Signs and Symptoms of Stress

The theme of the World Health Day 2017 is ‘Depression: Let’s Talk’. Encourage people with depression to talk about their feelings. Depression can easily be treated with psychological therapies and medicines. Learn about these and some other basic information on depression issued in public interest by SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation). The wounds of depression are unseen, but they hurt more than the ones that bleed. Seek professional help and get better. Facts about Depression…

Oral health is not limited to your teeth alone. Mouth ulcers or sores can develop inside the mouth, cheeks, lips and tongue that can be extremely painful. Dr Shail Jaggi informs us on causes and symptoms of mouth ulcers and offers some advice on how to keep our mouth healthy, hygienic and problem free. All of us have at some point experienced oral sores in the mouth. These are generally very unpleasant and extremely painful and will persist for a couple of days. These sores are called ulcers.…

Does stress cause acne and eczema to flare up? Does it cause dark circles and pigmentation to appear? Yes, stress does all that and a lot more. Dermatologist Dr. Vinu Kripalani recognizes the mind-skin connection and recommends tips to reduce stress and make your skin glow skin naturally.    What is stress? Stress is caused when the pressure on the individual exceeds their coping mechanism. It is the mental/emotional response to adverse or demanding circumstances. Skin can react in…

On  World Suicide Prevention Day, Paras Sharma, Programme Coordinator, iCALL Psychosocial Helpline, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) dispels some common misconceptions about suicide. 1.  People who talk about suicide don’t usually do it, they just want attention. Suicide is a call for help that went unanswered. It's a myth that those who wish to end their lives don't explicitly say so, and those who don't are the ones who talk. There is ample research to show that suicidal…

When a woman in her third pregnancy has to go through with an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography), it is much more of an emotional experience rather than just a physical one, even though the physical toll is severe as well. Mrs. Singhal from Mumbai shares her emotional experience with PatientsEngage. Please tell us a bit about your condition. I underwent an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography) procedure during my third pregnancy. While I have now delivered…

Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.  What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts? Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can…

To address misconceptions and concerns about employment for people with mental health issues, we speak with Dr Mangala, a consultant psychiatrist with SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation).  Could you please explain what in medical parlance is known as ‘Mentally ill or Mentally Disabled’? Are these labels useful/helpful? A disturbance in one’s ability to think, behave or express feelings is termed as mental illness. When someone lacks the ability to:  meet or fulfill basic…

Traumatic events bring new problems in their wake. Porrselvi A.P. talks about dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) The scars of a calamity, such as the recent Chennai floods, are not always visible. Physical needs, like rebuilding a home, going back to work and keeping infections at bay, require a lot of effort but are usually managed well by the survivors within one to six months following the event. It is generally assumed that people are then back to their normal lives and have…

Tips to prevent stress Positive attitude: See the upside of the situation  Breathing exercises: Do pranayama Try meditation  Time management: Prioritise your actions so you are not swamped with work. Always leave time to some things you enjoy. Make a “to do” list  Get enough sleep: 8 hours minimum Diet: Eating healthily helps the body cope better with stress.  Exercise is enormously helpful in reducing stress. It fills you up with feel-good endorphins, takes your mind…

Your doctor may suggest some of the following self-help strategies:  Self-understanding: Know what is causing you stress  Self-management: Be more organised, control your thoughts Self-talk: Stand in front of a mirror and counsel yourself Conflict resolution: Make ways to resolve smaller conflicts that may snowball into bigger ones. Positive attitude: See the upside of the situation  Breathing exercises: Do pranayama Try meditation  Exercise Alter your diet: Add vegetables…