Dealing with mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic

Dealing with mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic

/in , , /by

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and a life-changing event for everyone. Apart from loss of human lives in millions it also drastically changed people’s lifestyles. The pandemic brought about quarantine or isolation for people infected by the virus, posing a direct challenge to their mental health. Moreover, the worldwide lockdown following the outbreak triggered an economic turmoil with millions losing their jobs, businesses, and income sources weakening their financial positions. Read more

Minority stress: A key stressor behind increased mental disorders among LGBT people

Minority stress: A key stressor behind increased mental disorders among LGBT people

/in /by

“I can’t let anyone find out that I’m not straight. It would be so humiliating. My friends would hate me; I just know it. They might even want to beat me up. … I guess I’m no good to anyone . . . not even God. Life is so cruel and unfair. Sometimes I feel like disappearing from the face of this earth.” – Excerpts from the diary of 16-year-old Bobby Griffith scribbled by him two weeks before committing suicide. Read more

How unfavorable environment spikes stress of LGBT people

How unfavorable environment spikes stress of LGBT people

/in /by

“I can’t let anyone find out that I’m not straight. It would be so humiliating. My friends would hate me; I just know it. They might even want to beat me up. I guess I’m no good to anyone . . . not even God. Life is so cruel and unfair. Sometimes I feel like disappearing from the face of this earth.”

The above heart-rending lines scribbled by 16-year-old Bobby Griffith in his diary bring forth the less-discussed aspects of homosexuality. It not only pushes a person into an abyss, but also steadily isolates him or her from loved ones. Upon realizing his sexual preference, Bobby Griffith attempted to acknowledge himself and discover some solace amidst his family and community in California. But to his horror, his family, fraternity, religion and friends found his sexual preferences abhorrent and bizarre. Read more

Early exposure to stress triggers mental disorders

Early exposure to stress triggers mental disorders

/in , , /by

Besides the early establishment of a connection between stress and ulcers, blood pressure, etc., it has become evident lately that the neurological impact of stress is greater on the developing brains of children. Read more

Coming to America: Mental perils of Afghan refugees

Coming to America: Mental perils of Afghan refugees

/in , , , , , , /by

Life in the United States has proved to be a constant struggle for Afghan refugees after being awarded Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). The SIV is awarded to people for services rendered to the coalition forces in the war. But when these refugees discover that their credentials do not count in the U.S. and they must start over, these well-qualified people often feel lost.

With many of these people being doctors, engineers and translators in their homelands, starting a new life in an unfamiliar territory in bug-infested apartments with minimum-wage jobs and lack of understanding of U.S. culture is taking a toll on their mental health. They are now dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other health problems. Read more