Latest news with #CognitiveBehaviouralTherapy
The Hindu
23 minutes ago
- Health
- The Hindu
JSS Hospital launches Special Clinic in Mysuru to address digital addiction
The JSS Medical College and Hospital in the city has launched a Special Clinic to help people struggling with mobile and other behavioural addictions. The Special Clinic, established in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics and the Department of Psychiatry, was inaugurated on Friday. H. Basavanna Gowdappa, vice-chancellor of the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (AHER), who inaugurated the Special Clinic, expressed concerns about mobile and digital addiction, and said that it affects children as well as adults. Citing research studies, he said that about 13.5% to 22% of children, adolescents, and college students were found to be engaging in high-risk digital behaviour. The present generation seems to be growing up with a mobile in one hand, and there are hardly any exchange of ideas in public places like airport, etc., as people tend to be hooked onto their mobiles or laptops, said Mr. Basavanna Gowdappa. Though meant for communication and easiness of a particular job, digital gadgets are being misused, he added, and underlined the negative effects of the same. C.P. Madhu, director, JSS Hospital, said that people addicted to digital gadgets suffer from sleeplessness, anxiety, lack of concentration, and tend to be affected psychologically. The new facility will help address issues related to digital addiction, and will function from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., she added. Explaining the genesis of the new facility, JSS AHER said in a release that behavioural addictions like mobile, internet, technology, gaming, etc., were on the rise in the digital age. and hence, the Department of Clinical Psychology, JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics and Department of Psychiatry, took the initiative of launching a 'Special Clinic for Behavioural Addictions and Digital Wellbeing'. JSS AHER said that mobile, technology, and the internet has become an integral part of people's lives and cases of cyber-psychological harms such as body shaming, online deception, and digital harassment were also on the rise. This has been identified by leading institutions like NIMHANS as major contributors to youth anxiety, depression, and identity disturbances. Besides, it has also led to occupational issues among adults reducing their performances, resulting in serious mental health problems, according to JSS AHER. It said that studies have shown that most of the behavioural addictions in children, such as increased screen time, mobile addiction, online gaming addiction, etc., can be alleviated with evidence-based psychological interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The clinic will not only provide direct clinical services, but also act as a centre for academic research, training and awareness raising, said the JSS AHER in its release.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Rachel Riley says she'd rather do this extreme thing than Strictly again
Rachel Riley has stated she would rather swim with great white sharks than compete on Strictly Come Dancing for a second time. The TV star recently participated in ITV's Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, which involved swimming with sharks in the Bahamas. Riley, who was a contestant on the 2013 series of Strictly, found the pressure from the judges and viewers more terrifying than facing sharks. She previously disclosed that her experience on Strictly Come Dancing led to post-traumatic stress disorder, for which she received cognitive behavioural therapy. Despite the challenging experience, Riley acknowledged that meeting her now-husband, professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, was the positive outcome of her time on the show.
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
10 Tips To Help You Overcome Social Anxiety At Work
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that causes intense fear or discomfort in social situations, often stemming from the fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated by others. In the workplace, this can seriously impact performance, communication, and growth. People with social anxiety may avoid meetings, struggle with presentations, or hesitate to express opinions, even if they have valuable input. Over time, it can lead to missed opportunities and lower confidence. However, with the right strategies and a gradual approach, it's possible to manage and reduce social anxiety, making professional environments more comfortable and productive. Keep reading as we share tips to help you overcome social anxiety at work. 10 Tips to help you overcome social anxiety at work 1. Start with small interactions Begin by initiating short conversations with coworkers like greeting someone in the morning or commenting on the weather. These low-pressure interactions can gradually build your comfort level in social settings. 2. Prepare in advance Before meetings or presentations, rehearse what you want to say. This reduces uncertainty, which is a key trigger for anxiety. You can jot down bullet points or practice in front of a mirror to boost your confidence. 3. Challenge negative thoughts Pay attention to self-critical thoughts like "Everyone will think I'm stupid." Replace them with realistic ones like "Everyone gets nervous sometimes." Cognitive reframing can reduce the emotional charge behind social fear. 4. Focus on the work, not perfection Shift your attention from how you're being perceived to what you're trying to communicate or achieve. Doing your job well is more important than seeming flawless. 5. Practice deep breathing If you feel anxious before a meeting or conversation, practice slow, deep breathing to calm your nervous system. This simple tool helps reduce physical symptoms like a racing heart or shaky voice. 6. Use body language wisely Maintain open posture, eye contact, and a slight smile even if you're nervous. Confident body language can influence how others respond to you and even help you feel more self-assured. 7. Set realistic goals Instead of expecting to suddenly become outgoing, aim for small wins like contributing one idea during a team meeting. Over time, these add up and help reshape your self-image. 8. Seek support or mentorship Confiding in a trusted colleague or mentor can offer encouragement and practical advice. Sometimes just knowing someone understands your struggle can ease anxiety. 9. Limit caffeine and sugar High doses of caffeine or sugar can mimic and worsen anxiety symptoms. Staying hydrated and choosing calming herbal teas or balanced meals can help stabilise your mood. 10. Consider professional help if needed If social anxiety is severely affecting your work life, therapy especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be very effective. Online therapy or workshops focused on workplace anxiety can also offer structured support. Managing social anxiety is a process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate progress, no matter how small. With consistent effort, workspaces can become less intimidating and more empowering. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
CNA
6 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Can exercise really ease anxiety and depression? Science says it's more powerful than you think
When it comes to mental health, most treatments for conditions like depression or anxiety come with caveats. Medications work for some symptoms, but can exacerbate others. Cognitive behavioural therapy is effective for many patients, but not all. But there's one strategy that seems to work for most people and almost all experts endorse, and that's regular exercise. Decades of research have established that exercise has a positive effect on mental health. In studies of patients with mild to moderate depression, for example, a wide range of exercise regimens has been shown to be as effective as medications like SSRIs (though the best results generally involve a combination of the two). Moving regularly can improve slee p and reduce stress. While there's good evidence for the mental health benefits of exercising for about 45 minutes, three to five times per week, even just a few minutes of walking around the block can have positive effects. 'Is this walk going to do anything?' said Jennifer Heisz, an associate professor at McMaster University in Canada and the author of Move The Body, Heal The Mind. 'Yes! The answer is yes. It'll do way more than you think.' WHY IS EXERCISE GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH? It's hard to find a brain process that doesn't improve with regular movement. Exercise boosts blood flow, decreases inflammation and improves brain plasticity. It also triggers the release of many mood-boosting chemicals, including beta-endorphins and cannabinoids (which both play a role in the 'runner's high' feeling), norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. More recent science has found that, consistent exercise can change the underlying structure of some brain regions. 'You're increasing actually the birth of new neurons within the brain,' said Mazen Kheirbek, a psychiatry professor at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. By creating new brain cells, exercise 'changes, over many days, how your brain functions.' Adults typically don't generate many new neurons, and it only happens in a few places, namely in the hippocampus, which is tied to mood and memory. People suffering for long periods from depression or stress tend to have smaller hippocampi than others, with fewer new neurons and less plasticity. According to research on both humans and lab animals, there's essentially a reverse effect – more neurons and a greater ability to adapt – after regular exercise, Dr Kheirbek said. This is especially clear in people with more severe anxiety or depression, who generally see larger improvements over time. ARE CERTAIN WORKOUTS MORE BENEFICIAL THAN OTHERS? Scientists haven't yet determined whether, say, running is better than weight lifting for improving mental health. For one thing, a lot of exercise studies are performed on animals, and it's much easier to get a mouse to run in a wheel than lift weights, said Brett R Gordon, a postdoctoral fellow at the Penn State Cancer Institute. It is also hard to compare different kinds of exercise because the effects can be different for different people, and participants bring their own biases about exercise to a study. Someone who already enjoys running may be more likely to experience a mood lift after other forms of cardio. However, there is some evidence suggesting that activities like yoga or tai chi are better for relieving symptoms of anxiety than, say, boxing or basketball. This may be because these fluid, low-intensity workouts often employ meditative or mindful techniques that have repeatedly proven beneficial for mental health. 'The mind-body connection, it can be present in all forms of exercise, but it's reinforced very much in yoga and tai chi,' Dr Heisz said. More intense exercise – almost by definition – increases stress levels. Some of Dr Heisz's research suggests that people who report more symptoms of anxiety tend to see fewer mental health benefits from intense workouts in the short term than those with little or no anxiety. But several experts, including Dr Heisz, pointed out that over time, regular intense exercise can still have significant benefits to people with anxiety, if they stick with it and listen to their bodies. In fact, a large 2023 review suggested that HIIT workouts can be more effective at alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms than lower intensity workouts. But none of this matters if a patient doesn't feel motivated to do it, said A'Naja Newsome, a physical activity researcher at the University of Central Florida. With depression in particular, she said, it can be difficult to get started, or to enjoy it. 'When you think about someone who is experiencing depressive symptoms, it's often lack of interest, lack of energy, lack of mood,' she said. She stressed the importance of beginning with easier, lower impact activities and having an exercise community or workout buddy to keep you going. And if you're just starting out, a daily walk might be more sustainable than an intense workout. 'While I'm a huge proponent of resistance training and aerobic exercise,' she said, 'if someone doesn't like it, they don't enjoy it, they're not going to do it.'
India Today
22-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
What happens to your brain during a migraine and how to manage it?
A throbbing, pounding pain on one side of the head can stop anyone in their tracks. It's not just a headache - it drains your energy, affects your work, and makes you extra sensitive to lights, sounds, and even is a migraine – a condition that continues to puzzle doctors and IS A MIGRAINE? A migraine is a neurological (brain-related) condition that causes severe headache, often on one side of the can last for hours or even days. According to Dr. Bhaskar Shukla, Consultant Neurologist at PSRI Hospital, 'A migraine affects the brain's normal functioning. It involves changes in nerve signals, brain chemicals, and blood flow.'During a migraine, the brain experiences something called 'cortical spreading depression' – a wave of unusual electrical activity that spreads across the brain and then slows can trigger pain and inflammation in the blood vessels, causing that strong, throbbing SYMPTOMS OF A MIGRAINEThrobbing or pulsating pain (usually on one side)Sensitivity to light, sound, or smellsNausea or vomitingDizziness or fatigueVisual changes (called "aura") such as flashes of light or blind spotsWHAT CAUSES IT?The exact cause of migraines is still unclear, but several factors can increase the risk, including low serotonin levels in the brain, hormonal changes, especially in women during menstruation or menopause, stress and poor sleep, and food triggers like processed meats, cheese, chocolate, and Shukla explains that in people with aura (visual or sensory disturbances before the headache), these brain changes are more may also be connected to mood disorders and seizures, as all involve similar brain activity, says Dr. Anurag Saxena, Neurosurgery Head at Manipal Hospital, IN THE BRAINRecent research shows that migraines could lead to or be linked with changes in brain structure:Volume loss: Some brain areas, like the left basal forebrain and optic chiasm, may be smaller in migraine matter damage: White matter, which helps different brain areas communicate, may have small damaged flow changes: Blood volume and circulation in the brain may also change during a TO MANAGE A MIGRAINE?Migraines can't be cured, but they can be managed and prevented with the right regular sleep and drink plenty of waterAvoid known triggers (foods, smells, stress)Exercise and relax with meditation or yogaConsider preventive medications (as prescribed by a doctor)Treatment:Over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs)Triptans (special migraine medications)Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practicesIf you suffer from frequent migraines, consult a neurologist. Understanding your triggers and treatment options can help you take control of the are a real neurological issue that affects brain function, daily life, and overall health. With the right mix of medical care and lifestyle habits, migraines can be managed effectively.- Ends
