Sachin Sharma

Category: Society

Unsaid rules of living in this beautiful world (some can be bent, and some can even be broken).

  • The Importance of Social Support for Mental Health

    The Importance of Social Support for Mental Health

    Social support is an important aspect of mental health and well-being. It refers to the emotional, informational, and practical assistance that people provide to one another. Research has shown that social support can have a positive impact on mental health, and can help individuals to cope with stress, prevent mental health problems, and promote recovery. Here are a few ways in which social support can benefit mental health:

    Reducing stress

    Having social support can help to reduce stress by providing a sense of belonging and validation.

    Improving mood

    Social support can help to improve mood by providing a sense of connection and belonging.

    Enhancing self-esteem

    Social support can help to boost self-esteem by providing a sense of validation and acceptance.

    Providing a sense of perspective

    Having people to talk to can provide a different perspective on situations and can help to reduce feelings of isolation.

    Helping with problem-solving

    Social support can help individuals to find solutions to problems and make important decisions.

    Helping with coping strategies

    Social support can help individuals to learn new coping strategies and develop resilience.

    Helping with recovery

    Social support can help individuals to recover from mental health problems and prevent future problems.

    It’s important to note that social support can come from a variety of sources, such as family, friends, support groups, and mental health professionals. It’s also important to remember that social support is not a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment from both the person receiving support and the person providing support.

    Overall, social support is an important aspect of mental health and well-being. It can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote recovery. Building and maintaining social support is an important part of taking care of our mental health.

  • Breaking the Silence: Opening Up About Mental Health

    Breaking the Silence: Opening Up About Mental Health

    Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet many people still struggle with the idea of opening up about their mental health struggles. The stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for individuals to talk about their experiences, and can prevent them from seeking help. Breaking the silence and opening up about mental health is crucial in order to promote better understanding and support for those who are struggling.

    Fear of Judgment

    One of the biggest reasons why people struggle to open up about their mental health is fear of judgment. Many people fear that they will be judged for having a mental health issue, or that they will be viewed as weak. This fear can prevent individuals from talking about their experiences and can make it difficult for them to seek help. It’s important to remember that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, and that they are not a choice. They are a medical condition that requires proper treatment and support.

    Lack of Understanding

    Another reason why people struggle to open up about their mental health is the lack of understanding of mental health issues. Many people don’t understand what mental health is, and they don’t understand the different types of mental health issues. This lack of understanding can make it difficult for individuals to talk about their experiences, and can make it difficult for them to seek help. It’s important to educate ourselves and others about mental health, and to dispel myths and misconceptions.

    Mental Health Education

    Breaking the silence and opening up about mental health starts with education. It’s essential to educate ourselves and others about mental health issues and to dispel myths and misconceptions. This can be done by talking openly and honestly about mental health, and by learning more about mental health through books, articles, and documentaries.

    It’s also important to recognize that mental health issues are not limited to certain individuals, and that they can affect anyone. It’s essential to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable talking about their experiences, and where they can receive support and understanding.

    Seeking Professional Help

    Another way to break the silence is by encouraging people to seek professional help. It’s important to recognize that mental health issues are medical conditions and that treatment and support are available. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and courage.

    In conclusion, breaking the silence and opening up about mental health is crucial in order to promote better understanding and support for those who are struggling. It’s important to educate ourselves and others about mental health, to dispel myths and misconceptions, to create an environment of openness and acceptance, and to encourage people to seek professional help. By breaking the silence, we can remove barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help, and we can create a more supportive and understanding society for all.

    It’s important to remember that mental health is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and that mental health needs and experiences vary from person to person. Everyone’s experience with mental health is different, and it’s important to respect and accept that. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay, and that it’s okay to reach out for help.

    In order to break the silence, we all have a role to play in creating a society where mental health is not stigmatized. We can do this by being open, understanding and non-judgmental when someone opens up to us about their mental health struggles. It’s important to listen actively and empathetically, and to offer support and encouragement. Let’s work together to break the silence and create a more supportive and understanding society for all.

  • The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health

    The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health

    We all know that spending time with animals can make us feel good, but did you know that it can also be beneficial for our mental health? Animal-assisted therapy, also known as pet therapy, is a form of therapy that involves interacting with animals to improve emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

    Animals can provide a sense of comfort and security, and they can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Interacting with animals can also increase levels of the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin, which can improve mood and social connections.

    One of the main benefits of animal-assisted therapy is that it can help to reduce stress. Studies have shown that spending time with pets can lower cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, and increase endorphins, which are associated with pleasure and happiness.

    Animals can also be a great form of distraction from negative thoughts and feelings. They can provide a sense of purpose and motivation to engage in activities, which can be helpful for those struggling with depression.

    Pets can also provide a sense of companionship and non-judgmental support. They can be great listeners and provide a sense of empathy and understanding. They can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with social interactions, and can provide a sense of connection and social support for those who struggle with social anxiety.

    Animals can be helpful for a variety of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even some developmental and cognitive disorders.

    There are many different forms of animal-assisted therapy, including therapy dogs, equine therapy, and even dolphin therapy. Each form can have unique benefits and can be tailored to the individual’s needs.

    It’s important to note that not everyone is comfortable around animals and that’s okay. However, if you’re interested in trying animal-assisted therapy, it’s best to speak with a therapist or counselor to see if it’s the right fit for you.

    In conclusion, animal-assisted therapy can be a fun and beneficial way to improve mental health. Animals can provide a sense of comfort, reduce stress, provide a sense of purpose and motivation, companionship, non-judgmental support, and can be helpful for those who struggle with social interactions. So next time you’re feeling down, maybe it’s time to spend some quality time with your furry friend.

  • The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health

    The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health

    Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly make life more difficult. Poverty can have a significant impact on our mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even hopelessness. But, the good news is, there are ways to manage the impact of poverty on our mental health.

    One of the main ways poverty can affect mental health is through financial stress. When we are struggling to make ends meet, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. We may worry about how we will pay for basic necessities, such as food and housing, and we may feel guilty for not being able to provide for ourselves or our loved ones.

    Poverty can also lead to social isolation, as we may feel ashamed or embarrassed about our financial situation. This can make it difficult to form and maintain relationships, which can further contribute to feelings of loneliness and despair.

    Another way poverty can affect mental health is by limiting access to resources and opportunities. When we are living in poverty, we may not have the resources or opportunities to access things like education, employment, and healthcare, which can make it difficult to improve our financial situation and overall well-being.

    But, there are ways to manage the impact of poverty on mental health. One of the most important things we can do is to seek support. This can include talking to a therapist, seeking guidance from a financial advisor, or joining a support group. Support can help us to feel less alone and more empowered to make positive changes in our lives.

    Another way to manage the impact of poverty on mental health is to focus on the things we do have, rather than what we don’t have. This can include practicing gratitude, volunteering, or finding ways to be creative. By focusing on the things we do have, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can help to reduce feelings of hopelessness.

    We also need to advocate for policies that help to reduce poverty and increase access to resources and opportunities. This can include supporting policies that increase the minimum wage, provide affordable housing, and increase access to education and healthcare.

    In conclusion, poverty can have a significant impact on our mental health. However, by seeking support, focusing on the things we do have, and advocating for policies that help to reduce poverty, we can manage the impact of poverty on our mental health and improve our overall well-being.

  • A Lotus in the Mud: An Interview by Pragati Sharma

    A Lotus in the Mud: An Interview by Pragati Sharma

    Dilshad Ali and Tilak Raj have been friends for over 20 years now. From sharing a rented apartment to sharing food, their story of love and care despite different faiths is all what we need to look up to. A simple story with foundation of values of compassion and respect; basic and yet forgotten.

    The Khan Rajma Chawal stall comes across as any other roadside food joint in Chandigarh. It sells delicious Rajma Chawal and Curry Chawal at prices starting as low as ₹30.

    The owner Dilshad Ali and his friend Tilak Raj, along with two helpers can be seen setting up their food stall a little after noon. It is usually the lunch hour, and customers from office-goers, passers-by to students can be seen buying from them. Students are especially fond of their feed and thus are seen in more numbers. Ali and Raj remain busy for the next 3 hours as customers come steadily.

    Dilshad Ali and Tilak Raj have been selling Rajma Chawal and Curry Chawal for 3 years now in Sector 15 Market, Chandigarh. However, it isn’t just the delicious food they sell that makes their story worth sharing, but a tale of incredible friendship thrashing stigmas and stereotypes.

    In present times when it is hard to overlook cases of communal tensions, their story sets a confident example of tolerance and fraternity between religions. The intimacy is both an inspiration and assurance to gladden our hearts.

    Dilshad Ali Khan, a Muslim by faith and Tilak Raj, a Hindu, boast of a friendship which is 23 years old. The friendship has witnessed no ups and downs in these years.

    “Ups and downs in friendship come with selfish interests. Here, it is pure love and support.”

    Dilshad, who started off as an electrician says he always have had love for cooking and wanted to pursue it. “I used to see youngsters around, they had problem finding good food here. My only attempt was to provide them quality food so they don’t miss home.” His wife, who also is a good cook, helps him in preparing the food. Tilak Raj, otherwise a government employee, comes only to help during the selling hours. He talks less and is quiet during most of the interview.

    Dilshad and Tilak Raj serving food to customers

    In response to skirmishes in the relation due to different belief systems, they say there have never been any.

    “It never felt like we are different or our beliefs are different. Mazhab nahi sikhata, aapas mein bair rakhna (Religion does not profess hostility). We follow this teaching.”

    Overall, the city has been kind to them, but their association have now and then faced criticism which “isn’t deserving enough to be paid attention to and should be ignored.”

    Talking of the persisting communal tensions in the country, Dilshad says, “The government should not try to incept communal hatred and rather maintain a congruous atmosphere. It is only a handful of people who try to disturb the peace and such people have no religion. Amidst of all this, it takes an effort to preserve this brotherhood of ours, allowing it to not get stained. I pray to Allah that it stays the same.”

    Pleased at being able to provide healthy and hygienic food at a reasonable price, they plan to extend the business. The food comes as a savior to students living as paying guests and is greeted with immense liking as people appear in considerable numbers.

    “I am a college student and I live in a paying guest (PG) accommodation, so it feels really good to have lunch there. It reminds me of my mother’s hand made food.”, says Shraddha Juyal (20), a college student. “Khan stall’s food gives me a taste of home away from home!”, says another college student,  Anmol Kaur (20).

    Their beautiful pact among serious communal conflict prevalent today, blooms and stands alone like a lotus in the mud! (pun intended)

  • The Panchayat’s Verdict: How Arbitrary Justice Denies True Justice

    The Panchayat’s Verdict: How Arbitrary Justice Denies True Justice

    Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a young girl who lived with her parents. She was raised in a household where arguments and fights between her parents were more common than the daily news. Due to this, she grew up feeling neglected and yearned for love and attention from anyone who showed her kindness.

    One person who filled this void in her life was her uncle. He treated her like a little doll and she would often visit his house just to be in his presence. To her, he was more than just an uncle; he was the father figure she had always dreamed of having.

    However, this fantasy world was shattered one day when her uncle made advances on her in the kitchen, when they were alone. He hugged her from behind and said things that made her feel uncomfortable. This continued to happen every chance he got, and she was left helpless, as her parents were too caught up in their own problems to notice what was going on.

    After a few years, she mustered up the courage to tell her mother about what was happening, but her father was angry and blamed her for what was happening. He thought that she was responsible for her uncle’s actions because she was too close to him. Her parents didn’t believe her and dismissed her claims.

    Years passed, and the girl found herself standing in front of a crowd of around 50 people, listening to her uncle give a judgment as the Pannch (judge) of the Panchayat. The topic at hand was the moral and ethical behavior of young adults, and her uncle was speaking of how the youth of today were being misled by the world of cinema and TV.

    The girl’s heart sank as she listened to her uncle, who was the same man who had taken advantage of her and made her feel uncomfortable all those years ago, talk about morality and respect. Everybody was happy with the judgment, but the girl felt like it was a mockery of justice.

    She thought to herself, “If only there was a Panchayat that day to punish my uncle for his actions, who just made a mockery of the word ‘morality’”. The girl went home, behind her parents, feeling defeated and hopeless.

    This story is a reminder of how arbitrary justice can sometimes deny true justice. The Panchayat system, which is supposed to provide justice to the people, can sometimes fail to do so if the judge is biased or has his own hidden agendas. This highlights the need for a fair and just legal system that is free from any kind of biases or prejudices.

    The young girl in this story represents all the victims who have suffered at the hands of people in positions of power, who abuse their power to fulfill their own desires. We must work towards creating a world where every voice is heard, and every person is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

    We must not let the fear of being judged or the fear of being blamed stop us from speaking out against the wrongs that are being done to us. Only by speaking up and fighting for what is right can we create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

  • The Price of Love: What it Takes to Make an Indian Marriage Work

    The Price of Love: What it Takes to Make an Indian Marriage Work

    Marriage is a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and compromise. Whether it’s a love marriage or an arranged one, once you get hitched, you are in for a wild ride. Some of the sacrifices you may have to make might not be easy, but they are necessary to keep the marriage going strong. In this article, we’ll take a look at eight common sacrifices that Indians make after getting married.

    Letting go of passions

    In our pre-marriage days, we all have something that we are passionate about – be it travel, sports, adventure, or collecting things. But after getting married, many of us feel the need to let go of our passions to settle down with our significant other.

    Eating habits

    Food is a big deal in any marriage. You may have to adjust your eating habits to accommodate your partner’s preferences. For example, if you are a non-vegetarian and your partner is a vegetarian, you may have to give up your favorite meat dishes. If you are a north Indian and your partner is from the south, you may have to adjust your diet to suit both of your palates.

    Fashion sense

    Your fashion sense may change after you get married, especially for women. You may feel the need to switch from a more casual style to a more formal and modest one. Observe your married friends, and you’ll notice the difference in the way they dress after tying the knot.

    Spending habits

    Gone are the days of splurging on expensive bikes or clothes without a second thought. After getting married, you may feel financially insecure, and it becomes important to prioritize your expenses according to your income. This means cutting back on frivolous spending to save for the future.

    Friendships

    Maintaining friendships after marriage can be challenging. Your priorities change, and you may have to put your partner first. You can still hang out with your old buddies, but you can’t be in constant contact with them every weekend. Making your partner your top priority is a sacrifice you may have to make for your marriage to work.

    Ex-partners

    Staying in touch with exes after a breakup can cause tension in your marriage. It’s best to cut ties with them and avoid any potential complications.

    Affinity to family

    It’s important to maintain a good relationship with your parents and siblings, but once you get married, your spouse takes precedence. You may have to make the sacrifice of giving them less time and attention to make room for your partner in your life.

    Daily habits

    Finally, you may have to change your daily habits to accommodate your partner. This includes cleaning up after yourself, not wearing the same clothes for a week, and being a responsible partner.

    Making sacrifices for your marriage may seem daunting, but it’s all worth it in the end. A strong and loving marriage is a beautiful thing, and the sacrifices you make will only make it stronger. So, embrace the changes, compromise, and enjoy the journey.

  • The Dark Side of Emotions: How “Hurt” Sentiments Fuel Injustice and Division

    The Dark Side of Emotions: How “Hurt” Sentiments Fuel Injustice and Division

    As Indians, we often judge people and things based on appearances alone, without fully understanding the situation. Our brains are wired to make quick conclusions. But when it comes to caste or religion, our perceptions can change in a dramatic way. We may suddenly feel compelled to defend our own caste or religion, even if we are not directly involved. This can lead to taking things personally and not being able to let go until the situation subsides.

    Recently, there were incidents in the state of Haryana involving the blocking of roads and railways, aggressive attacks causing damage to public property, theft from ATMs, and the setting of shops and malls on fire, all in response to the “Jat Agitation” demand for reservation. The national media was covering these events extensively.

    I wrote a Facebook post condemning the incidents and the demand for reservation by the Jats, who are known for being royal and rich, but are neither socially nor economically backward. To my surprise, some of my Facebook friends who are Jats started defending and justifying the protests. One of them even called me to ask if I was following a politician who was speaking out against the demand for reservation. I told them that I don’t have to follow anyone to see that what was happening was wrong and to speak out against it.

    What was interesting was that these friends who were defending the riots were not even participating in the protests. Some of them had previously spoken out against the idea of reservation. But now that their caste was demanding reservation, they suddenly had a change of heart.

    There were a few who spoke out against the riots, regardless of their caste, but the majority of people criticized them for bringing shame to their caste, as if the agitators weren’t already doing that. It’s difficult to understand how anyone could justify blocking a road, let alone the more aggressive acts that took place, just to demand reservation for one caste. It causes inconvenience to innocent people who have no part in this reservation controversy.

    Why is it that our caste or religion is more important to us than humanity and the greater good of people? I can’t help but wonder what would happen if people from ISIS or other terrorist organizations were of the same caste as my friends. They would likely cry every time a terrorist was hanged by the law and protest against it, just like they did for the reservation.

    This is why politicians are able to win elections through their dirty politics of caste and religion. It’s our emotional attachment to our caste or religion that is the biggest obstacle to our country’s development. We are the biggest fools in this conspiracy to keep people divided by caste and religion, but one thing is for sure – we won’t change.

  • Apology 101: What Not to Do When Owning Up to Your Mistakes

    Apology 101: What Not to Do When Owning Up to Your Mistakes

    Apologizing isn’t always easy, but it’s an important part of being a responsible adult. Unfortunately, some people still don’t know how to do it properly. If you’re guilty of any of these apology faux pas, it’s time to take note and step up your game.

    First things first, never apologize via messaging. Sure, it’s convenient, but it’s also impersonal and can come off as insincere. If you’ve made a mistake, be a grown-up and face the person you’re apologizing to in person.

    Another big no-no is apologizing through a mutual friend. This is just a coward’s way out. When you apologize in person, your expressions and body language can speak louder than words, so don’t hide behind a third party.

    Some people like to give a long explanation before they apologize, but this is a bad idea. If you’re apologizing, it means you know you’ve done something wrong, so just own up to it and say you’re sorry. No need for a long-winded explanation.

    Another mistake people make is apologizing as if it’s a favor. This is just arrogant and sends the message that you don’t really think you did anything wrong. Remember, apologizing doesn’t make you any less of a person.

    Last but not least, don’t be the person who apologizes in the next lifetime. If you’ve made a mistake, don’t wait around to apologize. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the other person will have moved on and won’t accept your apology.

    In conclusion, apologizing is an essential part of being a responsible adult. It’s important to know how to do it properly, and avoid common mistakes. Remember, if you’ve made a mistake, own up to it and apologize in person with a sincere heart.

  • Indian Men Online: A Wake-Up Call for Change

    Indian Men Online: A Wake-Up Call for Change

    It’s a sad reality, but many Indian men who try to connect with women from other countries on social media often face rejection. As soon as a woman finds out that the man trying to talk to her is Indian, she often chooses to avoid him. This can be frustrating for Indian men who are polite and respectful in their interactions with women, but unfortunately it’s a common experience due to the actions of other Indian men.

    Recently, an American woman decided to share her experience with Indian men online in an effort to shed some light on the situation. This woman, who loves to travel in India but doesn’t have a preference for Indian men, shared her thoughts with brutal honesty.

    She explains that on her social media pages, she is primarily approached by Indian men of all ages, states, religions, education levels, and jobs. And unfortunately, her experience has been that many of these men immediately ask personal and inappropriate questions.

    Some common questions include asking about what she is wearing, if her husband is home, if she gets along well with her husband, if she is currently in bed, and when she lost her virginity. These questions are often followed by even more inappropriate and offensive comments and requests.

    The woman goes on to explain that unfortunately, many American women will block these men at this point, as it is very offensive to be asked these types of questions. She also notes that Indian men will often ask to see photos, including requests for specific types of photos such as cleavage shots and images of her in jeans.

    The woman shares that she continues to engage with these men, despite their offensive behavior, because she believes that they are better than this. She feels that by patiently teaching them and helping them to understand the errors in their thinking, she can help them improve.

    The woman also points out the hypocrisy in the way that Indian men view Indian women versus white women. She notes that Indian men often view Indian women as “goddesses” and “pillars” who deserve respect, while viewing white women as objects for sexual gratification.

    It’s important to recognize that this woman’s experience is just one perspective, but it’s a valuable one that highlights the offensive and disrespectful behavior of some Indian men towards women online. It’s crucial for all of us to be aware of this and to actively work to change this behavior, by calling out and educating those who engage in it.