Janhavi Melinkeri

Toxic relationship while being harmful for ourselves in the moment, can also have effects till long after the relationship has ended.

The Burari Case:

I had no clue about the case of 11 deaths that happened in 2018, so when my husband asked to watch the docu-series on Netflix, I had no clue what I was getting into. I'll be honest, the first episode got me very scared. The whole incident seemed so bizarre. The second episode made things clear and the last episode actually pieced all the evidences and activities beautifully.

The series makes you think about the importance of talking and sharing about mental health. Elements of blindfaith, superstitions and societal pressures are scary but untreated mental health issues are worse. Education, modern thinking, age don't matter when we talk about mental health. I appreciate the makers of the docu-series for opening up the discussion about mental health, for forcing people to think and ask questions, for introducing topics such as trauma and psychosis in such a nuanced manner. Even as a mental health professional who has actually studied these things, the case is making me think so much about so many things!

Trauma and PTSD is not associated to only bigger incidents in life. Even smaller, everyday things can be traumatic. Understand your mind and body, hear what it is trying to say to you, talk about these issues and most importantly take help when you think you need it!

The caste system continues to have a major impact on the country. Though some barriers are broken in urban settings, many continue to persist in rural India. While the secular, socialistic & democratic principles written in the constitution demand equality for all, the inherent caste-related inequality continues to dominate the Indian society. About 80% of India’s population, constituting over 300 million individuals belong to historically disadvantaged minorities. Marginalised caste groups like SC, ST, OBC also earn much less than the national household income average. Nearly 90% of poor and 95% of illiterate Indians are from these castes.

Reduced access to healthcare among the lower castes is well documented. Infant & child mortality rate too is higher. Dalits continue to face social discrimination & exclusion & communal violence. Assault, r**e & murder by the ‘upper’ castes are common and yet, frequently not investigated despite laws and protection provided by the Indian state. 65% of hate crimes in India in 2018 were against Dalits.

SC and Muslim community members also report worse mental health compared to upper-caste Hindus. About 46% SC and 51% of Muslims reported being depressed in the previous month. while 57% SC and 60% Muslims reported facing anxiety.Those growing up in a disadvantaged family may suffer on account of limited social interactions, leading to a checkered personality. Deprivation of childhood experiences, lack of qualitative interaction, unrealistic motivation affect mental maturity. Imposed stigmatised identity from a young age can negatively impact an individual’s self-esteem & identity. They display higher rates of self-criticism, negative self-evaluation, social anxiety, anger, aggression & trauma. Finding ways to cope with everyday anxieties, severe breakdowns and frequent gas lighting has become an everyday reality.

The issue of caste discrimination is deep rooted and will need years unlearning by all members of the society. We can start by understanding the historical root of the caste system, paying minute attention to the discrimination, get off the upper caste HIGH HORSE, and be mindful of our language, slangs and actions.

Sexual inequality includes social disadvantage, stigma, discrimination, and violence based on s*xual conduct, s*xual identity, or perceived s*xual orientation. Protection against s*xual injustice is minimal, and even the knowledge of s*xual health and rights is rather poorly developed. The study of these issues also has been extremely difficult because of the historical barriers confronting s*xuality research. In this regard, s*xual orientation is a significant source of social inequality, just as race/ethnicity, gender, and social class.

Bullying and violence against individuals thought or known to be a part of the LGBTQIA community is perhaps the most serious manifestation of inequality based on s*xual orientation. Teenagers are very often targets of taunting, bullying, physical assault, and other abuse in schools and elsewhere. 85 percent of LGBT students report being verbally harassed at school, 72 percent report hearing antigay slurs, 61 percent feel unsafe, 30 percent miss at least one day of school in the previous month for fear of their safety; and 17 percent are physically assaulted to the point they need medical attention.

The mistreatment experienced by the LGBTQIA Community have significant mental health effects.They are at a greater risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, social phobia, adjustment disorders and low self-esteem. Also tend to engage in risky and/or unhealthy behaviors such as drug abuse and having unprotected s*x.

While home is the safest place for most of us, the lives of many from the community is often no better at home. They could either get rejected by the parents, kicked out or sometimes have to leave because of the intolerable home environment causing homelessness.

While section 377 seems like a step forward, it was the absolute basic necessity. What actually is needed is empathy, educating the youth and supporting the community is any and as many ways as we can. Start with having a conversation and converting it into something concrete.

*xuality

The simplest way to describe gender inequality would be the avoidable yet unfair differences between genders in terms of status, power, wealth, health, and employment. It is mainly a product of s*xism and primarily tends to affect women and girls, with consequences that begin at birth.

Globally, gender inequality can affect different walks of life including
1. pay disparity
2. Higher levels of stress
3. Higher rates of violence & harrassment
4. Lack of representation

Needless to say, all of these factors tend to have a significant impact on the mental health of women. Discrimination extends beyond an uncomfortable or irritable annoyance and over time, these unjust actions and behaviors can lead to serious problems including those related to the person’s mental health. Women who reported discrimination were found to be three times as likely to see a decline in their mental health over the next four years including experiencing clinical depression. Even after the discrimination stops, these women tend to experience negative mental health effects years later.Women tend to go through depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic stress, eating disorders, low self esteem AND are more than twice as likely as men to attempt su***de

Unfortunately, the current picture shows that we are not properly addressing the issue. Although we are slowly progressing towards achieving equal rights, we still have a long way to go and inequalities between men and women are still a sad reality in many areas. While counseling can definitely help individuals, systemic change is what we need to look at. Even small actions from our end can lead to big changes.

Observe and talk to the women around you. Notice the smaller patriarchal thought processes and actions. Understand that an outrage that seems trivial to men or even other women, could be a reaction of past trauma or even a built up if different things.

GENDER EQUALITY is not just a fancy 'woke' term, but is an ACTUAL need for the society!

mentalhealthday

*LONG POST ALERT*

Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups of people and often those trapped in poverty have a slim chance to climb up the social ladder. Statistically speaking, not only has income inequality in India worsened significantly since the early 1990s,but it is at its highest level in 96 years. A report also indicated that 73 per cent of the wealth generated in 2017 went to the richest 1 per cent, while 67 crore Indians who comprise the poorest half of the population saw 1 per cent increase in their wealth.

Unequal societies are not just more physically sick but are psychologically affected too. The population tends to suffer more from issues like chronic stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction. Similarly, childhood poverty is associated with lower school achievement; worse cognitive, behavioral, and attention-related outcomes; higher rates of delinquency, depressive and anxiety disorders; and higher rates of psychiatric disorder in adulthood. Area-level income inequality can also lead to mental health issues like depression, poor self-reported mental health, drug overdose, schizophrenia, child mental health problems, juvenile homicides, and adverse child educational outcomes.

Income inequality often leads to a cyclical relationship between mental health and poverty. When people receive a diagnoses, their work performance & social status decrease. Without effective treatment available, they continue to suffer in silence, slowly falling back from their jobs, families and friends, affecting their employment, which then could lead to a lack of income.
In short, untreated mental illnesses can lead to poverty, but unchecked poverty can cause mental illnesses.

While this can be an overload of information, it becomes necessary to be aware of the realities around us and provide help in whatever capacity we can. Talk to your employees, house helps or those less privileged than us. See how we can help and HELP!

“Over a long period of time, the main force in favor of greater equality has been the diffusion of knowledge and skills.”
Thomas Piketty

October 10 is World Mental Health Da y and the International theme for this year is 'Mental Health in an Unequal World'.

This year, let's do a mini-series. Everyday will be a different topic under the theme. Understanding and acknowledging the gap between the have's and have not's, is the first and the most crucial step towards trying to build a more equal world for everybody and it's about time we take this step!

After years of contemplating, I am excited to share that I'm finally conducting online summer camps for children. All activities are specially researched, curated and tested to concentrate on development of 21st century skills, while having lots of fun!

Get in touch for further details and do spread the word! ❤️

Just when we thought things are getting better, we were smacked hard in the face by the second wave. With the number of patients increasing at a catastrophic level, the healthcare system breaking down and the subsequent financial strain, uncertainty is inevitable. At such times it is vital to give importance to out mental health. Living with Uncertainty is harrowing to say the least, but we can take few simple steps to not let it affect us!

Janhavi Melinkeri (@janhavimelinkeri) • Instagram photos and videos 189 Followers, 119 Following, 34 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Janhavi Melinkeri ()

⚠️TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

'Anorexia' or 'being Anorexic' is a term used so lightly in conversations. But is it actually something to talk about so casually?

It is much more than 'not eating to lose weight'. It has underlying layers and serious repurcussions. And it's definitely not going to become all okay by 'just eat some food ya!'

EATING DISORDERS!

A highly prevalent yet under studied and researched topic in our country. The occurence is only increasing with the influx of social media, unrealistic beauty and body standards, cultural expectations and even low self esteem. Not only does it tend to rear it's ugly head during the vulnerable adolescence and teenage years, it can also have implications on one's physical health and wellbeing. Hence, it is imperative that we as a society are aware of eating disorders and their effect on us and our loved ones!

Please spread the word!

Disabled or differently abled?

Crabs did not evolve in buckets. They evolved on seashores where clinging to others promoted survival. Hence when in a bucket, the crab is not consciously pulling the others down but is rather just repeating a behavior that was naturally selected for.
Similarly, mammals seek safety in numbers. The brain rewards you with a good-feeling chemical (oxytocin) when you find social support, and alarms you with a bad-feeling chemical (cortisol) when your social support is threatened.

Then where does the crab bucket syndrome fit in?

Understanding that those trying to pull you back are merely trying to survive is the first piece of the puzzle. As social beings we love to be with our own. But, success also leads to fear in the family member’s mind that you may abandon the troupe due to your success. Your presentation being the best is an achievement but may also mean you earning a promotion while your colleagues stay where they are. Their fixed mindset along with your success rapidly shoots of their sad chemical, cortisol.

While taking cognizance of this syndrome is the first step, perseverance in your actions/decisions + a supportive social group is very important to actually survive it!

Snapchat Dysmorphia is a relatively new but equally important phenomenon that needs our immediate attention.

Read on to get a little more understanding about the term and the dangers it possesses!

It's easy to say 'don't stress!' or 'chill ya' or even 'take it easy bro, you need to relax'. But how can somebody actually do it? Also, if taking it easy was all that was required, maybe somebody would not even have been under the enormous stress that they are in.

There is no 1 particular solution or a magic formula to relieve stress. Rather it a a slow, consistent process towards managing stress productively!

Swipe to see a few lifestyle changes and tricks that one can follow to cope with stress better.

A little anxiety/nervousness or even stress is good they say. It can help motivate and pump adrenaline in a person.

But when do we know this healthy stress has reached it's capacity and is now dangerously bordering towards unhealthy/chronic stress?
Look out for some common signs shown on the next slide to understand how excess stress affects our body, mind and behaviour. This list is not definitive or exhaustive but certainly gives an idea about the side-effects. If you see more than one of the given sign in yourself or your closed ones, do not ignore stress as a major contributor!

So it's mental health awareness day tomorrow and the theme this year is MOVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH!

Before discussing and sharing the health benefits (especially mental health) of moving, I would like us to share how do we MOVE towards better mental health.

Post a video/photo of you doing any movement that elevates your mood and tag in the post! Would love to see everyone getting there move on!!

Recently wrote this post for a very close friend on how to deal with the unlocking of the lockdown!

Do have a look, share and most importantly show sl the live you can to this amazing blog!!

This Too Shall Pass The process of unlocking began after almost 4 months of strict lockdown. Along with the fear of contracting COVID-19, the lockdown also saw an increase in mental health issues including anxiety, fe…

The world recently celebrated Su***de Prevention Day on 10th September. On this occasion let's take some time to educate ourselves a little bit. Those going through a hard time and having suicidal thoughts may not always be able to openly verbalize the help they need, but there certain signs we can look out for.

If you know anybody showing any of these signs, talk to them, be there for them, ask them if they need anything, talk to a professional. It may be a call for help!

Following are numbers of helplines working with su***de prevention.:

9152987821 - iCall
09922004305 - Connecting

Thinking of meeting a mental health professional? Or already visiting one?

Make sure your therapist has these skill sets/ qualities too ensure a positive and productive experience.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors are words often used interchangeably but do they mean the same thing? NO!

Each of these professionals has a different skillset and focuses on different aspects of mental health. They can and do work in tandem but definitely cannot replace one another. Hence, it is extremely important to understand how these are different from each other and research which one will suit your needs best! Be aware what your professional specializes in

The lockdown has been difficult on all of us, but I would specially like to mention the teaching community. During this pandemic, I have seen many teachers learn new embrace new and different tools of teaching, and try different ways of communicating and connecting with the students and their families while taking care of their own families. So, today's post is dedicated to all the teachers to do remind them to relax and just take care of their own well being. hope this techer self care bingo helps 😊

If I had a penny for everytime somebody mentioned only 'mad' people visit counselors, that jaguar convertible wouldn't be just a childhood dream! Counselling is so much more than treatment for mental health issues. It is about developing better mental strength, better relationships, self awareness, emotional support and just generally working on yourself.
Maybe actually understanding the reasons for visiting a counselor will help normalize and de-stigmatize counselling as an important process!

Children are as affected by events and situations as adults if not more. They too think about the present and the future. They get as anxious and worried as the other members in their family. But they are impacted more than adults. WAY more!

Why?
Because they dont know how to articulate their thoughts and worries. They are probably not involved in "serious adult conversations" to protect them. So, they feel the tense vibe at home, but dont know what it is about. They see their role models at home worried/anxious/troubled but have no one to discuss it with. This just adds an increased pressure of uncertainty and confusion!

We are in the unlocking phase but things are still bad. There are a lot of changes happenimg around us andnour children can sense it. It is imperative that we keep their mental health a priority. Following are some techniques to get started on working with our children in a more holistic way.

Everybody around us tells us to be kind to ourselves and to practice 'self- care', but rarely do we get information about what can we actually do. The following infograph is a small attempt at breaking down 'self- care' into its various components and activities that we can actively engage in. While some activities like stress management and forgiveness are not as simple as they sound and might need external help, others can be practiced independently. There is no sure shot way of dealing with difficult emotions. No one can give a tailor-made step by step process to deal with and overcome difficulties. It's more of trying different methods and stratergies until we realize what suits us best! So, let's take time out of our daily schedules to practice some of these activities to understand what works for us! Let's make a personalised inventory of all the stratergies that make us feel happy!