Stool Reducing Substance Tips

Weight - Tips To Reduce It!

Post Graduate Certficate in Ksharsutra & Ano-Rectal Diseases, BAMS, IMA Ayush , Vaidratnam kerala
General Physician, Gurgaon
Weight - Tips To Reduce It!

Struggling with extra weight and flab? Well, we are here to help! Remember to take it slow and easy with your weight loss journey so that the effects are more lasting. Reducing weight in a month is a matter of making the best use of dietary tweaks and a work out regimen. 

Here are a few tips to lose weight in a month. Set a realistic goal of about 5 to 6 kgs in a month and get set go!

  1. Food Diary: What you eat is the first thing that affects how smooth and effective your weight loss journey is. Remember to take stock of what you are eating in a day. Maintain a food diary for at least a week and take a look at it at the end of the week to realize where you may be going wrong. Remember to report even a bite of a snack or that piece of chocolate you took! You will be surprised with your findings. 
  2. Diet Alterations: Get your diet under control by dividing it up into five or six small meals. Include vegetables, fruit, grains, water and some amount of dairy. Try to eliminate meat and sugar from your diet for a month. Also, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or other grains like quinoa. Have oats for fibre and remember to drink plenty of green tea and water. 
  3. Dietary Additives: Adding ingredients like almonds, prunes, blue berries, and even chia seeds will do wonders for your overall diet plan. When you are in the mood for a snack, reach out for these fat burning substances that will get your metabolism to work overtime. 
  4. Mental Hunger: Do a quick check every time you get hungry out of turn. If it is not your meal time, there may be chances that you are suffering from emotional or mental hunger, which usually passes in a few minutes once you down a glass of water and distract yourself with an enjoyable activity and deep breaths. 
  5. Exercise: This is one aspect that many people ignore. Work out everyday to support your diet and weight loss journey. Have coffee an hour before your workout session for quick fat burning. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a general physician.
3317 people found this helpful

Can Breastfeeding Reduce The Risk Of Its Cancer?

Dr. Neha Patel 88% (40 ratings)
MBBS, MD Radiation Oncology
Oncologist, Surat
Can Breastfeeding Reduce The Risk Of Its Cancer?

Women love the fact that breastfeeding can safeguard them from general illnesses such as cold and fever. However, there is a bigger pie to cheer about. Apparently, it has been found that breastfeeding can lower the risk of breast cancer as well. Not to forget, breastfeeding is extremely crucial for a baby. It can help him/her to increase immunity and stay away from major diseases.

Facts from major studies:

  1. A study published in the Lancet, 2002 showed that women who breastfeed for 12 months at a stretch can reduce the chances of breast cancer by a good 4.3 percent compared to the ones who did not breastfeed. The study was performed on over 1,50,000 women and brought enough substance to the theory.
  2. A study conducted on 60,000 women and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that a woman who has a family history of breast cancer can mitigate the risk of breast cancer if she breastfed before her menopause.
  3. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that women from African ancestry often develop an acute form of cancer known as the estrogen receptor-negative and triple-negative. Breastfeeding can significantly hedge the risk of developing this form of breast cancer.
  4. A collaborative study published in Annals of Oncology, a famous journal, reported that the chances of developing hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer can be negated by 20 percent if a woman breastfed before her menopause.

How does breastfeeding reduce the risk of cancer?
Some researches suggest that women who breastfeed get fewer menstrual cycle compared to the ones who do not. This means low exposure to estrogen for breastfeeding women. It is common knowledge that estrogen can fuel breast cancer. There is a second theory that suggests that breastfeeding makes the cells of the breasts more resistive to mutation. Therefore, the breast can block cancer.
There is the other factor of lifestyle changes. Women tend to do away with drinking, smoking, eating junk food, and leading an undisciplined life. Once these are given up and replaced with healthy lifestyle practices, the chances of breast cancer automatically come down.

How long should one breastfeed to refrain from breast cancer?
There is no concrete answer to this question. Most studies show that longer the duration of breastfeeding, lower the chances of breast cancer. But, in general, a year of breastfeeding is a safe number and can reduce the chance of breast cancer by almost 20 percent, as revealed by many studies. If, however, a woman fails to breastfeed, there is no need to stress. A healthy lifestyle can go a long way in surviving breast cancer.

1033 people found this helpful

Skin Itching - How To Reduce It?

 Evolve Esthetique Clinics 87% (23 ratings)
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon, Lucknow
Skin Itching - How To Reduce It?

Skin irritants are everywhere. Even in your house, there is practically no place where there are no skin irritants. Laundry detergents, air fresheners and floor polishes are just a few factors that cause skin itching. The reason why this happens is because products like air fresheners and floor polishes take away essential oils and water from the skin which leads to dryness and irritation. This type of dry, itchy skin can also progress to skin conditions like eczema.

Here are some ways you can stop your skin from becoming dry and itchy:

1. Wear gloves
The ideal thing to do w
ould be to wear soft, thin cotton gloves and only wear rubber gloves on top of that. Do not touch a bucket or sponge without it. Even if you cannot wear soft, thin cotton gloves underneath, at least wear the rubber gloves as this protects your hands from irritants. 

2. Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly has been proven to reduce the chances of dry, itchy skin because it contains only one ingredient. This one-ingredient formula is especially great when it is applied to sensitive skin. The reason why one ingredient is better than a moisturizer with many chemicals is because a one ingredient formula is gentler and therefore creates a protective barrier against irritants.

3. Oatmeal baths
For this kind of treatment, grind oatmeal in a blender and then sprinkle it in your bath water. Oatmeal has an anti-inflammatory substance known as avenanthramides which decreases itching and redness of the skin.

4. Cleanliness 
This is perhaps the most important tip which can be given. If you do not regularly clean your floors or wash your bed sheets in hot water than you are at a high risk of getting mites and these are one of the most common irritants of your skin.

5. Rinse after swimming
Chlorine is one of the principal causes of itchiness in your skin. It is absolutely essential that once you have finished swimming you rinse your body with water and a little soap. Even more importantly, use a moisturizer with glycerin in it, as this will keep the moisture trapped inside. Glycerin is particularly good at holding on to moisture.

3321 people found this helpful

Itching Of The Skin - How To Reduce It?

Dr. Deepti Shrivastava 90% (694 ratings)
PG Dip Dermatology (London), Fellow Aesthetic Medicine (Germany) , D.M.C.H, MBBS
Dermatologist, Delhi
Itching Of The Skin - How To Reduce It?

Skin irritants are everywhere. Even in your house, there is practically no place where there are no skin irritants. Laundry detergents, air fresheners and floor polishes are just a few factors that cause skin itching. The reason why this happens is because products like air fresheners and floor polishes take away essential oils and water from the skin which leads to dryness and irritation. This type of dry, itchy skin can also progress to skin conditions like eczema.

Here are some ways you can stop your skin from becoming dry and itchy:

1.        Wear gloves
The ideal thing to do would be to wear soft, thin cotton gloves and only wear rubber gloves on top of that. Do not touch a bucket or sponge without it. Even if you cannot wear soft, thin cotton gloves underneath, at least wear the rubber gloves as this protects your hands from irritants. 

2.        Rinse after swimming
Chlorine is one of the principal causes of itchiness in your skin. It is absolutely essential that once you have finished swimming you rinse your body with water and a little soap. Even more importantly, use a moisturizer with glycerin in it, as this will keep the moisture trapped inside. Glycerin is particularly good at holding on to moisture.

3.        Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly has been proven to reduce the chances of dry, itchy skin because it contains only one ingredient. This one-ingredient formula is especially great when it is applied to sensitive skin. The reason why one ingredient is better than a moisturizer with many chemicals is because a one ingredient formula is gentler and therefore creates a protective barrier against irritants.

4.       Oatmeal baths
For this kind of treatment, grind oatmeal in a blender and then sprinkle it in your bath water. Oatmeal has an anti-inflammatory substance known as avenanthramides which decreases itching and redness of the skin.

5.       Cleanliness 
This is perhaps the most important tip which can be given. If you do not regularly clean your floors or wash your bed sheets in hot water than you are at a high risk of getting mites and these are one of the most common irritants of your skin.

5589 people found this helpful

Skin Itching - How To Reduce It?

Dr. Nimesh D Mehta 94% (187 ratings)
MD, D.V.D, MBBS
Dermatologist, Mumbai
Skin Itching - How To Reduce It?

Skin irritants are everywhere. Even in your house, there is practically no place where there are no skin irritants. Laundry detergents, air fresheners and floor polishes are just a few factors that cause skin itching. The reason why this happens is because products like air fresheners and floor polishes take away essential oils and water from the skin which leads to dryness and irritation. This type of dry, itchy skin can also progress to skin conditions like eczema.

Here are some ways you can stop your skin from becoming dry and itchy:

1.        Wear gloves
The ideal thing to do would be to wear soft, thin cotton gloves and only wear rubber gloves on top of that. Do not touch a bucket or sponge without it. Even if you cannot wear soft, thin cotton gloves underneath, at least wear the rubber gloves as this protects your hands from irritants. 

2.        Rinse after swimming
Chlorine is one of the principal causes of itchiness in your skin. It is absolutely essential that once you have finished swimming you rinse your body with water and a little soap. Even more importantly, use a moisturizer with glycerin in it, as this will keep the moisture trapped inside. Glycerin is particularly good at holding on to moisture.

3.        Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly has been proven to reduce the chances of dry, itchy skin because it contains only one ingredient. This one-ingredient formula is especially great when it is applied to sensitive skin. The reason why one ingredient is better than a moisturizer with many chemicals is because a one ingredient formula is gentler and therefore creates a protective barrier against irritants.

4.        Oatmeal baths
For this kind of treatment, grind oatmeal in a blender and then sprinkle it in your bath water. Oatmeal has an anti-inflammatory substance known as avenanthramides which decreases itching and redness of the skin.

5.        Cleanliness 
This is perhaps the most important tip which can be given. If you do not regularly clean your floors or wash your bed sheets in hot water than you are at a high risk of getting mites and these are one of the most common irritants of your skin.

2743 people found this helpful

Ways to Reduce Teeth Sensitivity

Dr. Vaibhav Garg 90% (50 ratings)
MDS, BDS
Dentist, Ghaziabad
Ways to Reduce Teeth Sensitivity

The tooth is made of 3 layers, each with unique characteristics and specific function, the enamel, dentin, and pulp. The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and gives the tooth it's hard and lustrous appearance. The enamel is thicker on the crown than the root and is the first one to be affected by tooth decay. The only symptom when the enamel is decayed is food lodgment and discoloration.

The dentin is the next layer, which is composed of minute fine tubules leading from the enamel to the living portion of the tooth, which is the pulp. Once decay progresses from the enamel, the dentin is affected, and this leads to sensitivity in the teeth. When the root portion is exposed to the oral environment, because the root is covered by a more delicate substance called cementum, more severe dental sensitivity ensues.

There is a sharp, shooting discomfort through the tooth to specific foods, such as sweet, acidic, or hot or cold foods.  The main reasons for tooth sensitivity include:

However, there are some simple ways to manage sensitivity, which can be done regularly at home.

  1. Toothpaste made for sensitive teeth: Potassium nitrate has been shown to block the tubules and has been included as an active ingredient in toothpastes. These are very effective, and if you are brushing twice, this can be used instead of the regular paste once.
  2. Brushing: Both the type of toothbrush and the brushing technique can have an impact on sensitivity.  Change to softer brushes and learn the ideal way to brush your teeth. A lot of times, rough brushing can lead to erosion and subsequent sensitivity
  3. Rinsing: Fluoride containing rinses have been proven to reduce sensitivity 
  4. Food habits: Even before sensitivity sets in, being cautious to avoid acidic fruits and juices can help prolong the onset of sensitivity. If possible, consuming these food stuffs should be followed by brushing or at the least a thorough rinsing
  5. Sealants: If a person is prone to caries (deep pits and fissures, for instance), then it is advisable to get sealants applied on the teeth. This can reduce the instance of wearing of the enamel which then leads to sensitivity
  6. Mouth guard: If you are a night grinder, then a mouth guard can help curtail this habit and thereby reduce sensitivity.

There you go with how to reduce sensitivity. Try these simple, easy measures and go on to enjoy the sweets or hot or cold foods that you have always craved for.

3251 people found this helpful

Tips to Reduce Weight in a Month

Dr. Abhishek Goyal 94% (897 ratings)
MBBS, DNB, Diploma Dyslipidemia, CCEBDM, CCMTD, Diploma Endocrinology, Cleveland Clinic Advanced Certificate Course In Diabetes, PGCDM (Practical Guidance on Comprehensive Diabetes Management)
General Physician, Gurgaon
Tips to Reduce Weight in a Month

Struggling with extra weight and flab? Well, we are here to help! Remember to take it slow and easy with your weight loss journey so that the effects are more lasting. Reducing weight in a month is a matter of making the best use of dietary tweaks and a work out regimen. 

Here are a few tips to lose weight in a month. Set a realistic goal of about 5 to 6 kgs in a month and get set go!

  1. Food Diary: What you eat is the first thing that affects how smooth and effective your weight loss journey is. Remember to take stock of what you are eating in a day. Maintain a food diary for at least a week and take a look at it at the end of the week to realize where you may be going wrong. Remember to report even a bite of a snack or that piece of chocolate you took! You will be surprised with your findings. 
  2. Diet Alterations: Get your diet under control by dividing it up into five or six small meals. Include vegetables, fruit, grains, water and some amount of dairy. Try to eliminate meat and sugar from your diet for a month. Also, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or other grains like quinoa. Have oats for fibre and remember to drink plenty of green tea and water. 
  3. Dietary Additives: Adding ingredients like almonds, prunes, blue berries, and even chia seeds will do wonders for your overall diet plan. When you are in the mood for a snack, reach out for these fat burning substances that will get your metabolism to work overtime. 
  4. Mental Hunger: Do a quick check every time you get hungry out of turn. If it is not your meal time, there may be chances that you are suffering from emotional or mental hunger, which usually passes in a few minutes once you down a glass of water and distract yourself with an enjoyable activity and deep breaths. 
  5. Exercise: This is one aspect that many people ignore. Work out everyday to support your diet and weight loss journey. Have coffee an hour before your workout session for quick fat burning. 

Updates From Lybrate: We hope this information was helpful to you. Moreover, you can also check out these weight loss products from Lybrate to support your weight loss journey. 

4850 people found this helpful

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Dr. Manoj Yadav 93% (113 ratings)
DM - Gastroenterology, MD Medicine, MBBS
Gastroenterologist, Rewari
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal cancer?

A type of cancer that develops in the cells of the colon or rectum is called colorectal cancer, commonly referred to as colon cancer.

Types of Colorectal cancer

The two main types of colorectal cancer are:

  • Adenocarcinoma: Around 95% of instances of colorectal cancer are of this kind, making it the most prevalent.If untreated, it can spread to other organs and starts in the cells that line the colon or rectum.
  • Sarcoma: This is a less common type of colorectal cancer that begins in the muscle or connective tissue of the colon or rectum. It is usually more aggressive than adenocarcinoma and typically requires more aggressive treatments.

What are the signs and symptoms of Colorectal cancer?

  • Changes in bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stools, are the most typical sign of colon cancer.
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool may also be an early sign and should be reported to a doctor.
  • Abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue are other symptoms of colorectal cancer that may occur in advanced stages of the disease.
  • Unexplained anaemia (low red blood cell count) can also be a sign and is often found during routine blood work.

What are possible complications of Colorectal cancer?

  • Metastasis: The liver, lymph nodes, and lungs are just a few of the body organs where colorectal cancer can metastasize. Metastasis is the term for this process, which is a significant problem that can be challenging to cure.
  • Bowel Obstruction: Tumours growing in the colon or rectum can cause a complete or partial blockage of the intestines. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
  • Perforation: Tumours in the colon or rectum can sometimes grow large enough to punch through the wall of the intestine, leading to a hole or tear in the intestine called a perforation. This can cause infection and inflammation of the abdominal cavity and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Fistula Formation: Some colorectal tumours can grow into nearby organs or tissue, forming an abnormal connection called a fistula that can cause drainage from the anus or other parts of the body.
  • Anaemia: Colorectal cancer can cause anaemia due to chronic blood loss from tumours in the digestive tract or due to chemotherapy treatments used to treat colorectal cancer. Due to low quantities of red blood cells in the body, anaemia results in weakness, pale skin, and exhaustion.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, as well as reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment.
  • Dietary modifications: Consuming large amounts of red and processed meats may increase the risk of colon cancer, whereas eating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower that risk.
  • Probiotics: Taking probiotic supplements may help to prevent colorectal cancer by promoting healthy bacteria in the gut and reducing inflammation in the colon.
  • Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so increasing intake of vitamin D-rich foods or taking a supplement may be beneficial.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so avoiding smoking or quitting if possible is recommended.
  • Limit alcohol intake: Consuming more than two alcoholic beverages per day has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so limiting intake is recommended for prevention and recovery from this disease.
  • Turmeric: Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the colon and lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed oil may help reduce inflammation in the colon and lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
  • Green tea: Compounds found in green tea have been shown to inhibit tumour growth and reduce inflammation in the colon, making it a possible natural remedy for preventing colorectal cancer development or recurrence after treatment.
  • Garlic: Garlic contains compounds with anti-cancer properties that may help inhibit tumour growth and reduce inflammation in the colon, making it a possible natural remedy for preventing colorectal cancer development or recurrence after treatment
  • Abhyanga: Abhyanga is an ayurvedic massage therapy that helps to improve circulation of blood throughout the body and also helps to reduce stress levels. It can relax the mind and body, improve immunity and reduce inflammation.
  • Ayurvedic medicines: There are several ayurvedic medicines available that can help in treating colorectal cancer such as Triphala (an herbal mixture), Amalaki Rasayana (a tonic for rejuvenation) and Kaishore Guggulu (an ayurvedic formulation).
  • Yoga and meditation: Yoga postures such as Trikonasana (triangle pose) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (half spinal twist pose) can be helpful in reducing stress levels which may help to fight cancer cells in the body. Meditation has also been found to be beneficial for people with colorectal cancer as it helps with relaxation and reduces anxiety levels associated with cancer treatment.
  • Detoxification therapies: Detoxification therapies like panchakarma can be used to remove toxins from the body which may have accumulated due to a poor diet or lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. This helps in improving overall health which may indirectly affect the growth of cancer cells in the body by reducing inflammation or stimulating immune system responses.
  • If these measures don't help, you could need surgical intervention. 

What are the surgical treatments for Colorectal cancer?

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be administered either before or after surgery, or both, in order to eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present and limit the likelihood of a disease returning. In most cases, chemotherapy medicines are administered intravenously (into a vein).
  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy involves subjecting patients to high-energy X-rays in order to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of tumours. It may be used in addition to surgery if the tumour cannot be completely removed, or as an alternative for patients who cannot have surgery due to age or other health issues.
  • Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies use drugs that target specific molecules involved in tumour growth, such as proteins, hormones, and enzymes produced by tumours. These drugs can stop cancer cells from growing and spreading, leading to shrinkage of tumours or even complete remission in some cases.
  • Surgery to remove lymph nodes: This procedure, also known as lymph node dissection, is often conducted in conjunction with the removal of the tumour. The surgeon will remove any cancerous lymph nodes that may have spread from the original tumour site.
  • Colostomy: This is a procedure where a surgeon creates an opening in your abdominal wall and attaches it to your colon or rectum. This allows waste to be diverted away from your affected area and out of your body through this new opening, called a stoma.
  • Coloanal anastomosis: This procedure involves connecting your colon or rectum directly to your anus, bypassing any affected areas of the intestine or rectum. This allows for waste to exit your body normally without having to use a colostomy bag.
  • Abdominoperineal resection: This is an extensive surgical procedure that removes both the rectum and anus and then reconnects them so you can have normal bowel movements again.

Best doctors to consult for Colorectal cancer?

  • Oncologists: Oncologists specialise in the treatment of cancer, including colorectal cancer. They are typically the primary doctor on a healthcare team for individuals with colorectal cancer and are responsible for overseeing the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the disease.
  • Surgeons: A surgeon is a medical professional who specialises in performing operations to treat medical conditions, including colorectal cancer. They may be involved in removing tumours, repairing damaged sections of the colon, or performing other types of surgery as part of a treatment plan for colorectal cancer.
  • Gastroenterologists: The diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive system, such as colorectal cancer, are the primary responsibilities of gastroenterologists. They can help with the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer by performing tests such as colonoscopy or endoscopy to examine the digestive tract and look for abnormalities.
  • Radiation Oncologists: Radiation oncologists specialise in using radiation therapy to treat different types of cancers, including colorectal cancer. They may be involved in developing a radiation therapy plan to shrink tumours and reduce symptoms associated with colorectal cancer.
  • Pathologists: Pathologists are medical professionals who specialise in examining tissues and cells to diagnose diseases, including cancers such as colorectal cancer. They may be involved in analysing tissue samples from biopsies or surgeries to look for signs of abnormal cells that could indicate early stages of cancer.
7 people found this helpful

5 Best Tips To Reduce Weight In A Month

Dr. Ankit Godara 88% (124 ratings)
MBBS
General Physician, Bikaner
5 Best Tips To Reduce Weight In A Month

Struggling with extra weight and flab? Well, we are here to help! Remember to take it slow and easy with your weight loss journey so that the effects are more lasting. Reducing weight in a month is a matter of making the best use of dietary tweaks and a work out regimen that will not take the mickey out of you.

Here are a few tips to lose weight in a month. Set a realistic goal of about 5 to 6 Kgs in a months and get set go!

1. Food Diary:

What you eat is the first thing that affects how smooth and effective your weight loss journey is. Remember to take stock of what you are eating in a day. Maintain a food diary for at least a week and take a look at it at the end of the week to realise where you may be going wrong. Remember to report even a bite of a snack or that piece of chocolate you took! You will be surprised with your findings.

2. Diet Alterations:

Get your diet under control by divvying it up into five or six small meals. Include vegetables, fruit, grains, water and some amount of dairy. Try to eliminate meat and sugar from your diet for a month. Also, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or other grains like quinoa. Have oats for fibre and remember to drink plenty of water and green tea as there are lots of health benefits of green tea. You are advised to drink green tea for weight loss before bed as it not only helps in reducing fat but also works as a stress buster.

3. Dietary Additives:

Adding ingredients like almonds, prunes, blue berries, and even chia seeds will do wonders for your overall diet plan. When you are in the mood for a snack, reach out for these fat burning substances that will get your metabolism to work overtime.

4. Mental Hunger:

Do a quick check within every time you get hungry out of turn. If it is not your meal time, there may be chances that you are suffering from emotional or mental hunger, which usually passes in a few minutes once you down a glass of water and distract yourself with an enjoyable activity and deep breaths.

5. Exercise:

This is one aspect that many people ignore. Work out everyday to support your diet and weight loss journey. Have coffee an hour before your workout session for quick fat burning.

Losing weight is a matter of patience, and with these tips, you will be able to lose a substantial amount of weight in a month.

5435 people found this helpful

Reducing Stigma Towards Mental Health Disorders!

Dr. D. S. Poonia 92% (195 ratings)
MD - Psychiatry, Certificate in rTMS, Certificate in rTMS, ECT & tDCS
Psychiatrist, Jaipur
Reducing Stigma Towards Mental Health Disorders!

People with mental health issues claim that the social stigma associated with mental health disorders and the discrimination that they face every day make their difficulties even worse and make it tougher to recover.

Mental disorder is common. These days, it impacts millions of people across the globe, and their families, friends, colleagues, and society. One in 10 Indians lives with severe mental disorders including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or depression. When we concentrate on the mental health of a person, we look at the means in which it affects their moods, emotions, thoughts, the capability of relating to others, effectiveness at school and work, and their social choices. In a nutshell, when their mental health is negotiated, it affects all aspects of their lives and the lives of their dear ones.

The World Health Organization or WHO has crystallized a few troubling facts about mental illness and they draw our attention:

  • Suicide is the leading reason for death in 15-29 years old.
  • Eight lac  people every year commit suicide.
  • For every accomplished suicide, there are at least 20 others which are attempted.
  • The leading reason for disability is the combination of mental disorders and substance abuse.
  • Mental illness doubles after a trauma like being victimized by a natural disaster or participating in or being a victim of a war.
  • There is a higher connection between mental illness and an augmented risk of getting ill from many other diseases including diabetes, self-harm, unintentional injury, and HIV.

Regardless of the fact that we are capable of talking openly about mental illness, unfortunately, people continue to escape seeking treatment because of discrimination and stigma. Our culture still spreads the belief that those who suffer from mental disorders are extremely violent, unintelligent, or unable to make decisions which impact their lives profoundly.

Whether we approach all these complications as the loved ones of family members, friends who struggle or somebody who has been spotted with a mental illness, we all have to speak up to challenge the prejudices and stigma related to mental disorders. We have an ethical and social duty to advocate for their right to get suitable treatment and to be provided with equal rights in the society. Living with a mental disorder can be really challenging, and we have to acknowledge the resiliency and courage that exists in individuals who are working harder to lead meaningful and productive lives.

Let’s challenge ourselves to make a change and transform the world’s observation of mental disorder.

1 person found this helpful