Friday 16 February 2024

FOOD AND MOOD

FOOD AND MOOD 

By Dr. Pragati (MBBS, MD)

The link between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between brain and gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain.”GI tract is home to billions of bacteria that influence the production chemical substances that constantly carry messages from the gut to the brain. Two common examples of this are dopamine and serotonin.Eating nutritionally dense food promotes the growth of “good” bacteria, which in turn positively affects the production of these chemicals. When production is optimal, brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and one’s mental state can reflect it. Studies have even found that clean diets consisting of mainly whole, unprocessed foods, can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.Some people who move to a mostly plant-based diet,often notice that their energy and focus are sustained throughout the day.A lot of the processed foods we eat are highly addictive and stimulate the dopamine centers in our brain, which are associated with pleasure and reward. When we’re feeling stressed or depressed, it’s often processed foods we reach for in search of a quick pick-me-up. During busy or difficult periods, a cup of coffee stands in for a complete breakfast and fresh fruits and vegetables are replaced with high-fat, high-calorie fast food. When feeling down, a pint of ice cream becomes dinner (or ‘;[we skip dinner altogether).

SUGAR- is a major culprit of inflammation. It feeds “bad” bacteria in the GI tract. It can also cause a temporary spike in “feel good” chemicals like dopamine. These spikes result in a fleeting sugar rush, followed by a hard crash.

WHOLE FOODS- Some studies show that preservatives, food colorings and other additives may cause or worsen hyperactivity and depression.The powerful nutrients produced by colorful produce have tons of benefits for the mind and body. Their nutritional properties are often contained in the colors themselves. 

FIBER- Plant-based foods are full of fiber which helps the body absorb glucose (food sugars) more slowly. This helps to avoid sugar rushes and crashes.

FOLATE- This type of B vitamin helps with dopamine production without forcing it to surge the way sugars do.

VITAMIN D- Vitamin D helps with the production of serotonin.

MAGNESIUM- This essential mineral helps with everything from nerve and muscle function to keeping a steady heartbeat. But it’s also vital to the food-mood connection. A mineral deficiency can hurt the bacteria in the gut and cause depression and anxiety-like symptoms. 

FERMENTED FOODS- Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, which are certain live bacteria that are good for the digestive tract.



Email: communications@heeals.org

WhatsApp: +91-7982316660

Friday 9 February 2024

Mental Health in India

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Various types of mental illnesses exist, displaying a range of intensities and severity. They can be categorized into common mental disorders and more severe mental conditions. Mental health disorders encompass a spectrum, spanning from psychosis—indicative of chemical imbalances in the body—to neurosis—stemming from inadequate attitudinal learning during the developmental or formative years. 


Common Mental Health Illnesses include:

  1. Depression1
  2. Anxiety/Phobias
  3. EatingDisorders
  4. Stress

Severe Mental Health Illnesses Include:

  1. Schizophrenia
  2. Bipolardisorder (Manicdepression)
  3. Clinicaldepression
  4. Suicidaltendency
  5. Personalitydisorder

Statistics indicate that 20% of the population experiences symptoms associated with mental health disorders. Half of these conditions manifest by the age of 14, with 75% emerging by the age of 24. Mental health problems can be influenced by a variety of factors. The interplay between the mind, body, and environment contributes to the development of psychological disorders. Some of these factors include persistent and prolonged stress, biological elements, substance abuse and overdose, cognitive patterns like persistent negative thoughts and low energy, as well as social issues such as financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns, and social isolation.

The discourse around mental health in India is still relatively recent, and persistent myths and taboos surround the subject. As per the National Health program administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 6% of Kerala's population grapples with mental disorders, while one in every five individuals experiences emotional and behavioral issues. The country is home to a staggering 60 to 70 million people facing both common and severe mental disorders. Disturbingly, India holds the unfortunate title of being the world's suicide capital, with an alarming 2.6 lakh cases reported annually. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, the average suicide rate in India stands at 10.9 per lakh people.

According to the data problems related to mental health are stigma. There are a lot of factors . The main ones are :

1 Lack of  help. Due to fact that people can not afford specialists they are not able to get treatment.The treatment given by government or free treatments are not enough. We have limited workers and

Places where to go .


2 Mentality. Most of the people do not take mental problems seriously and as a result their mental

Health will get worse.

3 Individuals suffering from mental illnesses face a significant hurdle as insurance companies typically do not offer medical coverage for hospital admissions related to mental health conditions. For some, access to quality hospitals is unattainable due to this limitation. Effective treatment can be expensive, and the absence of insurance coverage further compounds the challenge, making it even more difficult for individuals to afford the necessary care.

This factors can lead to bigger problems . For example, not treated depression among females can lead to of low birth weight and preterm birth.

That is why our team is putting every effort to solve this problem . You can donate or join us to make this world better.

Join  HEEALS .We believe that by starting small and working with one community at a time, we can begin to make changes that will spread gradually throughout India, all the while working hard to create and maintain a self-sustaining society. We aim to facilitate the fulfilment of the millennium development goals, set out by the United Nations, by ensuring that every household in India has unimpeded access to proper WASH facilities.

Email : communications@heeals.org

whats app: +91-7981316660

written by volunteer-coordinator Kenenbaeva Janyl.

Wednesday 25 October 2023

Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health

Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health: 

Written by volunteer-coordinator Janyl Kenenbaeva 

First of all, let me introduce you what is “Menstrual Hygiene Taboo”

Menstrual hygiene taboos are social and cultural restrictions, beliefs, and practices that surround menstruation and affect the way menstruating individuals are treated and how they manage their menstrual hygiene. These taboos vary widely across different cultures and societies, and they can have significant negative consequences for the physical and emotional well-being of those who menstruate. Some common menstrual hygiene taboos and the reasons behind them include:


Menstruation as Impurity: In many cultures, menstruation is often viewed as impure or dirty. Menstruating individuals may be considered unclean and are sometimes excluded from participating in religious activities, entering certain places, or even cooking during their periods.

Silence and Secrecy: In some societies, menstruation is surrounded by a code of silence. Many individuals are discouraged from talking openly about menstruation, leading to a lack of information and misconceptions.

Restrictions on Activities: In some communities, menstruating individuals are restricted from engaging in certain activities, such as swimming, cooking, or participating in social events, due to the belief that their presence might contaminate these activities.

Isolation: In some cases, people who menstruate are isolated during their periods. They may be required to stay in separate huts or designated areas, away from their families, during their menstrual cycles.

Limited Access to Sanitary Products: In some areas, the lack of access to affordable and safe sanitary products can be a significant issue. This, in turn, can lead to unhygienic practices, such as using old rags or leaves, which can increase the risk of infections.

Stigma and Shame: The shame and stigma associated with menstruation can lead to negative psychological and emotional effects. Menstruating individuals may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their periods, which can affect their self-esteem and overall mental health.

Lack of Education: Due to taboos surrounding menstruation, many individuals receive little or no education about menstrual hygiene, proper sanitary product use, or menstrual health. This can lead to a lack of awareness and can result in harmful practices.

Addressing menstrual hygiene taboos is crucial for promoting gender equality, women's health, and well-being. Efforts are underway in many parts of the world to challenge these taboos and promote open discussions about menstruation. Organizations, activists, and governments are working to provide better education and access to sanitary products, as well as to challenge cultural norms that stigmatize menstruation. Breaking these taboos is essential for improving the lives and health of menstruating individuals and promoting gender equality.

So according to the text in has its own consequences.

The next thing that is going to be talked it is how does it effect on mental health

The societal menstrual hygiene taboos and the stigma surrounding menstruation can have a significant impact on the mental health of individuals who menstruate. Here's how these taboos can affect mental well-being:

Shame and Embarrassment: When menstruation is considered a taboo topic, individuals may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their periods. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and a desire to hide their menstrual cycle, even from close family and friends. This secrecy can contribute to a sense of isolation and emotional distress.

 

Low Self-Esteem: Menstrual stigma can erode self-esteem. When individuals are made to feel that a natural bodily function is dirty or impure, they may internalize these negative beliefs and perceive themselves as less valuable or worthy. This can have long-term effects on self-worth and self-confidence.

 

Anxiety and Stress: The fear of leakage or odor, especially in situations where individuals are discouraged from openly addressing menstruation, can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Worrying about others discovering their period can be a constant source of anxiety, affecting mental health.

 

Social Isolation: In cultures where menstruating individuals are isolated or excluded during their periods, social isolation can be emotionally distressing. This separation from family and community can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a lack of emotional support.

 

Limited Access to Education: Menstrual taboos often result in inadequate education about menstruation. This lack of knowledge can lead to confusion and fear regarding menstrual health and hygiene. Individuals may not know how to properly manage their periods or identify signs of potential health issues, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

 

Impact on Academic and Professional Life: For students and professionals, menstrual stigma can disrupt daily routines. The fear of leakage, the need to hide menstrual products, and dealing with pain and discomfort can impact one's ability to concentrate, participate, and excel in academic or workplace environments.

 

Reproductive Health Concerns: In some cases, the fear of discussing menstruation can prevent individuals from seeking medical advice when needed. Ignoring or neglecting reproductive health issues can lead to further mental distress and physical complications.

 

Addressing menstrual hygiene taboos and stigma is essential for promoting good mental health among individuals who menstruate. Education, open dialogue, and breaking the silence around menstruation can help reduce feelings of shame and isolation. Initiatives that provide access to affordable and safe sanitary products, promote menstrual hygiene education, and challenge harmful cultural norms are crucial for improving mental health outcomes and overall well-being for those who menstruate.

To sum up, we need to educate people and comfort girls to make them feel better and not embarrassed.

It will help them to go to school to ask for help they will not feel bad for just human-being .

As a volunteering organization we can say that our main mission is to make people happier and better , so we will do everything that we can do in order to complete our mission by helping and educating world about menstruation

We are “HEEALS” and we are always happy to offer our help to everyone. By donating you can help us make world different .


Email: communications@heeals.org

WhatsApp: +91-7982316660

 

 

What Children Saying About Mental Health Workshop

Mental Health Workshop Conducted In Schools In Gurgaon.

Support Our Mental Health Project. 

Email : communications@heeals.org

Whatss app :+91-7982316660 




Wednesday 11 October 2023

The International Day of the Girl Child

 Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being

This year, at a time when we are seeing a range of movements and actions to curtail girls’ and women’s rights and roll back progress on gender equality, we see particularly harsh impacts on girls. From maternal health care and parenting support for adolescent mothers, to digital and life skills training; from comprehensive sexuality education to survivor support services and violence prevention programmes; there is an urgent need for increased attention and resourcing for the key areas that enable girls to realize their rights and achieve their full potential. 




Responding to girls’ calls for change, the global community must move beyond reaffirming commitments and invest boldly in the action needed to make that change. When we pay attention, we see that, already, many girls are championing solutions and change in their communities. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. An investment in realizing the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability. Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities. As entrepreneurs, innovators and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015, embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and leaves no one behind. Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 goals. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations.

Did you know?

·         Nearly 1 in 5 girls are still not completing lower-secondary and nearly 4 in 10 girls are not completing upper-secondary school today.

·         Around 90 per cent of adolescent girls and young women do not use the internet in low-income countries, while their male peers are twice as likely to be online.

·         Globally, girls aged 5-14 spend 160 million more hours every day on unpaid care and domestic work than boys of the same age.

·         Adolescent girls continue to account for 3 in 4 new HIV infections among adolescents.

·         Nearly 1 in 4 married/partnered adolescent girls aged 15-19 have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 100 million girls were at risk of child marriage in the next decade. And now over the next ten years, up to 10 million more girls worldwide will be at risk of marrying as children because of the COVID-19 pandemic

SUPPORT OUR PROJECT !

Email : communications@heeals.org

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Tuesday 10 October 2023

World Mental Health Day ! Talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters

Talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters

As the theme of World Mental Health Day highlights, ‘mental health is a universal human right’. Awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.


World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.

Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.  

Having a mental health condition should never be a reason to deprive a person of their human rights or to exclude them from decisions about their own health. Yet all over the world, people with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and discriminated against, while many more cannot access the mental health care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights. 

Source : WHO 

HEEALS is continues to work to ensure mental health is valued, promoted, and protected, and that urgent action is taken so that everyone can exercise their human rights and access the quality mental health care they need. Join the World Mental Health Day 2023 campaign to learn more about your basic right to mental health as well as how to protect the rights of others.

Email : communications@heeals.org

Whatss app : +91-7982316660


 

Monday 9 October 2023

 NO ONE TALKS ABOUT TEACHERS MENTAL HEALTH !

By Sachin Solanki 

 

We are living in times when talking about mental health and its intersection with and influence on other forms of health is being normalized more than ever before. More and more people are coming out with their stories and experiences, making discussions around mental health more stigma-free. From celebrities to house-helps, mental health leaves no one. Yet, it is only unfortunate that we don’t talk enough about the mental health of people whom society depends so much on- about people who build lives through sharing and creating knowledge and these people are none other than our teachers.


 

What’s troubling them?

 

Teaching can be both a rewarding and a gruelling profession. The sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes through the dissemination of knowledge and ideas can be an enriching and illuminating feeling.

 

But teaching can also be a field filled with challenges and hurdles. Rigorous and exhausting schedules, requirement of tailored and student-specific approaches and pressure from various actors like parents, school authorities and sometimes even the government can act as major obstacles in making teaching a safe and fulfilling profession.

 

This profession demands a continuous shift in how we organize and share ideas. And no ideas can be shared to the last mile if it’s not well-cooked in the first few steps. It is precisely for this reason we believe that the mental health of teachers and people involved in the education system is a sine qua non for a healthy learning atmosphere.

 

Another obstacle is the lack of adequate infrastructure and tools to share knowledge. This can become a frustrating and demoralizing exercise, more so at the ground level where things get more complicated by the intersection of factors like caste, class and affordability. And together such factors can discourage and undermine the teachers’ confidence and ability to create better learning spaces. Last but not least, teachers in public and state-aided schools carryadded responsibilities and duties of contributing to other assignments other than teaching. Being available even on offdays to contribute to non-teaching duties is explainable and justifiable in the short run but can be deleterious in the long game. While private schools with better funds at their disposal have the wherewithal to provide teacher-friendly spaces and flexible working environments, it’s the non-private institutions that suffer the most.

 

What we must do?

 

It is no exaggeration that such setbacks can truly disincentivize young people from choosing teaching as a profession and owing to this, more often than not, teaching in our part of the world becomes a last refuge for people against unemployment and not a first choice. This also tampers their performance, thereby creating vicious cycles of poor results.

 

Efforts must be made to organize counselling sessions for teachers where they can express not just their grievances but also their doubts and fears. For this, we need a network of dedicated safe spaces consisting oflocal NGOs and mental health experts. We also need to configure how we view efficiency and hard work. Long working hours do not necessarily mean better outcomes. It can very well turn into disasters and senseless labour.

 

Efforts are required to make working hours and schedules more teacher-friendly with adequate time for leisure and relaxation. At HEEALS, we believe that proper mental health cannot be looked at in a separate silo. It must be seen as one ingredient of a larger system.

 

Mental health’s intersection with physical, social personal and sexual health should also be explored more to provide better results. Creating helplines and safe avenues for discussions and individual expressions can be good baby steps but we will eventually need more.

 

Ministry of Education provides psychosocial support through its MANODARPAN initiative to deliberate on mental health issues of both the teachers and students. Similar initiatives need to be multiplied with support of local institutions and communities which can participate in unleashing a social transformation.

 

Last but not least, what we need in the end is a shift in attitude where teaching as a profession must be treated with respect and thoughtfulness because teachers are also human beings and their emotional well-being matters because without teachers there are no students.


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FOOD AND MOOD

FOOD AND MOOD  By Dr. Pragati (MBBS, MD) The link between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between brain and gastrointe...