PsychoEducation

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/mysterious-happiness-crisis-among-young-people-what-is-really-going-on-101742740402726.html

Mysterious happiness crisis among young people: What is really going on? Why are young adults so unhappy? A new research reveals the reason behind this shocking trend that is changing what we know about happiness.

Sociopath vs Psychopath: What's the Difference?

You may have heard people call someone else a "psychopath" or a "sociopath." But what do those words really mean?

Most experts believe psychopaths and sociopaths share a similar set of traits. People like this have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. They also can't seem to understand or share another person's feelings. But there are some differences, too.

*A key difference between a psychopath and a sociopath is whether he has a _conscience,_ the little voice inside that lets us know when we're doing something wrong*

A psychopath doesn't have a conscience. If he lies to you so he can steal your money, he won't feel any moral qualms, though he may pretend to.

A sociopath typically has a conscience, but it's weak. They may know that taking your money is wrong, and they might feel some guilt or remorse, but that won't stop their behavior.

Both lack empathy, the ability to stand in someone else's shoes and understand how they feel. But a psychopath has less regard for others.

They're Not Always Violent - In movies and TV shows, psychopaths and sociopaths are usually the villains who kill or torture innocent people. In real life, some people with antisocial personality disorder can be violent, but most are not. Instead they use manipulation and reckless behavior to get what they want.

*Brain Differences:-* when most people see blood or violence in a movie, their hearts beat faster, their breathing quickens, and their palms get sweaty.

A psychopath has the opposite reaction. He gets calmer.

They don't fear the consequences of their actions.

Source :

Sociopath vs Psychopath: What's the Difference? People like this have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. They also can't seem to understand or share another person's feelings.

https://markmanson.net/why-the-best-things-in-life-are-all-backwards

Why the Best Things in Life Are All Backwards Trying too hard to get what you want in life—like love, respect, and happiness—often has the opposite effect: you end up lonely, dejected, and miserable. Here's why.

Timeline in Covid infection

From FB wall of Dr. Ruchi Shah, Associate Professor Psychiatry, PGI, Chandigarh

*Why should I go to a psychiatrist? I am not Mad*

It’s natural to have this thought when a physician refers you to a mental health professional. More so given the stigma attached to psychiatric disorders. Let me tell you what exactly a psychiatrist does and bust a few myths and cliches 💥 surrounding psychiatrists and psychological symptoms / disorders

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry / mental health after graduating in medicine. They have been trained in general medicine like all other medical doctors. During their postgraduate training, they learn the skills to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders.

A reasonably trained psychiatrist will take into account the cross influence of psychological and social factors as well as other medical illnesses (say, hypertension, diabetes) with the psychological symptoms.

Many psychiatrists work on a biopsychosocial model and not strictly the medical model of illness. Simply put, they consider the symptoms to be in the context of biological, psychological (say, temperament, coping) and social (support, stressors) factors and draw up management plans accordingly. They may work in sync with other agencies for this.

*Let’s bust the myths!*

- [ ] An appointment with a psychiatrist means I am Mad? The answer is simply No. There are several forms of psychiatric disorders, the most common being depressive and anxiety disorders. The symptoms range from emotional (feeling sad, irritable, nervous, etc.) thinking-related (worrying, feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless) behavioral (anger outbursts, avoiding people and situations) and even physical (eg headaches, racing of the heart). It is quite common to present with mainly physical symptoms when you are stressed or overwhelmed. Also stress can worsen pre-existing medical disorders (I am going to elaborate on this in my next post)

- [ ] A psychiatrist can read minds! That’s not exactly true. When you visit a psychiatrist, they take into account several cues and pointers from history and examination. They infer from what you tell, from your expressions, body language, past medical records, treatment history. They might ask mire specific questions regarding the presenting problems and your state of mental health. (I will elaborate on the actual process of psychiatric assessment in another post)

- [ ] A psychiatrist will make judgements- Psychiatrists try their best to be non-judgemental and learn to keep a check on their own value systems when serving their patients. They do not make moral judgements, they try to put themselves in their patient’s shoes - basically understand the difficulties in the patient’s life context and value systems

- [ ] I have to go to a psychiatrist only if I need meds/ A psychiatrist is basically the one who will prescribe the drug - Again, that’s not true. Based on the assessment, the psychiatrist will be able to reach to the diagnosis or diagnostic possibilities. They will offer the best known alternatives to treat. This can be medications, counselling or therapies or a combination of the two. Several psychiatrists embed psychotherapeutic principles in their day to day practice.

- [ ] Going to a psychiatrist means I am damaged. A big No to that as well. Going to a psychiatrist is just like visiting a physician, it’s to attend to our mental health (after all, our brain is very much a part of our body!). There is a lot of internal stigma as well. If we have high blood pressure or high sugars, it’s simply something wrong with our bodies, but if we have high levels of stress and irritability, it’s simply something wrong with Ourselves!! We are the ones not able to cope. Right? No, it’s wrong. Severe and persistent levels of anxiety, sadness, irritability might be signs of an anxiety or depressive disorder, and not a sign of personal weakness. So, it’s fine and rather quite legitimate to seek professional help.