Have you ever experienced episodes where your mind seems fuzzy, everything seems confusing and performing the simplest of activities, such as reading the morning paper or solving a simple question in an exam, seems like a Herculean job for you?
Well, the reason behind this strange feeling can be brain fog!
Brain fog is a common phenomenon where you end up experiencing periods of confusion, headaches and brain cloudiness. When examined at the cellular level, brain fog is thought to be caused by inflammation which offsets our delicate hormonal balance. This imbalance impacts the entire system and can take a toll on the quality of your life.
Commonly, brain fog can be caused due to extreme stress, depression, lack of sleep and overworking. But lately, brain fog has been much in the news due to its close link with COVID-19 infection.
So, in this article, let us find out what exactly brain fog is and why COVID-19 causes it.
Brain fog is a term that describes the feeling of being mentally fuzzy, slow and spaced out. Some symptoms of brain fog that you are likely to experience are:
There are many ways that COVID-19 can damage the brain. Some can be devastating, such as encephalitis, strokes, and lack of oxygen to the brain. But other effects may be more subtle, such as the persistent impairment in sustained attention called as brain fog in layman’s terms, which can be temporary.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
There isn’t any concrete evidence as to why COVID-19 seems to cause brain fog. However, it is believed that psychological and physiological factors are at play. Once the coronavirus has invaded the system and enters the cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the virus can also enter the brain tissue due to its characteristic of being neuro-invasive.
Many studies conducted have revealed that those who have suffered from COVID-19 experience complications such as altered consciousness or brain damage or brain disease which are referred to by the general term encephalopathy.
Case studies showed that high levels of inflammatory cytokine molecules, which are produced by immunity, were found to be present in the fluid that surrounds the brains of people who had recovered from COVID-19 infection probably a few weeks prior. One of the many factors of brain fog is inflammation within the brain which obstructs the ability of the neurons to communicate completely with each other.
Brain Fog is one of the commonest Long Covid Symptoms reported.
Brain fog and cognitive impairment are one of the common concerns of “long-covid” which need an inspection, close follow-up and management at the earliest possible opportunity, apart from that heart conditions digestive symptoms, and vascular issues are some other conditions of concern associated with Covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Some ways in which COVID-19 can indirectly cause brain fog in people are as follows:
Exercising is important, Read 7 Ways In Which Exercise Benefits The Body!
As per WHO reports, brain fog was found to last for weeks and even months in some people after their respiratory symptoms ceased to exist – Long Covid Symptom.
In a study conducted with a group of 60 people, it was found that 55 per cent of people continued to experience neurological symptoms post three months of their COVID-19 infection. Such symptoms included:
The best solution to tackle brain fog induced by COVID-19 infection is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Some ways to boost mental function and reduce symptoms of brain fog are listed below:
Journal your distracting thoughts if you are worried about certain aspects of your life.
Brain fog is a very common side effect of COVID-19 infection, which can last from a couple of weeks to months after your illness has subsided. If the symptoms of brain fog give rise to cognitive issues that disrupt your productivity or continue to impede your quality of life even after following the healthy habits mentioned above, discuss with your doctor the best way to manage the symptoms alternatively.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Anxiety is often described as the feeling of constant worry that prevents an individual from relaxing. From the point of view of evolution, anxiety is a normal emotion as it has helped humans avoid dangerous situations and eventually adapt, evolve and survive. A thin line exists between this anxiety at the level of just adaptation and a distressful morbid anxiety, which requires clinical judgement to diagnose.1,2
The level at which a person experiences anxiety can range from just a fleeting anxiety as one feels before any surgery, to a constant feeling of nervousness that defines an anxiety disorder.1
A person is said to have anxiety disorder when the constant feeling of worry just doesn’t go away. Instead, it gets worse as time passes and interferes with routine life.
Anxiety disorders can be of many types, particularly panic disorders, generalised anxiety disorder and phobias.3
Consultation with a psychiatrist, psychologist, management with allopathic medicines, mind body techniques and exercise are well known to help reduce anxiety.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
The exact cause of anxiety is not known. But there are many reasons:
Anxiety can be of various types:
Daily intake of Ashwagandha also reduces anxiety and findings suggest that high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
While anxiety can manifest in various ways depending on the type, there are certain symptoms which can overlap and are commonly seen in all the types:
Natural remedies for anxiety have fewer side effects than conventional medicines used to treat anxiety. Read along to know about some natural home remedies to combat anxiety.5
Kava is known to be an anxiety reliever since many years. It is a drink that is prepared from the Piper methysticum plant. Though it relives anxiety, it does not cause a sedative effect. But one must exercise caution while consuming it, as liver poisoning is one of its rare, but serious side effects.1
How to use it?
It is commonly known as Passionflower. Its anxiolytic effect is attributed to its aerial sections, that is the flowers, fruit and the bark. It works by modifying the GABA system.6 GABA is an amino acid present in our nervous system and is responsible for neural relaxation7. No side effects have been reported on passionflower consumption.6
How to use it?
Try Aroma Magic Passion Flower Massage Cream to relax yourself!
Lavender has been used traditionally to relieve anxiety. It has over 100 active ingredients, but it’s linalool and linalyl acetate that give lavender the anxiolytic quality. Consult your healthcare provider before you consume lavender as research also shows that use of lavender has many side effects like throbbing heartbeats, headaches and gastric issues like diarrhoea, stomach upsets, belching and foul breath.8
How to use it?
Studies have shown chamomile tea to be effective even in cases of generalised anxiety disorder. It is said that the flavonoids present in Chamomile give a calming effect by influencing the transmission of GABA , dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin or by modifying the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in the body, which is integral to the way one reacts to stress.9,10
How to use it?
Saffron contains Safranal, the chief bioactive constituent which imparts anxiety relieving properties to saffron. It also gives the saffron its typical fragrance.11
How to use it?
The valerian root has anti-anxiety properties. It contains valerenic acid and valepotriates which imparts anxiolytic and sedative properties to the root.12
How to use it?
Also Read: Essential Oils for Anxiety: A Research-Based Holistic Approach
If you feel your anxiety might be connected to some physical problems, get in touch with your physician who will help you cure the physical issue.
If you experience severe anxiety, seek out a mental health expert who will evaluate your symptoms and treat you accordingly.13
Also Read: How to Reduce Anxiety Immediately: Quick and Effective Techniques
Home remedies for anxiety are good nonpharmacological therapies to try out at home. However, one must exercise caution and inform your physician before consuming any of the herbal medicines for anxiety as some of them do cause side effects.
Symptoms of extreme anxiety require treatment by a mental health professional and one must not hesitate to seek help if required.13
Also Read: 6 Effective Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure!
Yes, lifestyle changes also have a significant impact on anxiety levels. Few things that you can do at home to manage anxiety are:
Treatment for anxiety involves both medications and psychotherapy. Depending on your symptoms, a mental health expert may use either one or a combination of both of the above options. Medications involve anxiolytics, sedatives or anti-depressant drugs.
In psychotherapy, you will be working actively along with a professional to manage your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy to manage anxiety.13
Your mental health professional will best know what therapies to use to treat your anxiety.
While the risk factors for each type of anxiety disorder are different, there are some risk factors that are common to all types:
Yes.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Body Pain
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Feeling drained and tired in the middle of a busy working day? Do you often feel discharged and unenergetic, unable and unwilling to do work? Too much work, stress, unhealthy habits, sedentary lifestyle tends to affect productivity, making you feel exhausted. Don’t worry, there are a few mental health workouts, yes, mental health workouts that you can do for a quick boost or recharge. Giving your brain something new and challenging to do will stimulate it and keep it healthier.
While there are other long term activities like walking, swimming, running or dancing that you can do to improve mental health and reduce anxiety, there is also some quick 2-minute mental health improving exercises that you can do at your desk itself. Pumping up energy, these workouts are fast and effective. Read ahead to know more.
Some simple 2-minute mind workouts are:
Simple to play as you can use any object that is in front of you, this game will force your brain and mind to think, making it more productive.
Try it, it really works!
Imagine who you are and what are your personal and professional attributes and strengths. Next, imagine how you want your day to go and the things that you want to achieve. Visualising success is one of the fastest ways to improve efficiency and mood. After all, seeing is believing.
Tips to improve mental health:
While the mentioned workouts are for quick bursts of productivity, there are some tips that you can follow for long term improvement. If you feel tired and unmotivated, there is only so much that a booster workout can do.
Making simple changes and following quick 2-minute workouts is a good and effective way to improve mental health. You only have yourself, make sure your mind and body are a happy and healthy place. You have to spend the rest of your life in it!
Also Read: What Is Meningitis? A Detailed Research-Based Overview
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in some women who have given birth recently and affects them physically, emotionally and behaviourally. Typically, this kind of depression begins within 2- 4 weeks after giving birth.
Postpartum depression symptoms include a broad spectrum of changes that a mother endures. It is important to note that the condition doesn’t happen to all women after pregnancy.
After giving birth, about 1 in 10 women experience some form of depressive psychological change. In extreme cases, postpartum psychosis may also occur in 1 out of every 1000 women.
The most common signs of postpartum depression are easily missed. These are associated with giving birth and may initially not indicate any serious mental health issues:
Along with the above general postpartum symptoms, major clinical depression after giving birth may also be associated with the following:
Note that, as per most psychological/psychiatric institutions, postpartum depression is a real, serious medical condition. Although it may not affect everyone, it is still common enough that it should be talked about often.
Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other conditions may also occur simultaneously.
There aren’t any confirmed causes of postpartum depression. We do know that it is most probably related to the extreme hormonal changes in the woman’s body during this time. For example, oestrogen, the female hormone associated with reproduction, is ten times higher during pregnancy. But within 3 days of giving birth, this number drops to pre-pregnancy levels.
This is a rapid hormonal change and it is linked to this postpartum depression, but the exact processes are not understood. Other factors that contribute to this condition include lack of sleep, anxiety over the newborn baby and its care as well as psychological factors like loss of self-image, self-identity, a sense of not being in control or even a perceived loss of attractiveness.
Apart from these potential symptoms, certain risk factors play a role in postpartum depression:
Postpartum care will vary depending on how serious your symptoms are. There are several options available to help you, your baby and your family get through this time. Medications can be one part of your treatment. Additional help will be in the form of psychotherapy/counselling as well as participation in support groups.
Even if you are breastfeeding, you may still be able to take your depression medication prescribed by your doctor. Speak with your doctor and decide with them.
Also Read: Pregnancy Fatigue: Unraveling Causes and Research-Backed Solutions
Giving birth can be one of the most joyous occasions in your life. But it is important to be prepared for the good and the bad. Postpartum depression isn’t likely to affect many women, but the ‘baby blues’ as it’s called can affect as many as 70% of women. In the days following your pregnancy, be sure to monitor your mental health and get as much sleep as you need. Speak with your partner, family members, social support and doctor in case you feel you may be experiencing signs of postpartum depression. Consult a psychiatrist without delay if you notice any symptoms of postpartum depression.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Losing your mind as you sit waiting for the traffic to clear, wading your way through a huge crowd in a packed local train, losing that coveted promotion thanks to the age-old office politics – our life is engulfed with stress or rather we should say, stress has besieged our lives.
Whatever may be the stressful situation, our body takes time to react to these changes – at the physical, mental, and emotional level. At every stressful moment, a tiny control tower in the brain called the Hypothalamus instructs the body to release stress hormones. These hormones trigger a ‘fight response’ which takes the form of:
Most amongst us perceive stress negatively, there is actually more to this story. Stress can, in fact, be positive too. Imagine, you have been asked to shoulder additional responsibility in your professional space. How will that impact you? You will become more vigilant, more alert, and make every attempt to sense any upcoming danger. This is your body’s response to positively reacting to this change.
While a small amount of regular stress does more good than harm, it’s in fact chronic stress that harms our body and affects our overall well-being. Here are some symptoms that chronic effects of stress show on one’s health:
Therefore, one of the first body systems that get affected when we are stressed out is our Digestive system.
Come stress and our appetite goes for a toss. During this time, the liver produces extra blood sugar to give you an energy boost. Many times, the body is not able to handle this surge in sugar levels and puts itself under the stress of developing Type-2 diabetes.
You also become susceptible to developing acid reflux or heartburn, thanks to an increase in stomach acid.
The muscles of our body get tensed when the body is undergoing a stressful encounter. With prolonged periods of stress, the muscles don’t get a chance to relax. Tight and tensed muscles cause body aches, neck and shoulder pain and headaches.
Chronic stress is related to an enhancement in weight gain and fat deposition through changes in the feeding behaviour of an individual. Monitoring and seeking support are recommended when encountering stressful episodes.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Long bouts of stress cause a man’s testosterone levels to drop. Stress can also interfere with sperm production, and cause erectile dysfunction. For women, prolonged periods of stress can affect their menstrual cycle and can lead to irregular, heavy and painful periods.
Under stress, the heart pumps blood faster. The stress hormones help divert more oxygen to your muscles so that you get more prepared to deal with the stress. But this causes your blood pressure to rise. Thus, chronic stress causes the heart to overwork for too long and with increased blood pressure comes an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Other prevalent effects of stress on our behaviour include:
Stress is the biggest cause of diabetes nowadays. Blood sugar levels may rise due to hormones being released in response to stress. Although this has adaptive significance in a healthy patient, in the long run, it can cause insulin resistance and lead to diabetes. Additionally, diabetes may cause abnormalities in the regulation of these stress hormones.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Responding to your body’s stress can be challenging but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Here are some simple and healthy ways to reduce stress:
Set realistic expectations – We are all running a rat race and the cutthroat competition is bound to get to us at some point. Set goals for yourself that are in accordance with your limits and not what others expect of you.
Also Read: How to Stop Grinding Teeth: An Expert Guide Based on Research
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation
Our self-esteem is how much we value and how we perceive ourselves. In psychology, the term is used to describe an individual’s overall subjective sense of personal value or worth. Simply, it may mean how much you like or appreciate yourself regardless of the circumstances. A strong and confident sense of self immunizes against mental health issues, both in personal and professional domains of life. Self-esteem is important as it impacts a lot of important factors in a person’s life. It can influence your decision-making process, personal and professional relationships, motivation levels, and overall well-being.
Traditionally, working space has been a source of positive self-esteem, wherein meaningful work and more roles to play, make it all the better. However, in our changing world, the modern workplace is seen to comprise certain psychological stresses. Be it the demanding pace of work, the lack of acknowledgment of effort or the unending hours of work or the competition for productivity, high pressure at work drains one of leisure and family time, the therapeutic spheres of life.
We know that competence is essential to workplace success, professional achievement and personal satisfaction. But without confidence, skill only takes us so far. We are our harshest critics, and nobody is as hard on ourselves as we are. A person with low self-esteem will fall prey to these critical voices in our heads that make him/her feel not good enough, hesitant, disliked, undeserving or even hopeless.
Maintaining self-esteem is a lifelong psychological process. Think of self-esteem as a mental muscle that must be developed and maintained through regular psychological workouts—or you will be vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Stop negative thinking; focus instead on how to solve problems.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Stress is also a consequence of workplace dynamics. It presents in the form of changed attitudes towards work or colleagues, lesser job satisfaction, tiredness, rude or aggressive manners, challenging authority and so on. Poor self-esteem often leads to a fear of the new and unfamiliar and it can lead to unproductive work behaviors such as defensiveness, being overly compliant or rebellious.
Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts has quoted in her research, benefits associated with high employee self-esteem. She states that self-esteem is a crucial part of happiness. A high level of self-esteem makes an employee able to trust his/her thinking and judgment and likely to make better decisions. This, in turn, helps to create more effective interpersonal and work relationships and hence, a comfortable work environment. As leaders, high levels of self-esteem enable a person to focus more positively on other people and their development. Maintaining self-esteem is a lifelong psychological process. It is like a mental muscle that must be developed and maintained through regular psychological workouts to prevent depression and anxiety. This helps us to learn to like and respect who we are, no matter what is happening around us. What are the various modes to build positive self-image? Even if it’s just for a few minutes, the pursuit of your passion is extremely rewarding. Spending quality time with children, gardening, singing, dancing, or any of those childhood hobbies are worth reviving. Be proactive about seeking projects that generate passion. Learning new work skills will also add a passion for your work.
Taking care of yourself is the key to feeling good about who you are. When you spend time nurturing your mind and body, it boosts your confidence. Embrace success and failures alike, accept compliments, and work on improving yourself patiently. Maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life to live a fulfilling and content life.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Connect with loved ones. It is easy to feel low about oneself when surrounded by people who do not connect with you. Loved ones are the most frequent reminders for why you matter, and they will also serve as reminders for what you are good at, to preserve your self-worth. Converting problematic situations into solution-focused thinking also helps.
Discourage any negative thoughts that drain you out of energy and remind yourself constantly to dispute those thoughts about yourself. For example, “I’m so stupid” becomes “So I made a mistake -I’ll learn from it.” Positivity does not always have to mean ‘happy.’ It could also mean ‘resilient’. Focus on how to provide solutions rather than on how extensively to discuss them.
It is also important to challenge yourself. Oftentimes, accomplishing things you didn’t think you could be a great way to boost your self-esteem. Look out for projects and opportunities that allow you to spread your horizons and learn more.
Another tip to grow your self-esteem is to identify your strengths and capitalize on them. Integrating your strengths into your everyday routine is one of the best ways to build confidence. Once you are clear of your strengths, think about how you apply those same strengths in your job. Keeping a track of your daily accomplishments and checking them off also helps you stay grounded. Refer to the file for a reality check from time to time when you are feeling low.
If there are weaknesses affecting your confidence, it is better to make a plan to either reduce or eliminate them.
Take criticism with a pinch of salt and loads of patience. Know that your confidence may be threatened at times. It is not worth displacing personal frustrations or anger onto work relationships. Take a deep breath as often as you can remember to and avoid brooding over the tiny problems of today that won’t matter tomorrow. It’s ok not to be perfect.
Also Read: How Does Stress Affect The Body?
Professional job workers with low self-esteem are usually thrice more likely to suffer stress and those who are stressed have three times higher chances of burnout. Screening and counselling for low self-esteem, anxiety, and burnout should ideally be a part of a periodic medical examination and should be supported by professional organisations.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Self-care is the key to self-image. The more you spend time taking care of your mind and body mindfully, the more you feel good about yourself, and the confidence shows in your demeanor. Regular introspection into what might be affecting your esteem at workplace and review of one’s strengths and assets might also be helpful. A good deed is welcome but going out of the way to please others can adversely affect your mental health. Saying NO is not a bad thing if it preserves mental health. Setting healthy boundaries and disagreeing with things that do not fit your plan will only make you feel more expressed and in control. Experts often suggest setting small challenges for self at work. It works as a reinforcement mechanism after gaining small rewards at the end of each completed task. Find something you like doing and do more of it. Focus on ‘small wins’ – don’t chase significant achievements. Remember that it is more important to enjoy the ride while watching the miles. Celebrate success as much as accept failures, receive compliments, encourage positives and work on drawbacks patiently, while keeping a healthy balance between work and life.
Dr. Bhakti Murake, Psychiatrist, Juno Clinic: Juno Clinic is on its way to being India’s leading wellbeing company in terms of Quality and Reach. We provide a full stack of services including counseling, treatment, and assessment. Our therapists offer to counsel over video/audio/chat. The online platform has been developed specifically for seamless counseling process and high engagement level, which can be used by therapists anywhere in the world.
Also Read: Tips on How To Manage Stress
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Around the world, vaccination drives continue to greatly reduce our risk of hospitalisation and death due to Covid-19. Although the Omicron variant is still raging across many populations, we already have data showing that booster shots can be effective against it. But as we look forward to what seems to be a hopeful end to the pandemic, we also need to address the impact Covid-19 has had.
While the death toll and hospitalisation cases have been covered elsewhere, we also need to pay attention to the mental health impact the pandemic has had. Multiple studies have shown that mental health issues increased drastically throughout the pandemic. Let’s take a closer look.
There are a variety of social, economic and psychological factors that play a role in mental health problems. During the pandemic, two factors were closely correlated to worsening mental health in the population: stricter lockdown measures and increased death rates.
During the first 2 waves, lockdown measures were absolutely necessary to control the spread of Covid-19 but they also took away the freedom to go outside, socialise, continue regular work/education and even reduced outdoor exercise. All of these affect your state of mind. For example, simply interacting with strangers and acquaintances on a daily basis can be an affirmation. But the restrictions left people feeling isolated, alone and unable to connect with others.
Other factors like the increased death toll, fear of death, fear of losing a loved one can affect mental health directly (if you have lost someone or know someone who died) or indirectly (through news and media about Covid-19 death rates). Not only can this lead to depression and grieving, but it also contributes to anxiety and uncertainty.
Another factor to consider is that many people, couples and families have had to confront issues that previously went ignored. These may include marital problems, substance abuse, loneliness and relationship issues. The pandemic and subsequent counter-measures effectively forced many people to confront their domestic problems.
All in all, many factors contribute to the higher rates of depression and anxiety that are being seen by mental health experts across the globe.
On the face of it, it seems that the mental health effects (increased anxiety and depression symptoms) aren’t affecting all age demographics equally. Also note, that while there was already a trend towards increased mental health issues, the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have pushed that trend upward in a short time. According to some mental health experts, millennials who are taking care of children or older adults seem to have taken on the most severe mental health issues during the pandemic. The same experts indicate that older generations may have more life experience resulting in better acceptance of the pandemic and its restrictions, while younger generations may be more resilient and adaptable.
Alternatively, many mental health studies have indicated that there is an urgent need to focus on the mental health issues of the youth. For one, many children have not been able to achieve their milestones in the normal manner (think, for example, not being able to graduate from high school with an in-person ceremony). Additionally, for many poorer students, the school may have been their main source of social contact, food and primary educational needs. According to some studies, students from separated families may have a higher risk of facing depressive symptoms. More data is needed to understand the full extent the pandemic has had on younger people, however, most studies seem to show a relation between Covid-19 and worsening mental health symptoms.
Many of these studies and experts agree we do not fully understand the wide-scale impacts that Covid-19 has had or will continue to have on our mental health as a whole. What we do know is that the mental health infrastructure around the world is already overloaded and much more effort is needed on a national level to meet this increased requirement. Additionally, apart from age, the first-line workers (such as medical staff) may have been most affected psychologically during these past 2 years. Not only has the medical community been overloaded and under stress with a large number of patients, but they also have had to deal with death regularly. This may take a serious toll on them, some experts suggest that they may still be in battle mode which can be mentally demanding. Regardless of who is affected most, the world as a whole may need to keep a closer watch on the mental health fallout from the pandemic.
Also Read: Does Masturbation Cause Weight Loss? Debunking Sexual Health Misconceptions
While sensationalist headlines seek to exploit the mental health issues caused due to Covid-19, we now have data that much work is needed to be done. For your part, you can reach out to mental health experts (counsellors, psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists) if you are facing mental health issues that interrupt your daily life. Since the pandemic has been going on for over 2 years now, most experts agree that the impact will be big, so do not be nervous or afraid in case you have been affected. Also, the effect may be seen across any of the generations- can be children, adults or older members of a family. Never ignore any signs of mental health illness. The best time to seek mental health treatment is today, so reach out and find a professional if you need one.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue in urban areas. Traffic noise and traffic-related air pollutants co-exist in the traffic environment. Polluted air from road transport vehicles contributes significantly to air quality problems through vehicle emissions, which have various harmful impacts on public health.
Traffic and its allied effects can have various adverse health consequences. There is evidence which has confirmed that exposure to traffic noise significantly increases the risk for heart-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, etc. Also, traffic noise can induce adverse effects on the nervous system, leading to the increasing levels of anxiety, irritation, and sleeplessness.
Twofold higher risk of Type 2 diabetes is also observed for people exposed to intense traffic. Long-term exposure to particulate matter increases type two diabetes risk in the general population, as does living close to a major road. Also, particulate matter and the increase in oxidative stress have ill-effects on the respiratory system. Besides, traffic noise is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and can affect the hormonal and digestive system.
The public health effects of traffic during congestion are associated with early deaths. Road traffic noise also has been shown to increase the short-term risk of death from specific diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hormonal systems.
Moreover, people who live in areas with a higher vehicular burden and face most traffic stress also have the lower health status and higher depressive symptoms that people living in areas with less traffic. These findings suggest that traffic stress may represent an important factor that influences the well-being of urban populations.
Interestingly, studies have also shown that the level of blood adrenaline hormone increases in heavy-traffic compared with during low-traffic conditions. Also, the ability to estimate distance and recognition is reduced due to high-traffic compared to during low-traffic conditions. The increase of the adrenaline during driving on heavy-traffic days can lead to stress because ones accuracy and judgment may be reduced.
Also Read: 10 effects of stress on the body
A traffic jam means more vehicular emissions and more pollutants inundating the air. This slowly degrades the quality of air and affects all those who sit for hours at the end amidst traffic congestion. Hence one may say that traffic jams significantly increase air pollution.
An interesting thing to note is that the pollution gathered inside the cars in traffic jams is far higher than that around the cars moving outside. Some of the dangerous and long-lasting effects of traffic jam-induced air pollution are
Also Read: Essential Oils for Congestion: A Research-Based Guide for Relief
Since we cannot avoid the commute, we need to work around it and make the trip an enjoyable one or at least less stressful.
Such small changes in our daily life may help considerably in dealing with the ill-effects and the adverse health effects of traffic jam on our physical and mental well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The food we eat plays a major role in our physical health and overall wellbeing. But did you know that it can also affect your mental state and mood? This relationship between diet and mental illness is a complex one and cannot be summarised with a few broad statements.
The interaction between food and mental wellbeing can be as simple as quick relief from hunger leading to a better mood. Or as complex as the gut bacteria affecting the chemicals that your brain produces which has a deeper effect on your psychological state. Therefore, your gut is also called as ‘second brain’.
Although there is no singular food or dish that can conclusively ‘cure’ any mental sickness, your diet still affects how you feel. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in vegetables, seafood, whole grain, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs may affect reducing depression symptoms.
Some foods can drastically, but temporarily, affect mood. For example, coffee and chocolate are well-known stimulants.
This is just a brief overview, let’s find out the many ways in which diet and mental health are closely intertwined. Keep in mind, this relationship is not easy to study or make unquestionable claims about. But scientists have been studying this link for some time now, so we have some general ideas.
You may know that our food is not only digested by the enzymes our stomach secretes but it is also aided very much by the healthy bacteria in our stomachs. These bacteria are essential for normal digestion. The first way these little organisms help our mood is by allowing us to have smooth digestion, without good bacteria we may experience indigestion or other digestive issues. These can cause us anxiety and stress, especially if they are chronic issues.
The microorganisms across our body are collectively known as the microbiome, each person’s microbiome is unique to them. Under this field of study, we learnt that gut bacteria are also heavily involved in the production of neuro-chemicals more directly.
Did you know that most of the serotonin your body makes comes from the gut and not the brain? You may know serotonin as the ‘happy’ chemical and many people who have depression are required to take medication that boosts their serotonin levels. But it is not just serotonin, gut bacteria also help to manufacture dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine and others. These are neurotransmitters that are essential for mental functions like focus, feeling motivated, feelings of reward and anxiety.
On the other hand, excessive, irrational use of antibiotics or medications that destroy this microbiome by killing off the bacteria in our gut can also lead to poor mental health. It has been noted that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (consequently their microbiome is out of balance) are likely to also have disorders related to mood.
According to a recent study conducted on people above the age of 50, higher anxiety levels were believed to be linked to diets rich in saturated fat and sweets. In my opinion, one should restrict sugar intake and indulge in some physical activity to keep mental illness at bay.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: What is the BRAT Diet? Breaking Down its Pros and Cons
A healthy dietary pattern, defined by high intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, low-fat dairy, and antioxidants, as well as low intakes of animal foods, are linked to a lower incidence of depression, according to a recent study. In contrast, a Western-style diet with a high intake of red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, and potatoes and a low intake of fruits and vegetables has been connected with a higher risk of depression.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Military Diet: Research-Based Analysis and Pros & Cons
It may not be the easiest to visibly see the effects of healthy diets on mental illness. That is because both the brain and microbiome are complex systems. But we know that a poor diet is linked to poor mental and physical health, as well as a weaker immune system. Studies have enough evidence to confirm the benefits of good nutrition on mental health and mood. Not to mention, diets that are not balanced, may lead to long-term health issues like diabetes. If you need help then speak with a dietician or even your doctor. They can advise you on diet and mental illness, what foods you should include and things you should avoid.
Also Read: Boosting Your Brain: How to Increase Dopamine Levels Naturally
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
COVID-19 has changed us in more ways than we can count. One of the things that are not widely discussed is how it has affected family dynamics. Human beings are meant to live in social environments, mingle with loved ones and strike a balance between company and solitude. It keeps introverts, extroverts and ambiverts psychologically healthy.
But the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, partial home isolation and online schooling, lack of outings and outdoor activities, working from home meant we have been cooped up inside our homes and not been able to see or spend time with many of our loved ones.
Add to that the threat of contracting the viral disease and the constant news of people we know succumbing to coronavirus ensured that our mental health went into a tailspin.
But someone in your family has been more adversely affected than you. It’s the youngest and most curious member of your family. It’s your child!
Children have not been able to go to school for months. The routine they were used to has been interrupted. Children have a harder time acclimatizing to change than adults.
They are lonely because they are cut off from their friends. They miss their teachers.
And all that stress related to your job, finances, health issues that you and the parents have been experiencing is unknowingly transmitted to them.
Your behaviour changes when you are under stress. Despite trying to be on your best behaviour, you will be short-tempered, agitated and irritable. That makes your child feel more ill at ease.
This psychological disturbance manifests in many ways. Your child might show signs of hyperactivity, noisiness, inattentiveness, rebelliousness and rude behaviour.
Instead of further losing your temper with them or handing out harsh punishments, you need to understand that you need to calm your child down. Put his/her mind at ease with love and the feeling of certainty. Only then will your child feel secure enough to be a better version of himself/herself.
The way to calm your child down is by being a more attentive and understanding parent. Yes, you are stressed out yourself but you need to understand that children are more vulnerable and less equipped to cope with stress. Their reasons for feeling anxious, unhappy and depressed are just as valid as yours. They need your help.
1. Listen to them
Many problems can be solved through open and clear communication where children do not fear being judged or punished by their parents. Be open to them and let them know that whatever is on their mind, they can share with you.
Discuss the problems they might be facing due to online schooling and help them in overcoming the hurdles.
2. Do not brush aside their pain
Adults have a habit of laughing off children’s problems. The things that cause children distress are not insignificant. They need to be addressed if you want your child to grow up into an emotionally and psychologically healthy human. Even if you feel like the pandemic has heaped your plate with problems, you will still have to find time to solve your child’s problems.
3. Do not fight or argue with them
Children may demand things that you possibly cannot grant during the pandemic such as birthday parties, picnics or sleepovers with friends. Instead of hushing their temper tantrums with a fierce scolding, try engaging in a logical dialogue with them. Children do understand the reason if approached calmly and treated as an adult (and not disdainfully as some adults treat children).
4. Let them stay in touch with all their loved ones
The biggest boon of technology is the ease of connectivity. It is only natural for children during the pandemic to be worried about the health of their grandparents and friends. So arrange video calls with people they care about on a regular basis.
5. Give them hope
Children often act out when they are scared and uncertain. This is why you need to make them feel protected. Even though you are grappling with the same emotions of fear and uncertainty, you need to make your children feel that they are protected and that as a parent, you will try to shield him/her as much as possible.
6. Establish a steady routine in your home
Nothing is more calming and assuring than a fixed routine. So, try implementing one and it should also involve the adults of the family. Try to stick to a routine when it comes to waking up in the morning, breakfast, chores, work, lunch, naptime, online classes and homework (for the children), dinner and bedtime.
7. Family time
Quality time with the family is another effective strategy to make your child feel calm, tranquil and loved. Ensure that you all engage in some family activity every day. Be it board games, watching sports or cartoons or asking them to help you with household chores, make sure they feel involved and cherished.
8. Discipline them
Children have very little idea of what kind of behaviour is acceptable or unacceptable. But during the modern age and especially considering how stressful the current era is, disciplining is something you need to approach thoughtfully. The old methods of physically punishing the child, yelling and abusing have been proven to do a lot of long-term damage.
Reward positive behaviour with acknowledgement and praise. Unless they do something that is worthy of punishment, ignore them. That usually discourages them from repeating the act.
Disciplining goes a long way in teaching children to be in greater control over unpleasant emotions such as turbulence, anger, hopelessness and despair.
Also Read: Constipation in Kids: A Research-Based Guide for Parents
Parenting has never been easy and the challenges have increased many-fold because of the ongoing pandemic. But it is only through affection, care and understanding can we all improve our psychological health and children need all three desperately. Once they start feeling sheltered, protected and understood, they will naturally calm down.
Every child is different, if you notice the persistence of any significant behaviour changes – irritability, loneliness, nightmares, change in appetite and sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities they loved previously, unexplained aches and pains, sadness do not hesitate in consulting a child psychologist or psychiatrist for the right advice. Anxiety and depression are found in people of all age groups including the little ones. Do not take their mental health lightly and give them the right care.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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