The writer is the director of mental health and behavioural sciences at Fortis Healthcare.
January 16, 2023 12:00 IST
Nobody uses drugs with the notion that they would get addicted to them. However, while the first use of a substance is in our control, what follows is a series of chemical reactions in the brain, the highs and crashes, the withdrawal and craving. These often develop into an addictive cycle, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Thu, Jan 19, 2023January 09, 2023 17:54 IST
Generalising controlling behaviour as something that takes place due to the nature of family relationships would be misleading. This is about a dialectic between two individuals – and it could be any two people, each with their own personalities, experiences, beliefs and priorities. No matter what the relationship, trust requires effort, respect and transparency, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health Programme
Mon, Jan 09, 2023January 02, 2023 15:25 IST
Part of the journey of parenting is to recognise that while there’s a lot that we can control, there are also many things to do with our child’s life that we will not be able to. As long as you do the best that you can, remember that school admission is simply one more step in the child’s journey, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health Programme
Mon, Jan 02, 2023December 26, 2022 16:30 IST
Our resolutions, our decision-making, our aspirations follow those of others around us, be it our friends, family or what we see in the media. Rather than get stuck in this web of conformity, look at personal goals that are meaningful to you, advises Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health Programme
Mon, Dec 26, 2022December 19, 2022 18:00 IST
Given the prevalence of social media and the proliferation of various forms of apps, it’s also important for schools to have regular training on both cyber safety as well as media literacy, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare
Mon, Dec 19, 2022December 12, 2022 16:30 IST
Music therapy always works. Start with songs that connect to your emotional state of feeling sad or low, so that it’s a feeling that you can connect with and find comfort in. Gradually transition into songs that are more upbeat and joyful, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health Programme
Wed, Dec 14, 2022December 05, 2022 08:27 IST
This need to conform has become even more heightened due to the influence of social media, wherein teens are exposed to the perfectly curated lives of others, often comparing them with their own and getting everything by all means, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health Programme
Mon, Dec 05, 2022November 28, 2022 18:46 IST
At the end of the day, the identification of patterns and concerning behaviour, which emerge at an early stage of personality development, is critical. Noticing these and taking corrective remedial actions are a must at the societal level, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental health Programme
Tue, Nov 29, 2022November 21, 2022 13:38 IST
They feel they must defend their choices for going against their families. They must reach out, not quietly try to make things work and ensure the continuity of the relationship, thinking it would otherwise reflect poorly upon them, says Dr Samir Parikh, Psychiatrist, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Wed, Nov 23, 2022November 17, 2022 08:00 IST
It is critical to first and foremost take a step back and understand that this is less about you as an individual and more about what is happening within the system. Do not doubt yourself, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Thu, Nov 17, 2022November 08, 2022 17:25 IST
Often people do not recognise that working through winter blues is possible and finding ways to mediate their impact is important to ensure smooth functioning across all domains of life, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme.
Wed, Nov 09, 2022October 31, 2022 17:43 IST
In the moment, when you find yourself experiencing a heightened reaction, it’s best to take a step back and move out of that situation. Leaving the physical space, or distracting oneself by engaging in another task, or focussing on other stimuli in the environment can also help disengage and dissipate the distress, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Mon, Oct 31, 2022October 25, 2022 17:10 IST
People are often so engrossed in building careers and raising families during their young and middle adulthood, that they often don’t find the need or the time to invest into other pursuits of life – be it relationships or alternate interests and hobbies. As a result, life following retirement can feel aimless and isolated, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Wed, Oct 26, 2022October 03, 2022 19:59 IST
Organizations need to invest in social communication skills, assertiveness and enhance and encourage workplace relationships which bring positivity, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health programme
Mon, Oct 03, 2022September 26, 2022 19:52 IST
Why can’t we engage in a dignified manner, which helps in changing individuals and our way of living in a positive, adaptive manner, asks Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme.
Tue, Sep 27, 2022September 19, 2022 15:53 IST
Our work life is not like a sprint that you run your best for 100 metres and then take a break. Rather it is almost like a never-ending marathon and for you to continue to do well, you need to take care of yourself, set a pace and give time to yourself. Work life balance begins at work, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Mon, Sep 19, 2022September 12, 2022 18:09 IST
This difference between what you portray, project and what you are in actuality becomes a constant struggle that may affect your social life, your mental health and your overall well-being. That is why rather than feeling the pressure of being liked by someone or doing things that others like, we need to focus on just one thing and remember we all are individuals with our own skill sets, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Tue, Sep 13, 2022September 06, 2022 09:53 IST
How about detaching yourself for four hours in a row? That’s a small little dare. If you can’t, you might be in need of a digital detox, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Wed, Sep 07, 2022August 29, 2022 19:03 IST
None of us ever goes into a marriage expecting it to end, or can be prepared for how that end can make us feel. Feeling a range of intense sweeping emotions is normal in a situation like this. Crying, getting angry or at times feeling afraid don’t mean that you can’t cope with what lies ahead, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Tue, Aug 30, 2022August 22, 2022 14:54 IST
This caregiver burden becomes heavier as people neglect their own emotional and physical well-being to tend to the illness of another over prolonged periods of time. What we must remember, however, is that the health and well-being of the caregiver too is essential for the well-being of the patient, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, National Mental Health Programme, Fortis
Tue, Aug 23, 2022August 15, 2022 13:56 IST
In order to avoid the anxiety that comes with a situation, we often end up avoiding the entire situation itself. The solution, instead, is to gradually expose ourselves and learn to tolerate and subsequently overcome the anxiety, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Health Programme
Tue, Aug 16, 2022August 08, 2022 16:09 IST
While individuals with ADHD experience persistent deficits in attention, many individuals without ADHD also report a lack of ability to focus on a day-to-day basis. Many a time, this is actually the result of the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle that we follow. Here are a few strategies to enhance our focus in everyday living by Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
Tue, Aug 09, 2022August 01, 2022 13:48 IST
Despite our best efforts, things may not always go our way. Remember that while our efforts are in our control, the final outcome is not. Pride yourself on the efforts you put in, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis, National Mental Health Programme
Mon, Aug 01, 2022July 25, 2022 15:11 IST
Give as much as you seek to get in your relationships. It is important to assess and evaluate the ways in which you are engaging in your relationships to see whether a shift or change from your side could be beneficial in shaping the overall quality of the relationships around you in the long run, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis, National Mental Health Programme
Mon, Jul 25, 2022July 18, 2022 16:14 IST
As a family member of a student, ensure that you are supportive. Talk about the importance of efforts over results, of building resilience and character, of enjoying the challenge of tests rather than the threat of results, suggests Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis, National Mental Health Programme
Mon, Jul 18, 2022