ARTICLES ON Mental Health

Sadness is a common human emotion associated with feeling low in energy and spirits. It is normal to feel sad from time to time, and, just like other emotions, sadness also fades away gradually. The degree of sadness felt varies with the individual and the circumstances. This is how sadness is fundamentally different from depression. Depression is a chronic mental illness characterized by prolonged spells of sadness that don’t seem to alleviate or go away. It can affect the way an individual thinks, behaves, and feels, indirectly impacting their social, personal, occupational, and other areas of life. The good news is that depression is treatable, but it can be tough to determine on one’s own if it’s just another bad day or if it warrants a visit to a mental health specialist. Therefore, if you are feeling down or know someone who might be dealing with depression, here are some key Depression vs. sadness differences, along with guidance on how to find the help you need. Differences Between Sadness and Depression While both have very similar symptoms, understanding Depression vs. sadness will help to improve mental well-being. What is Sadness? In the simplest terms, sadness is an emotional state of unhappiness. Everyone has experienced it during stressful or somber times. It can be triggered by various events in everyday life, such as losing a job, the death of a friend, relative, or pet, failing a test, or experiencing heartbreak, among others. More often than not, sadness is associated with specific triggers, which may vary from one individual to another. However, nearly everyone has coping mechanisms, such as venting, crying, journaling, or engaging in activities that generally uplift their mood. Sadness eventually passes, but if it persists even after an extended period of time, it could develop into depression. What is Depression?  Depression is a mental health problem that does not typically resolve on its own. Prolonged spells of sadness are often a sign of depression, but it encompasses more than just sadness. Depression can manifest as both emotional and physical pain, including body aches. It may feel all-encompassing, robbing you of the joy and enthusiasm you once had for things you loved. There may be moments when you laugh or find comfort, but the overwhelming feeling of sadness can seem indelible. Symptoms of Depression There are several general signs of depression. Individuals living with depression may experience multiple mental and physical symptoms that persist for longer than two weeks. Risk Factors for Depression Depression is not gender specific and can occur at any age. What causes depression is also quite complex and varies from person to person. However, there are certain risk factors that have been identified to be linked with depression. It’s also worth noting that depression is an umbrella term, and it can manifest across a spectrum. Everyone perceives and experiences depression differently. It may be mild and come in waves for some, while for others, it can be life-altering. The most severe form of depression is termed “major depressive disorder” or MDD. There are other forms of depression, such as “subclinical” and “clinical” depression, which are milder than MDD but still significant. When to Seek Help for Depression If there are at least two symptoms of depression that linger for more than 2 weeks, it might be time to reach out for help. Depression is treatable and chances are you will start feeling better soon with the right treatment. Small changes can be the beginning of a spiral. Even if it’s just a mood change or a series of bad days, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is especially important to get help when it becomes hard for you to get through your daily life and even complete your everyday chores.  Where to Seek Help for Depression Connecting to a certified mental health specialist is important to understand why you’re feeling what you’re feeling. Talking to a therapist is the best way to diagnose and treat depression. You can look for certified mental health therapists in your area and book an appointment for one-on-one counseling sessions. At Wockhardt Hospitals, we have top-certified mental health therapists dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatments to support your mental well-being. Always remember, depression is not bigger than life. With the right and timely help, life wins, you win. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant – PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104

According to a recent study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, it was proved that shorter and bitter people are relatively unhappy with their lives. This feeling of constant unhappiness and resentment may push them to engage in antagonistic behaviours in an attempt to offset their height disadvantage. This mental condition is usually referred to as ‘The Napoleon Complex’, or in other words, ‘The Short Man Syndrome’. We recently reached out to a psychiatrist to know more about The Napoleon Complex and how we do our part to cease it from existing in our beings. Check out the Q&A below. Is it true that shorter people have a higher affinity towards aggression and can even end up as psychopaths? There is insufficient data about this, but it is known that low self-confidence in certain areas is an important aspect of psychopaths. How does psychology play an important role in a series of events that uncover a person becoming a psychopath? Abnormalities of Genetics and parent-child relationship help in shaping the future of psychological aspects of psychopaths. The living environment plays a crucial role as childhood episodes of abuse, neglect, and emotional suffering are known predisposing factors. Impairment of empathy and remorse reaction, difficulty in cognitive and emotional processes, a disregard for social norms, Impulsively and aggression are all parts of personality and thinking that can predispose towards psychopathy. Some studies have suggested the role of responses to stimuli and have found reduced reactivity to pleasurable stimuli in these people. There is also difficulty responding to punishment and difficulty in controlling their emotions as well as impulses. How can one avoid giving in to psychopathic tendencies to avoid being branded as one? Developing self-awareness and empathy-building practices can help. Being grateful for the good things in life and rewarding oneself for good deeds done should be the preferred way of thinking. Developing a sense of control over overt emotional needs can also help. Physical health also helps in keeping good mental health as well. Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Covid-19 has altered people’s lives in unimaginable ways. Stress brought on by such a hectic environment has the capacity to negatively affect our mood and state of mind. It may be common to feel down and sad. In some serious cases, some of us may suffer from depression. Despite the fact that these are all distinct disorders, it can be difficult for people to tell the difference between low mood, sadness, and depression. As a result, some people with depression mistakenly believe that they are sad, while those who are feeling down and sad mistakenly believe that they are depressed. This also happens because the symptoms of these conditions are not clear and they may overlap each other. An exclusive chat with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, revealed that there is a significant difference between being depressed, and sad and having a low mood. The symptoms, underlying reasons, and methods of treatment of each condition differ from one another. In order to properly diagnose and cure your issues, you must first be cautious with their symptoms. Difference between low mood, sadness, and depression: Low mood Current stresses such as financial concerns, family issues, sleep challenges, chronic illnesses and stress-inducing arguments with individuals at home or at work, and disappointments, are typically what cause a low mood. They make a person feel exhausted and more restless than usual. In fact, a person may feel down without there being an obvious reason. However, it represents the emotional state that is now being experienced in light of the current situation and can go away on its own after a few days. General low mood symptoms may include: These symptoms can differ from person to person. To lift your mood, you can try eating your favorite food, watching a movie, going out with your friend and family, getting more sleep, or talking about your problems with someone. Sadness Sadness is a prevalent emotion that is often a response to a circumstance or someone’s actions. It is a feeling that can be associated easily with helplessness, despair, grief, diffidence, and sorrow, but not a mental condition. All of these circumstances may have a detrimental impact on your mood. But according to Dr. Anand, “Sadness is a fleeting emotion and may not last for a major portion of the day or might not affect your work output. It might go away by accepting or modulating the situation or self-soothing behaviors like crying or distracting oneself.” Symptoms of sadness may include: In case a person experiences sadness that doesn’t go away after a few days or weeks and finds themselves unable to function normally again, this could be an indication of depression. Consult your doctor in this case. What is depression? While sadness might go away with a heartfelt conversation, depression is something that must involve the help of a mental health professional. Depression, also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder and an abnormal emotional state. From a more general standpoint, this might have an impact on how you feel and act. You may experience symptoms of depression such as: Depression is a long-term clinical disorder and can last for weeks, months, and even years. To treat it, you need to follow the prescribed medicines, take therapy sessions, and various other measures. Though a person may take time to recover, it isn’t a permanent condition. Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/difference-between-sadness-or-depression/

Anything over five hours of being glued to a screen can be termed as addiction Recently, a sixteen-year-old boy in Lucknow reportedly shot his mother dead while she was sleeping, angered by her refusal to let him play a video game. He also threatened his ten-year-old sister to stay quiet while the body of their mother was in the other room. For two days, he cooked for his younger sister and made sure they did not speak about their mother even as the little girl kept crying. The primary reason cited by the youngster was his addiction to video games, which would often anger his mom. The boy showed no sign of remorse. As per reports, he even partied with his friends at home, ordered food online and watched a film after spraying a room freshener to mask the stench. In another incident, a 16-year-old boy killed his cousin in Nagaur, Rajasthan to pay off debts he incurred through online video games. As per reports, gaming addiction has led to at least six killings in the past two years in India. In February, a 14-year-old boy killed himself by hanging in Central Mumbai over “issues related to too much gaming.” While on the one hand research that proves that video gaming has its benefits as a source of entertainment and relaxation and helps in boosting social interactions and connections among players while also contributing to their cognitive skills, creativity and reflexes, the problem arises when online video gaming exceeds the limits of moderation, say behavioural experts. “That is when it turns into an addiction,” says Dr Sonal Anand, a psychiatrist from Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital at Mira Road. Putting into perspective the difference between gaming in moderation versus gaming in excess, Anand points out that anything over five hours of being constantly glued to the screen can be termed an addiction. The American Psychological Association defines the ‘Internet gaming disorder as a syndrome in which one experiences a loss of interest in other social activities, loss of relationships, educational or career opportunities, gaming in order to relieve or escape anxiety, guilt or other negative mood states over a twelve-month period. Additionally, researchers have established the negative impact on one’s sound mental health, including loneliness, depression and even suicidal thoughts, resulting from excessive digital gaming, especially in the last two years of the pandemic when everyone was forced to remain indoors. It was then that there was a significant rise in the number of gaming app downloads across India. As per a research paper published in the International Journal on Mental Health Addiction by Deena Dimple Dsouza from the department of occupational therapy at Manipal, user engagement in the gaming industry grew considerably during the pandemic period. “For example, WinZo Games, an Indian-based gaming company, have reported three times more user engagement and 30 per cent higher traffic in online mobile gaming. Around 35 per cent higher usage has been observed in multi-player modes in comparison with single-user modes, a trend also found elsewhere. Similarly, Paytm First Games, an Indian mobile-based online gaming platform, reported an almost 200 per cent increase in the user base during the pandemic, with 75,000 new users,” the study noted. Digital games can be defined as any type of game played electronically. Last year, the ministry of education sent out an advisory in which it said, “Playing online games leads to a serious gaming addiction which has been considered as a gaming disorder. The game is designed in a way that each level is more complicated and complex than the previous one. This causes a player to push themselves to the limits in order to progress in the game. Therefore, playing online games with no restrictions and self-limits leads many players to become addicted and eventually diagnosed with gaming disorder. The gaming companies also emotionally compel the child to buy more levels and almost force in-app purchases.” It is estimated that close to 40 per cent of India’s population at present is under the age of 20 and that a large fragment of digital gaming is targeted toward them. But ask any gamer, and they call it competitive gaming that has both rewards and benefits. In the span of six months, Ryan McLeod (name changed), a Class IX student from Arya Vidya Mandir school in Mumbai said he unlocked ten levels of a video game and earned close to Rs 1 lakh in prize money. “It just becomes so addictive after a point and especially when you begin to win. I am a part of a team of six players. The head of the team gets us into organised competitions and we make money as a team by winning several levels in multiple games. I don’t feel like socialising with my family or relatives and that is because I have such a strong team of friends via online gaming. Yes, at times I get very disturbed mentally when I am asked to pause gaming for a few hours or totally stop it during exams. I feel restless, anxious and very very irritable.” Twenty-four-year-old Jatin Rao from Chandigarh, who is presently pursuing his graduate degree in airline management, says he started gaming as a novice five years back and got so immersed in it that he now plays “only for tournaments which pay loads of money.” While Rao has been able to balance his virtual life as a gamer and his life as a student, it has been extremely difficult for 13-year-old Aranya Tavade and others like her. “I have had to take her for psychological counselling so as to get her off the screen,” says Aranya’s mother, Vishakha Tavade. “I could see that she was going into a shell. With a lack of social company and her grades going down in school, Aranya was getting into the first stage of depression. And all of this, said our counsellor, was because of over gaming. She had become a religious gamer,” says Vishakha. At the SHUT (Services for

Try taking breaks from work to relieve mental exhaustion and stress, just as you would sleep to refresh your body. Do you eagerly wait for your lunch break so you can get some relaxing time from your hectic schedule? If that’s the case, this is one of the techniques that might help you deal with your mental exhaustion and stress. How? This technique, according to mental health experts, can help you recharge your energy and improve your overall well-being. While it is evident that breaks are refreshing, it is less clear that they might truly aid in mental health improvement. To assist you, Health Shots spoke with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, about the indicators of mental exhaustion and whether or not taking breaks can help. Can taking breaks reduce the level of stress? It’s always a good idea to take a vacation from a hectic routine. It’s because taking a break allows you to heal and relax, allowing you to better prepare for stressful situations, especially if you’re losing focus and concentration. According to Dr. Anand, “Taking a break is like restarting the system. It can help you regain focus and enhance productivity. During breaks, new ideas can come up spontaneously. It promotes physical relaxation as well as more rational thinking.” Indeed, regular breaks can help you avoid overthinking and procrastinating, which together can lead to stress and frustration. Apart from that, you should take breaks from social media if you have been using it excessively because it is also one of the leading causes of stress nowadays. Also, avoid multitasking at all costs, as it is a major source of stress and mental tiredness. 5 symptoms of mental exhaustion: 1. Fatigue Feeling tired all the time? Well, you can feel physical fatigue when you are stressed out. Energy levels can go down and sometimes you can have difficulty doing even routine things. 2. Sleep difficulties Insomnia is commonly seen in people who are stressed out. According to Dr. Anand, “Difficulty falling asleep or early awakening followed by inability to sleep again are the two patterns noticed.” On the other hand, hypersomnia and feeling drowsy during the day are also signs of stress. 3. Feeling anxious or on the edge Your sympathetic nervous system (fight to flight mode) might be triggered by mental tiredness or exhaustion. Due to this, one can feel anxiety, palpitations, or even a sense of panic. These symptoms and indicators are also linked to depression. And, as a result of the whole scenario, low confidence is common. 4. Having difficulty controlling emotions Experiencing anger or frustration that is expressed more frequently might be an indication of stress. People dealing with mental exhaustion may exhibit impatient behavior and aggressive outbursts more often. Because of low frustration tolerance, smoking or drinking may become more prevalent. 5. Feeling the burnout Millennials are experiencing burnout at alarming rates, and it’s taking a toll on people’s mental and physical health. Dr. Anand says, “When burnout occurs, one can lose focus on the task at hand or be less productive. Meeting deadlines can become a difficult task.” Burnout can lead to unhealthy eating habits, fatigue, irritation, increased anxiety and worry, and a lack of motivation. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant – PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/can-taking-breaks-help-reduce-mental-exhaustion/

Chinese President Xi Jinping may be suffering from a ‘cerebral aneurysm’ and had reportedly sought treatment a few months ago. While no official confirmation has come in, reports have been speculating about his health for quite some time now. According to reports, the Chinese premier had been hospitalized towards the end of 2021. He had however opted out of surgery, preferring to be treated with traditional Chinese medicines that would soften the blood vessels and shrink an aneurysm. Previously, ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Emilia Clarke had opened up about the life-threatening condition during her time on the show, sharing with The New Yorker in 2019 that she had to undergo multiple surgeries and endure a long recovery period because of it. What is a Cerebral Aneurysm? Dr. Prashant Makhija, Consultant neurologist, Wockhardt hospital, Mumbai, explained that a cerebral aneurysm is a ballooning arising from a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. “The out pounding in the wall of the blood vessel is prone to ruptures which will result in internal bleeding. This blood can leak into the brain, threatening the life of the patient.” Thunder-Clap Headache, the Most Common Warning Sign Dr. Makhija said there are a number of symptoms. “Sudden outbreak of unbearable headache, which we term as ‘thunderclap’ headache is the most common symptom.” The risk may increase if, after such a thunder-clap headache, the patient loses consciousness. “We immediately advise screening if losing consciousness after sudden headaches have been observed,” he added. He further said conversion disorders like seizures also play role in the cerebral aneurysm. “These ruptures can be genetic as well. If a patient has developed the condition genetically then it is even harder to find out. These cases are usually asymptomatic,” he said. What Danger Does It Pose? “Rupturing brain aneurysm is life-threatening and can lead to death. It may also cause stroke as, during the ruptures, spasm of blood vessels has also been observed,” Dr. Makhija elaborated. He also said that the aneurysm can damage the brain and increase brain pressure. Treatment Depends on Individual Needs, Location, and Size of the Aneurysm According to the medical literature, if the size of the balloon-like structure is over 7mm, then the risk of ruptures will be higher, he informed. “There are two ways to treat the condition.” First is open surgery where a cut has to be made to the scalp bone that exposes the brain tissue. That is why it is also called open brain surgery. And second, microsurgical clipping is a technique that blocks the blood supply to an aneurysm using a metal clip. Dr. Makhija also said that the treatment option depends highly on the location and size of the aneurysm and whether or not it has ruptured, as well as the individual patient’s needs. “Medications are also given to people, in case of spasm, to control the brain pressure, electrolyte imbalance, etc,” he said. He added, “Patients who are asymptomatic and have discovered the condition incidentally are observed on whether there is a periodic increase in the size of the structures.” Dr. Prashant MakhijaConsultant NeurologistWockhardt Hospital, Mumbai To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.news9live.com/health/xi-jinping-suffering-from-cerebral-aneurysm-say-reports-know-about-the-condition-and-treatment-170077

The pandemic has had a deep impact on many aspects of our lives, right from new public norms to the cumulative effects on our usage of social media, the internet and daily news. One such effect is ‘doom surfing’ or ‘doomscrolling’—the excessive use of screen time to scroll through predominantly negative news. It is not uncommon to find yourself swiping past page after page searching for more details about an event even when you know that they might be disturbing. So many of us find it difficult to stay away from constantly reading about or watching news related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the crises that people are facing. We keep flipping through different channels hoping to get some new information. This phenomenon is not new—our tendency towards negative bias inclines us to scanning for negative news as compared to positive news. So, to help lessen doomscrolling’s impact on your mental health, we got in touch with Dr Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai for some tips on how to deal with it.  1. Limit the time you spend on social media and news apps Most phones store data on the amount of time you spend on each app. Keep a track of this and limit app timings so that you are not lured into continuous use. If possible, keep the phone at a distance from the bed so that you avoid scrolling right after waking up in the morning. 2. Restrict Wi-Fi use in the morning and just before bed Designate Wi-Fi-free times in the morning and before going to sleep. Morning times should have more of a ‘me’ element. Do something that is related to you and your feeling of well being. Also, your pre-sleep routine should be fixed. Try to read something relaxing or listen to music or guided meditation before sleeping. 3. Keep a track of your overall health Regular walking or exercise (even at home) releases neurotransmitters which have a feel-good effect. Yoga and meditation also help in de-stressing. Opt for a balanced diet and avoid munching on non-nutritious food while scrolling on the phone or TV. 4. Practice mindfulness Be mindful of the task at hand and of what you are reading, giving them your full attention. Make sure the sources of the news you are reading are genuine. Read positive news too, and share jokes and funny incidents with your friends and family. 5. Adopt the ‘stop’ technique If you find difficulty in controlling your scrolling try the ‘stop’ technique. If you feel you have exceeded your screen time and are unable to control your fingers, stay “STOP” loudly and give yourself a physical stimulus at the same time, like a tap on the hand or a pull from a band around the wrist. As you do this repeatedly, your brain will realise that it is time to stop doing the current activity. This also acts as a positive reinforcement to direct your attention to something else. Source: https://www.idiva.com/health-wellness/mental-health/what-is-doomscrolling-and-how-is-it-affecting-your-mental-health/18020874

What makes a winner stand out is his or her mental strength. Ignite your mental stamina with these expert-recommended tips to be mentally stronger. Let’s be honest — if you really desire something with all your heart, it can only be achieved if you have a strong mind. That’s why mental health is of utmost importance. If you are mentally strong, you’re going to stay motivated to take care of your physical well-being too. And when these two areas are sorted, then nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams!  Of course, you can’t access your mental strength on a weighing scale, simply because it has no boundaries. Impossible tasks have turned possible only due to strong ideas and cognitive restructuring. Mentally strong people are known to succeed in all areas of their life, despite obstacles. Inner mental strength can carry us forward in life when all else fails. But due to unforeseen circumstances, some people aren’t that strong, when it comes to their mental stature. There can be many reasons behind this. According to Dr. Sonal Anand, a renowned psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, mental strength can be gained from experiences and observations. Usually, it starts developing in childhood and is influenced by either parent. Initially, the child just copies the actions, without even realizing how he/she is being influenced.  Usually, strong mental health comes from having someone mentally strong in the family. However, this does not always happen. Sometimes, despite having a mentally strong parent, the child can become the complete opposite. Individual personalities seem to play a role in developing mental strength.  “Sometimes, extreme adversity can make us lose our mental strength. Difficult circumstances, tense emotional relationships, substance abuse, dependent personalities can affect mental strength,” she says.  Now you know how mental strength plays an integral part in your life, and why you shouldn’t make the mistake of ignoring it. That’s why to make you mentally strong and sharp, Dr Anand has some tricks for you.  Here are three neat tricks that will help you become mentally strong Well, yes it is that easy to be mentally strong. So, just apply these tricks and you’ll see a difference! Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/happiness-hacks/train-your-brain-with-these-3-neat-tricks-to-be-mentally-stronger/

Do you feel bothered by your phone notifications? The unwanted and never-ending notifications make you scroll through your phone mindlessly for hours and for no good. We don’t realize it but somehow they are affecting our mental health and sanity.  A lot of research has been done on how a phone affects the brain in terms of radiation and cancer involvement with not many convincing results. However, one thing is for sure that the phone is changing our behavior, mental health, and well-being as well. But turning the notifications off can actually have long-term mental health benefits. We got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai to explain to us how. Dr. Sonal said, “The number of likes and positive comments that we get activates the reward center of the brain and hence addiction becomes highly likely. While the positive influences of social media on societal change cannot be doubted, the individual negative effects are what is bothering research scientists.” The constant virtual phone communication deprives one of a face to face interaction which is critical as non-verbal cues and body language have been an integral part of our evolution. The virtual image and real image become two parts of the individual and the resultant conflicts arising from the disbalance of the two is what mainly brings about negative changes.  Cognition is definitely affected by the rampant use of phones in the form of attention, memory, and prioritization problems. Sleep patterns could get dysregulated due to the blue light from screens leading to further problems.  Constant Notifications Anxiety Addiction to a phone is what most people and parents fear and for good reason. This constant bombardment of information makes the brain less focused on the task at hand and makes us prone to a variety of mental health issues. Anxiety and depression, being stress-prone, are known effects of prolonged use of the phone. Dr. Sonal further explains, “Suicidal behavior due to prolonged and continuous phone usage has also been observed. Being anxious about phone notifications is a worrying trend. Fear of missing out (FOMO) can really keep you on edge and make you constantly keep an eye on notifications. Phantom vibrations are experienced by many people. These mysterious tricks that the brain plays make us check our phones unnecessarily and find mistaken sensations from the phone.” Turning Off Notifications Helps you Focus on the Things That Matter Sometimes some people are on the phone waiting for notifications because they feel that there is nothing else to do. “These common habits definitely affect interpersonal behavior and just a simple measure of turning off notifications from time to time can really help improve the situation. It reduces anxiety, stress, makes you focus better, definitely helps you sleep better and have good real relationships with others,” Dr. Sonal concludes. Source: https://www.idiva.com/health-wellness/mental-health/how-bedtime-stories-help-adults-who-struggle-with-sleep-and-anxiety/18016068 FAQs on Notification Anxiety Q. Are phone notifications stressful? Indeed, notifications can be stressful since they continuously require attention, which can cause distraction and cognitive overload. This constant disruption impairs mental health by making it difficult to concentrate and raising anxiety levels. Reducing time spent on notifications helps reduce stress and encourages a positive connection with technology. Q. What is a push notification? A push notification is a message or alert an application or website sends to a user’s device. The user does not have to actively open the app or website to receive it—it is “pushed” to them. Updates, promotions, and reminders are frequently sent via push notifications, which show up in the notification centre or on the device’s lock screen. Q. What happens when you turn off notifications? When you disable notifications, you may stop receiving alerts or messages from applications or services on your mobile device. This may result in less stress, more attention, and fewer distractions. It also facilitates a healthy balance between technology use and mental health by giving you more control over your digital surroundings. Q. How do you deal with notification overload? Put essential apps first and mute or stop alerts from less important sources to help you cope with the overflow of notifications. Turn on the “Do Not Disturb” settings when working or taking breaks that need concentration. To ensure an acceptable volume of notifications, periodically check and modify your notification preferences. To promote more focus and less stress, think about setting aside specific times to check notifications instead of responding to them immediately. Q. How does notification affect the brain? Notifications activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and increasing arousal and distraction. This continuous stimulation can decrease productivity and general mental health by causing stress, impairing focus, and negatively affecting cognitive function.

Migraines are very common, and democratic, affecting the poor and famous alike but can be tackled with medication and lifestyle change. “I need you to help me with this headache I’ve had for a decade,” a friend pleaded. “As long as you’re not referring to your boss, I’m happy to try!” I shot back. He was my age, only better looking and with more hair. In his mid-twenties, he’d started developing a peculiar throbbing pain on the right side of his head. It was typically associated with a few zig-zag shadows he perceived before the headaches heightened. Lights and sounds worsened the discomfort, and he’d prefer a dark, cool environment during an attack. “When I massage that part, the ache mysteriously scrams to another part of the head, never really going away,” he said, describing his dilemma. “The nausea is so severe, I need to force myself to vomit, often half a dozen times, shoving fingers down my throat to induce the last remaining bits in my stomach to be expelled. It is only when my stomach is absolutely empty that the throbbing headache finally eases. Then I gargle, have a sip of water, and sleep it off, waking up only several hours later.” His medical test reports were unblemished and his scans spotless. Yet, over time, his migraine worsened in frequency and intensity, from once in three months to every three days and lasting the entire day. He promiscuously popped pills, but reached out to me only when he realised he was hanging on to the end of a burning rope and needed someone to douse the fire. “One can get a headache from taking too many headache pills,” I cautioned. “It’s called MOH or medication overuse headache,” I smiled, bemused by this obvious paradox. “Isn’t there any surgery for this stuff? Sometimes I feel as if cutting my head open will relieve the pain.” I went on to explain that in ancient Greece, headaches were considered powerful afflictions. Victims prayed for relief from Asclepius, the god of medicine. If the pain continued, a medical practitioner would drill a small hole in the skull (trephination) to drain the confined demons. Unfortunately, this dire technique often replaced the headache with a more permanent condition. And, to relieve that, they applied raw potatoes, cabbage, and onions to the head. Some deeper medical insight into the anatomy and physiology of the pain producing structures in the cranium have led us to understand that migraines involve alterations in the subcortical sensory modulatory systems that influence the brain widely. “Whatever that means,” he flared up, confused, wanting to simply rid himself of the periodic curse. “Just like your zig-zag lines, the distortion of perceptions described in the famous 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is believed to have stemmed from Lewis Carroll’s own experiences with episodes of micropsia (the visual perception of objects appearing smaller) and the constitutional auras resulting from his migraines,” I said, thinking I’d lighten up the conversation with some trivia. Patients are almost instantly relieved when they know that someone famous suffered from the exact same ailment as them. Darwin, Nietzsche, Freud, Caesar, Napoleon, Van Gogh, Picasso, Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Woolf, and Elizabeth Taylor were all famous migraineurs. “I’d rather feel nothing than feel the pain I’m feeling,” revealed Elvis Presley, resorting to gargantuan amounts of drugs to battle chronic headaches, an overdose of which was speculated to be the cause of his death. Neurologists call this distortion of perception that precedes the migraine headache, the Alice in Wonderland syndrome, and they think it’s due to an abnormal amount of electrical activity that results in excessive blood flow to parts of the brain that process visual perception and texture; I wonder what JK Rowling went through when she wrote the Harry Potter series! Migraine needs to be treated medically with a two-pronged approach of medication and lifestyle modifications. The medication I prescribed was a combination of prophylactic and abortive therapy to be taken for three months; the prior to be consumed daily and the latter just before an attack. In addition, one is expected to sleep adequately and eat in moderation, avoiding chocolate, cheese, coffee, and wine—all circumspect triggers for migraine. “Why does everything enjoyable have to be linked to a price you pay?” my friend lamented. “A migraine ‘shot’ is also available now, which you can take once a month to dampen symptoms,” I added, “but we’ll keep that for later.” I also asked him to maintain a headache diary with monastic ferocity to document the vivid details of his auras and time periods of each attack in relation to the medication, in an attempt to analyse how to alter treatment, if required. He also needed to document his sleep timings, travel habits, and foods that triggered his headaches. Various forms of neuromodulation such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation have also been attempted when medication alone does not suffice. Modern surgery involves trigger point deactivation, which essentially involves transecting or blocking a sensory nerve responsible for the affliction, which, like all surgery, comes with its risks. My friend returned three months later, regaining full control of his life. Now, he worries only about an occasional, easily manageable headache: no auras, no vomiting, not skipping important life events. He was well, but I noticed that he wasn’t beaming. “You’re more than 99 per cent better and we managed that without drilling a hole in your head!” I exclaimed. “Why aren’t you more delighted?” He replied, “I can’t blame my boss for everything anymore!” Source: https://www.mid-day.com/articles/when-there-is-a-volcano-in-the-head/23090258