Latest news with #AdityaBirlaEducationTrust
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
CISF's Project Mann: Transforming mental health support for 75,000 personnel and families
Representative image NEW DELHI: CISF on Tuesday said its Project Mann, a mental health initiative launched in November 2024, has helped over 75,000 personnel and their families in managing low-risk mental health issues, while escalating the more serious cases to professionals. Project Mann is being run in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET). An MoU in this regard was signed in November last year. 'The suicide rate of CISF has declined below the national average during the years 2024 and 2025,' CISF said in a statement issued after review of progress of Project Mann by CISF DG R S Bhatti reviewed progress of Project Mann with ABET chairperson Neerja Birla. 'DG CISF appreciated the role of the ABET professionals in creating mental health awareness through awareness building, counselling, clinical interventions and training of CISF personnel,' said CISF. Under Project Mann, ABET has also trained 1,726 CISF officers and sub-officers to identify and manage low-risk mental health issues and escalate serious cases to professionals. This two-tiered structure has made psychological support more accessible at the grassroots level. Hyper-sensitive units such as IGI Airport, Parliament, Delhi Metro, among others, have had psychometric assessments of over 31,000 personnel for early identification in case of potential issues. The initiative has resulted in counselling and interventions in the case of depression, marital discord, financial stress, among others, said CISF.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
16 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Gut feelings are real: How mental health impacts your digestive well-being
Persistent bloating, unexplained cramps, or sudden digestive issues are becoming increasingly common, especially among young professionals and students. These issues are typically attributed to something you ate. But according to doctors, the root cause isn't just what you eat, but how you feel. Emerging research and clinical insights highlight a powerful, bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. This connection reveals how chronic stress, anxiety, and poor mental health can directly impact digestive health. What is the gut-brain axis? 'Think of the gut-brain axis as a high-speed, two-way WhatsApp chat between your brain and gut, except this group chat never goes silent,' said Dr Bhushan Bhole, Senior Consultant GI Surgery at PSRI Hospital, Delhi. According to Dr Bhole, this axis is a powerful communication network involving nerves (like the vagus nerve), hormones, and immune signals. 'It controls everything from your mood to digestion to immune response,' he explained. So, if your gut has ever 'felt' anxiety or you've had a 'gut feeling' about something, science says you are on point. Can anxiety or burnout mess with digestion? Yes, said Rima Bhandekar, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Mpower helpline by Aditya Birla Education Trust. She explained that emotional stressors like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or workplace burnout can derail digestion, inflame the gut lining, and even change the movement of your intestines. Dr Bhole added that when you're emotionally distressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which slows down digestion, reduces blood flow to your gut, and can result in uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, cramps, constipation, or diarrhoea. How are mood and gut health biologically linked? The gut isn't just where food is digested—it's also where most of your mood chemicals are made. 'About 90 per cent of serotonin, your feel-good hormone, is produced in the gut,' said Dr Bhole. 'Even neurotransmitters like dopamine and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulate mood and stress, are influenced by your gut bacteria.' When this balance is disturbed, say, by chronic stress or poor eating habits, it can trigger or worsen mental health issues, and vice versa. It's a feedback loop you don't want to ignore. 'Poor mental health can cause gut problems. But bad gut health can also trigger depression, anxiety, and even sleep disorders, through inflammation and chemical imbalances,' said Dr Bhole. 'It's why we now treat both gut and brain simultaneously, especially in chronic cases.' Gut microbiome and mental health Your intestines are home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the microbiome, which play a significant role in digestion, immunity, and even your mood. 'When these microbes get out of balance (a condition called dysbiosis), they're often linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues,' said Rima Bhandekar. 'A balanced microbiome, on the other hand, builds resilience, mentally and physically.' So yes, feeding your gut well isn't just about avoiding bloating—it's about building emotional stamina, too. Gut problems triggered by mental stress If you're constantly bloated, gassy, or rushing to the loo before an important meeting or a crucial presentation, your stress levels might be showing up in your stool. Common stress-induced gut symptoms include: Constipation Acid reflux Diarrhoea Abdominal pain Bloating Dr Bhole flagged Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as one of the classic examples of a gut condition heavily influenced by psychological stress. Chronic stress also worsens conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or even ulcers. 'Stress affects everything from gut bacteria to inflammation and even the gut's protective lining,' he noted. 'Yoga, meditation, therapy can help in healing the gut': Experts 'Mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork calm the nervous system and improve gut motility,' said Dr Bhole. These activities boost vagal tone, reduce inflammation, and help your gut work the way it's supposed to. Psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy are now widely used to treat IBS and other stress-related gut conditions. Rima Bhandekar explained, 'CBT helps rewire negative thought patterns that trigger the stress response, thereby improving digestion.' What should you eat (or avoid) to keep both gut and mood happy? It has been established that what you eat affects how you feel—not just physically, but emotionally too. Foods that support gut-brain health: Leafy greens and oats (fibre-rich) Bananas and berries (natural prebiotics and antioxidants) Yogurt, kefir, and kimchi (fermented foods for good bacteria) Foods to avoid: Processed and fried foods Sugar and alcohol Caffeine (especially when consumed excessively or on an empty stomach) Dr Bhole emphasised, 'Listen to your body. Introduce new foods slowly, and don't self-medicate with random supplements or gut cleanses.' What about probiotics and prebiotics? 'Probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (food for good bacteria) can help, but they are not one-size-fits-all,' said Dr Bhole. 'Some strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to improve anxiety and digestion, but it's best to consult a doctor or dietitian.' So if you've been trying to 'fix your stomach' with only antacids or home remedies, it may be time to zoom out and look at the full picture.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Indian Express
Alia Bhatt likes people watching to cheer herself up on bad days: ‘I'm not looking into their bedrooms, but..'
Constant hustle and trying to keep up with responsibilities and deadlines can wear us down. Finding pockets of escape can help recentre and bring us back to what really matters. In conversation with Jay Shetty on his podcast On Purpose, Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt opened up about a simple activity that helps cheer her up on bad days. 'Very often what I do, especially when I'm having a bad day, I have this little balcony at the back of my bedroom – it's very small, sort of like a fire exit. I just go and stand there, and watch people. In Bombay, especially, there are a lot of buildings that are together. So this might sound a little creepy, but when I go and stand there, I just have a wide view of activity in different people's homes,' recalled the Jigra actor. 'Somebody is walking with clothes, somebody's watching television. I'm not looking into their bedrooms. But it just gives me a sense of life existing whilst yours is. And it just puts a lot of things into perspective,' she further explained. Rima Bhandekar, Senior Psychologist – Helpline at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust told us, 'When we watch others going about their day, it creates a sense of empathy in the observer without any actual interaction. It brings us back into 'now' through just noticing life as it unfolds without a word. It forces our brain to focus on others rather than oneself, away from overthinking, anxiety, and stress, to feel a sense of 'calm' in the moment. According to her, being surrounded by a group of people in public spaces such as gardens, shops, and public transport reconnects our brain to the real world around us. Most thoughts generated in our brains are repeats of our ongoing worries, hectic schedules, and self-judgment. When the mind shifts from internal chaos to external rhythm, it could be helpful for people prone to anxiety. Bhandekar added that when we see new faces, people from all walks of life move around, interacting with the environment, it sparks curiosity and lifts our mood. When we see people having a good time, it also fills our hearts with warmth, and we smile unknowingly. There can be multiple reasons that sour your mood. Often, one minor mishap, if not addressed promptly, can set off a chain reaction of negative events, ultimately derailing our entire day. The domino mindset is a term given to the profound impact that small setbacks can have on our overall well-being and productivity. According to counselling psychologist and mental health advocate, Sohini Rohra, there are many lines of treatment that a clinician or psychologist can use to address the domino mindset of overgeneralising, but a few steps that the individual can take to save themselves from emotional turmoil are as follows: *Try to make a list of evidence and facts to support the thoughts that are driving you to conclude the worst. *Are you being guided by feelings or evidence? *Make a list of evidence that might prove your conclusion to be false. *Make a list of the pros and cons of your way of thinking. *Is everyone around you in agreement with your conclusion *Try to step outside of yourself and see if you would come to the same conclusion if your loved one were in your shoes. *Learning to form individualised and situation-specific judgments rather than global judgments. *Recall specific events where you have succeeded in proving yourself otherwise. *Learning to set expectations that are not overly optimistic but, in fact, realistic.
Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Aamir Khan attributes son Junaid's grounded mindset to his upbringing: ‘Woh train se jaata hai, gaadi ki zaroorat mehsoos hi nahi karta'
Aamir Khan and his son Junaid share a special bond, expressing a sense of mutual respect and deep admiration for each other's behaviour and work ethic. In a recent episode of The New Indian podcast, the Sitaare Zameen Par actor revealed that his son Junaid, despite having completed two films, has never bought a car and continues to rely on public transportation. Sharing his admiration for Junaid's simplicity, Aamir said, 'Woh train se jaata hai, Ola book karta hai, gaadi ki zaroorat mehsoos hi nahi karta.' He even recounted how Junaid took a state transport bus to attend a wedding in Bengaluru instead of flying. 'He's a different kind of person,' he added. The 3 Idiots star also attributed this grounded mindset to Junaid's upbringing by him, as well as his former partners Kiran Rao and Reena Dutta, emphasising that none of them are materialistic by nature. 'Jaise aapke parents hote hain, waise hi aap hote ho,' he said, describing all three of his children as 'sensitive and well-behaved.' In an age where celebrity kids are often seen surrounded by luxury, Junaid's humble choices have surprised and impressed fans. Muskan Marwah, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, explained that children are naturally observant and learn by watching the behaviours of the adults around them, especially their parents. 'While verbal guidance is important, children tend to absorb more from actions than words. Parents who model positive behaviours, such as kindness, honesty, and perseverance, have a lasting impact on their child's character. These actions help children understand expectations and internalise these values as part of their own identity,' she said. Marwah linked this concept to Albert Bandura's theory of observational learning, which suggests that children learn not only from actions but also from emotional responses and attitudes they observe. Parents shape their child's emotional and moral development simply by how they live their daily lives. By demonstrating patience, respect, and responsibility, parents provide a living example of these values. When it comes to children born into privileged families, Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counselor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, shared that such kids benefit from engaging in everyday tasks, such as using public transportation or doing household chores. These experiences build resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. They also foster empathy, reduce entitlement, and prepare children to face real-life challenges with confidence. 'Just knowing they can handle basic tasks boosts their self-worth and independence. It also prevents functional helplessness and anxiety later in life. Regardless of gender, wealth, or background, everyone should learn life skills. It teaches humility, encourages equality, and shapes a grounded, emotionally intelligent adult who respects all forms of work and walks of life,' she further elaborated. In an age where excess often drowns empathy, children need conscious parenting more than ever. 'Teach them that worth isn't tied to wealth, and respect isn't selective. Let them participate in chores, face consequences, and witness you treating everyone with dignity. Encourage gratitude over greed, and a sense of feeling over flaunting. Emotional awareness and exposure to diverse realities build depth and compassion,' concluded Khangarot. Marwah further pointed out that the onus lies on parents to shape their children into grounded beings. Character traits such as empathy, resilience, and generosity are often taught not through words but through actions. Since children observe rather than listen, these behaviours become ingrained in their character, she believes.
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Aap mandir jao, club jao, dono taraf aapki burai karni hai logo ko': Kajol's golden advice to her kids on dealing with criticism
Kajol and her husband Ajay Devgn have been a part of the Bollywood film industry for many years now, and over the years have developed a thick skin against trolls and haters. However, like all parents, they too are vulnerable to any external onslaught or criticism against their children. During a recent episode of Sunday Brunch on Curly Tales, when host Kamiya Jani asked if she loses her cool over comments passed at her children, the Dilwale actor calmly replied: 'Of course you get angry, you get upset. But like I told Nysa (her daughter) also, you have to know what you are doing. I said, 'As long as you are comfortable, you have to understand that people will talk about you regardless of what you do.' 'Whether you do right or wrong, aap mandir jao, club jao, dono taraf aapki burai karni hai logo ko (Whether you go to a temple or club, people will speak ill of you). You can't take it so seriously that you worry about it or go mad over it,' added the Maa actor. But it's not always easy to shrug off criticism and find peace within. Rima Bhandekar, a psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, told that hearing or reading criticism can feel hurtful and linger for days in our minds. 'At times, criticism might seem unfair, harsh, or even impolite. But with a growth mindset, we can handle other people's points of view with elegance and good spirit, and use them as fodder to reinvent ourselves with time,' she said. 'When we hear loud, public criticism about our abilities, instead of shutting down or fighting back, people with a growth mindset take it in like data, and calmly decide to improve where it matters. Growth mindset is like rewriting the script mid-scene, taking the plot to a new direction with more depth. It's the difference between collapsing under pressure and rising through an unpleasant experience,' Bhandekar explained. She suggested a 3-step process to stand tall against external and unwarranted criticism: When you receive criticism, try to look at it from a third-person perspective first—'How would a positive influence in my life, someone who is a successful and calm person, treat this criticism?' Then, focus on the useful and actionable parts of the criticism point, trying to separate the tone from the message. Hearing words that show you in a negative light can cause strong reactions such as anger, shame, frustration, or a feeling of worthlessness. In such times, it is very important to take a moment to mentally pause before reacting. A few deep breaths, talking to someone wise in your circle, writing down answers to self-reflective questions, or taking a quick walk can help you avoid overthinking the criticism. Respond to disapproval with gratitude and humility. If you can thank the person for their feedback, it will signal that you are open to learning. Use the critical message as an opportunity to prove yourself to others. Don't let negativity change you from working towards your bigger dreams. If you are told off for not meeting expectations, talk to expert people about how you can advance over time. According to Bhandekar, it always helps to get a fresh perspective from others to process through the emotions attached to criticism. Recognize that everyone can have an opinion about you, whether you like it or not, and think about yourself through a lens of kindness to avoid excessive self-judgment.
