस के लिये एक सुरक्षा जाल जैसा था। आप चाहे किसी भी तरफ गिरें, कुछ देर के लिये आप को पकड़ने वाला कोई न कोई ज़रूर होता था। लेकिन बहुत से लोगों के लिये वो सुरक्षा जाल अब नहीं है। जब आप गिरते हैं तो गिर ही जाते हैं। इस कारण से लोग टूट रहे हैं।
भारत की संस्कृति में, एक समय ऐसी परम्परा थी कि कुल आबादी के 30% लोग संन्यासी होते थे। उन्होंने जागरूकतापूर्वक बिना परिवार के रहने का निर्णय लिया था, बिना सहारे के रहने का, बिना घर के रहने का। इसलिये नहीं कि उनके पास साधन नहीं थे, बल्कि इसलिये कि उन्होंने इस विकल्प का चयन किया था। उन्हें कभी भी कोई अवसाद नहीं होता था क्योंकि वे सुरक्षा तंत्र की आवश्यकता के परे चले गये थे।
अगर आप ने ट्रेपीज़ बार झूले पर झूलना ठीक तरह से सीख लिया है तो आप इसे सुरक्षा जाल के बिना भी कर सकते हैं। पर अगर आप इसे ठीक ढंग से नहीं कर रहे हैं तो बेहतर होगा कि आप सुरक्षा जाल रखें, नहीं तो आप अपना सिर तोड़ लेंगे। यही सब तो हो रहा है। हमारे पास जो पारम्परिक साथ, सहयोग की व्यवस्था थी हम उसे निकाल कर फेंक रहे हैं।
दूसरा पहलू ‘धर्म’ है। मनुष्य के मनोवैज्ञानिक संतुलन को धर्म आसानी से संभाल लेता था। “ईश्वर तुम्हारे साथ है, चिंता मत करो”, इसी बात से बहुत सारे लोग शांत, स्थिर हो जाते थे। इस बात के महत्व को कम मत समझिये। आज लोग मनोचिकित्सकों के पास जा रहे हैं। भारत के पास 100 करोड़ लोगों के लिये पर्याप्त संख्या में मनोचिकित्सक नहीं हैं। किसी भी देश में नहीं हैं। और सबसे मुख्य बात – वे बहुत ही अकुशल हैं क्योंकि वे एक समय में एक ही रोगी को देख सकते हैं, और उन्हें बहुत सारे साजो-सामान की ज़रूरत होती है। पूरे सम्मान के साथ, हमें धर्म के इस पहलू को स्वीकार करना चाहिये। ये अत्यंत कम खर्चीली, सभी लोगों को एक साथ संभालने वाली मनोचिकित्सा है।
करण जौहर: :इस सब के लिये आप का धन्यवाद, क्योंकि मैं जानता हूँ कि निश्चित रूप से ये एक बड़ी विपत्ति है जो हम पर आ रही है और जैसा कि मैंने कहा, कुछ लोग मदद लेते हैं। कई बार इसका निदान रासायनिक असंतुलन के रूप में किया जाता है और उसके लिये दवाईयाँ दी जाती हैं। आप ने पहले भी, अपने आप को खोजने तथा अंदर की सुखदता को पाने के बारे में कहा है। तो ऐसी परिस्थितियों में ये हमें किस प्रकार सहायता दे सकता है?
रसायनों का एक आर्केस्ट्रा
सद्गुरु: मानव सुखदता को कई अलग-अलग तरीकों से देखा जा सकता है। इसको देखने का एक आसान तरीक़ा यह है कि प्रत्येक मानवीय अनुभव का एक रासायनिक आधार होता है। आप जिसे शांति, खुशी, प्रेम, उथल पुथल, स्वस्थचित्तता, मानसिक पीड़ा, उल्लास आदि कहते हैं, उन सभी का एक रासायनिक आधार होता है। स्वास्थ्य और अस्वस्थता का भी एक रासायनिक आधार होता है। आज दवाईयों का सारा ज्ञान बस रसायनों द्वारा आप के स्वास्थ्य का प्रबंधन करने का प्रयत्न कर रहा है। अब चिकित्सा का काम केवल रसायनों के बैंड का उपयोग कर के स्वास्थ्य का प्रबंधन करना ही रह गया है।
मानसिक अस्वस्थता का प्रबंधन भी ज्यादातर बाहर के रासायनिक पदार्थ दे कर ही किया जा रहा है। लेकिन इस धरती पर आप जितने भी रसायनों के बारे में सोच सकते हैं, वे सब, किसी न किसी प्रकार से, आप के शरीर में उपस्थित ही हैं। सही चीज़ का पता लगाना मूल रूप से स्वास्थ्य का अर्थ है सुखदता का एक विशेष स्तर। जब आप का शरीर सुख में होता है तो हम इसे अच्छा स्वास्थ्य कहते हैं। अगर ये बहुत ज्यादा सुखी हो जाता है तो हम इसे प्रसन्नता कहते हैं। अगर आप का मन सुख में होता है तो हम इसे शांति कहते हैं। जब ये बहुत ज्यादा सुखी होता है तो हम इसे परमानंद कहते हैं। अगर आप की भावनायें सुखद हैं तो हम इसे प्रेम कहते हैं। जब ये बहुत ज्यादा सुखद होती हैं तो हम इसे करुणा कहते हैं। जब आप की उर्जायें सुखद होती हैं तो हम इसे आनंद कहते हैं। जब ये बहुत ज्यादा सुखद हो जाती हैं तब हम इसे उल्लास कहते हैं। जब आप के आसपास का वातावरण सुखद हो जाता है तो हम इसे सफलता कहते हैं।
जगत का सबसे अदभुत इंजीनियर आप के अंदर है। यही वो बात है जिसके आधार पर हम आप को इनर इंजीनियरिंग देते हैं – अपनी आंतरिक व्यवस्था की इंजीनियरिंग कर के अपने जीवन का प्रभार स्वयं लेने का काम! हम जिस तरह से जन्म लेते हैं, जिस तरह से हम जीते हैं, सोचते हैं, महसूस करते हैं और अपने जीवन का अनुभव करते हैं, हम कहाँ पहुंचेंगे और कैसे मरेंगे – यह हर व्यक्ति द्वारा स्वयं ही तय किया जाता है।
Inner Engineering is a technology that is designed for better well-being. Some people also called this process as yoga or meditation. In this process, you can find a way to balance between your day-to-day life and inner peace.
There are different definitions available for this kind of practice; some people call it yoga, while others call it as holistic science or inner engineering. Using yoga, you can find a connection with God or spiritual power. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘yog’ that is in addition. This addition is between self and god.
A few scientists say that yoga helps in connecting with your deeper self. By the word deeper self, I mean the supreme entity rests. The supreme entity is a combination of our soul and mind.
The inner engineering helps the folks to have integration between the mind and soul, which helps to experience the true power of the mind. Also, you can sharpen the skills of monitoring the mind and thoughts for handling the emotions using the method derived from yoga.
Yoga is a process of training your mind, where you learn to control your material thoughts in a single way. Thoughts have the capacity of triggering emotions, which can, in turn, trigger your physical movements. Our mind is a difficult thing to handle, but once you are able to do, you will know your divine power. The mind can’t be idle at any point of time. This is because it is medically proven that your mind is always busy even when you are sleeping. In fact, the scientist says that our mind is more active when we sleep. By controlling the thoughts, you can control the actions.
Thus, it is necessary to have a positive attitude towards life, which will reflect on your life. The communication that happens within yourself will directly have an impact on how you communicate and how you visualize the world.
To achieve this kind of positive attitude and self-awareness you need to practice inner engineering, which people also call as yoga or meditation. By this process, you also get an idea about the self-awareness. It is necessary to be aware of how self-help can mold our thoughts.
Using self-awareness you can alter the negative emotions. You need to push out all degrading thoughts using the regular and rigorous practice of yoga or inner engineering.
In this article, we have thrown light on how you can create a balanced mind and enlight your soul with the divine treasure of knowledge.
Are you feeling “I can’t do it or why my life so difficult”? If yes, then let me correct you here that you are not the only person who is suffering from stress or miserable. We’ve all been in a tough spot, not just once but multiple times. However, these are the precious moments that define our life. Our attitude in those moments has the potential of either making us or breaking us on the path towards success and achievement.
To guide you find your purpose of life and your inner strength I’ve put together a few things that can be helpful in turning on your lamp within yourself.
Determination is the key
The determination that we show towards our goal is the key to decide whether we will be able to achieve it or not. The determination not just helps to drive it through the road of success but also helps in dealing with the struggles, disappointments, and failures.
Always find ways to remind that your determination will decide your future. It will help you have clear vision of your dream.
Failure is Necessary
To live the life you want, you need to be willing to face the struggles and pass through them. If you are someone who easily gives upon when a difficult situation comes, then you probably don’t have a chance of tasting success. Moreover, it is necessary to acknowledge your failure and correct the mistake before it turns your life the other way.
In the days of your struggle, remember, that life will take a few things from you, which will help you grow. Then, once you have got exactly what you want, then it will begin to slowly give back your things.
Challenge your comfort
Adding to the previous point, when you feel that you are facing hurdles and battles, it is when you need to be aware that you are doing something out of your comfort level. The sooner you understand this, the better your life will be.
However, for that, you should be mentally and emotionally prepared. As said earlier, it is important to acknowledge the bad things and then overcome all of them one by one.
Gratitude Will Take You a Long Way
Each one of us experience rough times in our lives, because it’s just the reality of living a life. At those moments instead of getting hard on yourself and screaming that “I can’t do”, think of how happy you were when you achieved your last goal.
Remember that it is always necessary to feel grateful for all the little things you have in your life. It is truly amazing how deep impact these positive and gratitude feelings have in our daily life. They not only give you clarity on your vision but also turn your mood.
If you’re unhappy with where you are, then start feeling grateful for the beautiful things you have. We might not choose the situation, but we can definitely choose the mindset.
Best Things Never Comes Easy
When I often feel that I can’t to it, I try to remind myself that “best things never come easy”. Even if you are halfway through your success, just feel proud for yourself that you have taken a step that most people fear.
However, apart from seeing all the better days of your life, it is important to see the worst also. Lastly, while working for your dreams keep your mind and vision clear.
When you’re calm, you can think your way through a problem instead of just worrying about it. Think about the worst thing that can happen, how likely that is and what you could do if it happens. In a stressful situation, think about the different ways you can respond and decide which one is the most intelligent.
Don’t make mountains out of molehills.
When you use the thinking brain, you get control of the emotional brain, and you feel better.
Also, replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Count your blessings and remind yourself of your successes.
The treatments for anxiety range from simple stress reduction methods to therapy and medication.
Don’t overlook stress management – it can help even with very bad anxiety.
Video – a lot of helpful information, including the 3-part program of Brown and Gerbarg –
Thought patterns are like habits, and like habits, they are tough to break, but it is possible to change them. It might be easier to add good thought patterns and that way increase the amount of time you think healthily/positively, to balance out the bad. Anxiety and bad thoughts are normal functions and can’t be completely stopped, but it can be reduced to a manageable and healthy level.
Anxiety – an Overview and Ways to Treat It
Introduction
Do you often feel anxious, or do you know someone else who is? Read on to find about more about what it is it, and learn a number strategies to help prevent it, or reduce the severity of the symptoms if you have it.
Anxiety is a common mental health problem, which is prevalent throughout the world and can be really serious in some cases. Studies show that more than 1 in 10 people will develop a disabling anxiety disorder at some stage in their life.
Anxiety is usually assessed on a degree of severity, ranging from mild, to moderate, to severe.
There are a number of different anxiety disorders, which include: generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and selective mutism.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with anxiety are quite varied, and can range from quite mild or to quite severe.
1) Behavioural – social withdrawal, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, increased motor tension.
2) Emotional – feelings of dread, trouble concentrating, feeling tense or jumpy, anticipating the worst, irritability, restlessness, blank mind, nightmares, obsessions about sensations, sense of ‘deja vu’, feeling trapped in your mind.
3) Cognitive – thoughts about suspected dangers, such as fear of dying, believing that chest pains are heart attack, believing shooting pains in your head are a tumor or aneurysm, feeling an intense fear when you think of dying, or you may think of it more often than normal, or can’t get it out of your mind.
4) Physiological – headaches, vertigo, digestive problems, nausea, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue.
Cause
The risk factors associated with anxiety include:
1) Neuroanatomical – Neural circuitry involving the amygdala (which regulates emotions like anxiety and fear, stimulating the HPA Axis and sympathetic nervous system) and hippocampus (which is implicated in emotional memory along with the amygdala) is thought to underlie anxiety. People who have anxiety tend to show high activity in response to emotional stimuli in the amygdala.
2) Genetics – Genetics and family history may put an individual at increased risk of an anxiety disorder, but generally external stimuli will trigger its onset or exacerbation.
3) Medical conditions – Many medical conditions can cause anxiety. This includes conditions that affect the ability to breathe, like COPD and asthma, and the difficulty in breathing that often occurs near death. Conditions that cause abdominal pain or chest pain can cause anxiety and may in some cases be a somatization of anxiety.
4) Substance-induced – Several drugs can cause or worsen anxiety, whether in intoxication, withdrawal or from chronic use. These include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, sedatives (including prescription benzodiazepines), opioids (including prescription pain killers and illicit drugs like heroin), stimulants (such as caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines), hallucinogens, and inhalants.
5) Psychological – Poor coping skills (e.g., rigidity/inflexible problem solving, denial, avoidance, impulsivity, extreme self-expectation, negative thoughts, affective instability, and inability to focus on problems) are associated with anxiety. Anxiety is also linked and perpetuated by the person’s own pessimistic outcome expectancy and how they cope with feedback negativity. Temperament (e.g., neuroticism) and attitudes (e.g. pessimism) have been found to be risk factors for anxiety.
6) Social – Social risk factors for anxiety include a history of trauma (e.g., physical, sexual or emotional abuse or assault), early life experiences and parenting factors (e.g., rejection, lack of warmth, high hostility, harsh discipline, high parental negative affect, anxious childrearing, modelling of dysfunctional and drug-abusing behaviour, discouragement of emotions, poor socialization, poor attachment, and child abuse and neglect), cultural factors (e.g., stoic families/cultures, persecuted minorities including the disabled), and socioeconomics (e.g., uneducated, unemployed, impoverished although developed countries have higher rates of anxiety disorders than developing countries).
Tip 1: Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a psychological process, which involves bringing one’s attention to what you are experiencing in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation.
To perform mindfulness you must adopt a particular orientation toward one’s experiences in the present moment, which is characterized by a mixture of acceptance, curiosity, and openness.
Mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and can is also used to treat drug addiction.
1) Awareness – Notice the thoughts which arise in your mind and the sensations that feel in your body. Do they feel hot or cold? Notice your heartbeat. Be aware of your breathing. Allow yourself to feel these sensations without resistance
2) Acceptance – Rather than accept or reject your thoughts, try to just observe them without judgment and allow them to flow in and out of your mind.
3) Present Moment – We often worry about the future or dwell on the past, but you should learn to focus on the present moment and bring your attention back to what is happening in the now.
Tip 2: Breathing
Square breathing is a simple technique which involves taking slow, deep breaths. It is good for stress reduction and can increase performance and concentration.
To start, visualize a square, then follow the instructions going clockwise:
1) Breathe in for 4 seconds picturing one side of the square.
2) Hold your breath for 4 seconds visualizing the second side of the square.
3) Breathe out over 4 seconds visualizing the third side of the square.
4) Hold your breath for 4 seconds visualizing the fourth side of the square.
This exercise should be completed as many times as required for the breathing to become calm and regular.
Tip 3: Other Ideas
1) Keep a journal – Write down your current thoughts, and brainstorm possible solutions to your problems.
2) Reading – Read one of your favourite books, or shop around for a new self-help book.
3) Write a poem – Turn your current worries and problems into a poem to give meaning to them.
4) Colouring – Get some coloured pencils, or crayons, and draw whatever comes to mind. Try some random patterns, or if you are feeling more adventurous create a stunning piece of art.
5) Music – Listen to your favorite band, or play your instrument if you have one.
6) Dance – Move your body to your favorite song, to help keep fit and distract yourself at the same time.
7) Walk – Take a walk outside and, and pay attention to your surroundings. Count houses, cars or trees as you pass them.
8) Relaxation – Take a warm, relaxing bubble bath or a warm shower, whichever you prefer.
9) List – Write a list of positive things in your life, such as good memories and your best attributes, and read them whenever you feel bad.
10) Triggers – Make a list of your triggers, and give it to your therapist if you have one.
