Realistic Celebrities Normalizing Mental Health | Online Docs

Movies and series constitute a major part of our day-to-day life. The celebrities who star in these have become a brand in themselves. People go to great lengths to follow their styles, attires, etc., leaving no stones unturned to become like them. This has become one of the major concerns of the society today.

But, the celebrity culture should not be discarded altogether. Some benefits have come out of this culture in the way that people follow celebrities’ footsteps and talk about their mental health more freely. 

The positive portrayal of mental health within the media, specifically by celebrities, encourages common people. They are now motivated to be open about their mental health problems. Many celebrities have come forward recently and have spoken up about the various mental health issues they are suffering from. As the stigma surrounding mental illness has declined in current years, so has the reluctance many have had to talk about their own intellectual fitness issues. 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has spoken about his battle with depression. Mariah Carey lately found out she has bipolar disorder. Prince Harry stated he needed counseling to cope with years of grief and anger following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. 

The famous actor of “Deadpool”, Ryan Reynolds has stated he suffers from stress and anxiety disorder. “Talking about it (mental health issues) has assisted me in so many ways,” Ryan Reynolds stated. “In this age of poisonous masculinity, there’s variety of dudes available that will be inclined to bottle it up and maintain it in and assume that they simply form of they’ve been given to be a difficult man and soldier on. But that’s now no longer always true.”

Last year, Prince Harry was lauded for revealing, he sought assistance to address his feelings following his mother’s demise while as a child. He struggled with tension, grief, and rage and stated he had breakdown numerous times.

Diana Hughes is a professor of Applied Psychology at New York University, focusing on adolescent development. She sees brilliant value in celebrities and sports figures speaking about mental health issues. “I assume there’s an advantage to it as facilitate de-stigmatize it and to normalize it a little bit,” Hughes stated.

She added, “There‘s a variety of stigma connected to mental health issues, mainly amongst young adults due to the fact teens are continuously evaluating themselves to their friends and are very self-aware and worrying, growing a stigma to intellectual infection and assist seeking.”

Indian Celebrities who’ve suffered from mental disorders and have talked about it: 

VIRAT KOHLI: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who took his team to a remarkable peak says he has struggled with his mental state throughout his career.  He said, “For the first time in 10 years, I haven’t touched my bat for a month. I’ve never done that in my life. I recently realized I was trying to fake my intensity a bit, I can do this, you’re competitive, you convince yourself you have the intensity, but your body is telling you to stop, your mind is telling you to just take a break and back off.”

                              “I looked at it as a man who has been mentally very robust. But everybody has limits and also you want to understand those restrictions. Otherwise, things can get dangerous for you. There is far more to life than your profession. Once the atmosphere around you is specified, everybody is focused at your skills. Somewhere in between those things you begin to lose perspective as a person’s being.”

“It is not abnormal to point it out and talk to people. Nobody will think you are too weak. You will get support from people that you never even imagined. But sometime we don’t talk about it because we are hesitant. We don’t want them to think we are stupid. Honestly speaking, for me pretending to be strong is much worse. And I’m not ashamed of feeling mentally weak.”

Honey Singh: A famous singer or a celebrity who is suffered from the severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. His words are “I had been totally cut off from the outer world for 18 months. I was not even able to come out of my room, and didn’t communicate with anyone. A person who had performed in front of a huge crowd, now I am scared to even face 2 or 3 people.” 

Kapil Sharma: A famous comedian actor who is famous for his show “The Kapil Sharma show.” He also battled depression from 2017-2018. He had previously revealed, “I suffered from anxiety and drank alcohol to extreme limits. I would lock myself up in the office. One of my friends told me to shift to his apartment to wander better seaside scenes. But it did not work in my situation as I saw the sea from his balcony and felt like jumping into it. It seems to me like the whole world was gunning for me.” He also confessed of his story of panic episodes and suicide ideas. Most people resort to drinking to self-medicates their symptoms of psychological state disorders. However, drinking only aggravates the issues resulting in addiction and worsen the mental health disorder.                                                        

Karan Johar:  He is an Indian filmmaker and big personality, who works in Bollywood cinema. He has started the careers of numerous a successful actor under his own Dharma production label. Johar stated, “I even studied people talking openly about their depression. There was a phase in my life, when I was actually depressed. When I went through that phase, I thought maybe I had gone through cardiac arrest. I felt it in between the middle of a meeting and I rushed to the doctor. The doctor said I’m having an anxiety attack. I realized that I had to deal with some internal issues that were building to the point of causing anxiety.” 

Hrithik Roshan:  He suffered from major episodes of depression. These levels brought about significant weight gain. Hrithik was given medication and consultation treatment. He is a member of #EverydayHeroes mental health awareness initiative. He said, “I’ve been through my ups and downs. I even experienced depression and confusion, as all of us do. It’s a completely ordinary thing. We need to be very informal about it while we talk about it. When you undergo a depressive episode, then the most essential element is clarity of thought. Sometimes your mind takes over and feeds you with undesirable thoughts. The time you want objectively, a person who actually looks at you and guides you to right physician so, you can improve your situation as soon as possible.”

IIeana D’ Cruz: You won’t believe a lady as bodily ideal as IIeana questioning there is something incorrect with the manner her frame looks. However, this is precisely what took place for the beautiful actress with an hourglass figure. She has a body dysmorphia disorder in addition to bouts of depression. Body dysmorphia is a mental illness wherein the man or woman can’t prevent considering the issues of their appearance. This can also add to shamefulness and stress to the affected person, and may even keep them away from being in social situations. She said, “It is a chemical balance in your brain and wish it to be treated as early as possible. Don’t sit back and assume it will get okay, go get help such as if you have a sprain, and go get yourself checked. Similarly, if you’ve got depression, get help.”

@Onlinedocs Consultants is a mental health care platform consisting of professional psychiatrists who are skilled in their field. Go ahead and talk to them about your mental health needs and get the best mental health care.  

One of our clients talked about their mental health:  After struggling with depression for eight months. I lost my confidence and hope. I used to skip my meals and couldn’t even sleep. Furthermore, I was struggling with life, but I was hesitant to visit a doctor. Then what I found was an online treatment website where online psychiatrists are available 24*7, called Online Docs. I booked my appointment following a few easy steps and now I am improving in various aspects of my life. 

Conclusion: Our professional psychiatrists and skilled medical psychologists integrate first class pharmacotherapy with scientifically established psychotherapy to deal with mental illness disorders. When operating for a cause, customer satisfaction is everything. Our dream to overcome worldwide obstacles is coming true. With Online Docs, an ordinary man can get psychiatric consultations from the best doctors. We are on a mission to treat mental health challenges in India. There is nothing wrong with taking specialist assistance when suffering from your internal critics. We must step out of our comfort zone for our mental and emotional health and by no means hesitate to speak about such subjects openly. Make the most important step by calling our TOLL-FREE NO 080-6803-435 and starting your mental health journey today.

                                             

How to Identify Addiction and its Adverse Effects on Life | Online Docs

Addiction is a term that is used loosely in our society. We often hear people say that they are addicted to their phones or chocolates. But what does addiction really mean? And how does it affect our lives? This blog post will discuss addiction and its effects on our lives. We will also provide tips for identifying addiction and getting help for it.

 

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite damaging consequences. It is considered a disease because drug use changes the biochemistry of the brain. The changes are so complex that without professional intervention it would be next to impossible to break free.

 

People addicted to drugs may be unable to control their drug use and may continue using it despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction is complex, merely thinking about it as a problem will never make it go away.

 

“Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.”

 

Source: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

 

Addiction ruins our life by making us feel isolated and alone. It takes away our ability to enjoy activities that we used to love. It can cause financial problems and even lead to legal troubles. Addiction can cause health problems that, if left unattended, can take a person's life.

 

The addiction scene in India

 

It is not very different from the global scenario. A study by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Center (NDDTC) under AIIMS in 2016 showed that around 35 million people in India suffer from addiction. Of these, only about 0.06% seek professional help.

 

It is a considerable number, and it is only increasing day by day. With the easy availability of drugs and alcohol, more and more people fall prey to addiction. India's most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and inhalants.

 

That's not all, as addiction can be non-drug related also; for example, many people in India are addicted to social media, sex, and even gambling. Addiction is an extensive spectrum issue for Indian society; unfortunately, help is far from sufficient.

 

Addictive substances in India that are prolifically used:

 

As stated before, India's most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and inhalants. Let's take a more detailed look at each of these:

 

Alcohol: Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance in India. It is legal and readily available. It is estimated that there are about 475 million drinkers in India. Of these, about 25% are considered to be heavy drinkers.

 

Tobacco: Tobacco is another widely abused substance in India. It is estimated that there are about 275 million tobacco users in India. This includes both smokers and chewers. Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer in India.

 

Cannabis: Cannabis is a plant that is native to India. It is widely available and used by many people. It is estimated that there are about 22 million cannabis users in India.

 

Opioids: Opioids are a group of drugs that includes heroin and prescription painkillers. They are highly addictive and can be very dangerous. It is estimated that about three million people in India use opioids.

 

Sedatives: Sedatives are a group of drugs used to help people sleep or relax. They are often prescribed by doctors but can be abused. It is estimated that there are about two million sedative users in India.

 

Stimulants:It is estimated that there are about one million stimulant users in India. Stimulants are a group of drugs that includes cocaine and methamphetamine. They are very addictive and can be dangerous.

 

Inhalants: Inhalants are a group of chemicals that people sniff or inhale to get high. They are very dangerous and can be deadly. It is estimated that there are about one million inhalant users in India.

 

These are just some of the most commonly abused substances in India. Addiction is a severe problem that affects a large number of people in India.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, connect with us, we are here to help.

 

How to identify addiction early on?

 

There are many signs and symptoms of addiction. If you think that you or someone you know may be struggling with addiction, here are some signs to look out for:

 

Changes in behavior: If a person is using drugs or alcohol, they may start to act differently. They may become more withdrawn or isolate themselves from friends and family. They may also start to miss work or school or stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.

 

Changes in appearance: A person using drugs or alcohol may start to look different. They may lose weight, their skin may be unhealthy, and their eyes may be red or glassy.

 

Changes in mood: People using drugs or alcohol may seem more irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also have sudden mood swings.

 

If you notice any of these changes in yourself or someone else, it may be a sign of addiction. If you feel like talking to someone about it we are here to listen and support you.

 

 

 

Do we have sufficient help in India to fight addiction?

 

Unfortunately, the answer is no. There are not enough resources in India to help people struggling with addiction. According to a report by the World Health Organization, there are only about 0.15 beds per 100,000 people in India for treating drug use disorders. This is far below the minimum standard of two beds per 100,000 people.

 

This lack of resources makes it difficult for people to get the help they need. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us for help. We are here to support you. OnlineDocsprovides telepsychiatry services that can help you or your loved ones fight addiction. We have an impressive global talent pool that is ready to help you when you need it, with complete privacy and security.

 

What are the consequences of addiction?

 

Addiction can have many negative consequences. It can lead to physical and mental health, financial, and relationship problems, and job loss. Addition can also land a person in legal problems, such as arrest and incarceration.

 

Addiction breaks the very fiber of humanity.Addicts can seldom tell the difference between right and wrong. This is primarily because the chemicals in drugs and alcohol alter the way the brain functions. Over time, addiction can change the way our brains look and work. This can lead to problems with memory, decision-making, and judgment.

 

Addiction is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly. Mark our words; if left untreated, addiction can cause you many grave problems. Get help! Life is all about joy and making a positive impact on society.

 

Remember! Addiction not only affects the addict, but it also affects the souls of those who love them. Don't do this to yourself and those who love you.

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Life is about fighting circumstances and overcoming obstacles, addiction will surely make you lose this battle. So get up, reach out and seek help because we are here for you. You're not alone in this fight.

 Must Read : Excessive Video Gaming To Be Named Mental Disorder By World Health Organization 

 

Excessive Video Gaming To Be Named Mental Disorder By World Health Organization

The World Health Organization added associate sudden mental disorder to its list of psychological state conditions in 2018. People that play an excessive quantity of video games may notice themselves diagnosed with "Gaming Disorder." On May 25th, the WHO formally voted to undertake today's version of its International Classification of Diseases, or ICD, to consist of access on 'gaming disorder' as behavior addiction. This is a pass that might alarm parents all around the country. According to them, 97% of teenage boys and 83% of girls play video games on a few types of devices.  

Video games became progressively popular, with more individuals of all ages participating in competitions. As a result, computer game addiction has conjointly become a problem. According to the "fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5), the disease usually presents in juvenile males around 12 to 20 years old.  

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is the writer of the 2016 book "Glow Kids – How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids" he states that technology has profoundly affected children's brains and not for the better. Brain imaging studies show that stimulating sparkling displays are as dopamine activating to the mind's satisfaction as sex. A developing mountain of scientific studies correlates screen tech with problems like ADHD, anxiety, depression, multiple aggression, or even psychosis. Most surprisingly, current mind and research conclusively display that publically immoderate display screens can neurologically harm a younger person's growing mind in the same way cocaine dependency can.  

What the Study disclosed about the consequences of Violent Video Games

The Study was conducted by Dr. Douglas Gentile, Associate professor of Psychology at Iowa State University and a nationally recognized authority on the impact of television on children and adults. It showed that youngsters who play violent games regularly develop aggressive thinking, which might alter their behavior. For the experiment, the researchers followed over 3,000 children in grades 3, 4, 7, and 8 for three years.

According to recent United States surveys of parents, children of school age spend, on average, roughly seven hours per week playing video games. It was found that kids played video games on average for 9 hours per week, with boys playing them for an average of 13 hours per week and girls for an average of 5 hours per week. In the mid-1980, kids averaged approximately 4 hours weekly playing video games, along with time spent playing at home.

The Study reveals that the amount of online games played has been correlated with various risk factors for non-adaptive development such as smoking, obesity, and poorer educational performance. Researchers consider "violent" those games that allow players to injure other characters within the game. Specialists studying media violence, child advocacy organizations, and parents are especially concerned about these games since they feature many violent scenes. More than half of youngsters in surveys of 4th through 8th graders indicate a preference for video games where the main action focuses primarily on actual or imagined violence. Violent video game choice has been associated with hostile attribution biases, more conflicts with teachers, worse self-perceptions of behavioral activity, and more physical fights.

Impact of video games on children's physical and mental health:

1. Anxiety is increased by playing violent video games: Studies examining the impact of a violent video game typically reveal significantly increased anxiety due to which heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase compared to non-violent video games. To illustrate, Ballard and West 1966 demonstrated that violent video games led to higher systolic blood pressure than non-violent games. The average size of the relationship between playing violent video games and physical reactions across studies was 0.222. Other physiological reactions have additionally been observed. The adult male brain has been shown to release dopamine when playing violent games. The physiological outcomes can be even greater for kids with more significant aggressive tendencies. Teenagers with trait hostility scored in the highest category on increased heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of testosterone and epinephrine. Additionally, there were tendencies for greater blood concentrations of cortisol and nor-epinephrine in the more irritable kids. It raises the possibility that children with a higher propensity for aggressive behavior may be even more vulnerable to the negative consequences of playing violent games. Violence in video games feeds the irrational urge to be aggressive: According to studies, bold emotions are more pronounced when playing violent video games. The average effect value across studies between playing violent video games and feeling aggressive was 0.18. According to studies, playing violent games make adults more anxious and hostile. According to the Study of 3rd through 5th graders, it increases the frustration level in children.

2. Pro-social behaviors are limited when playing violent video games: According to studies assessing player reactions while playing violent video games, their pro-social behavior is affected. Children who listed violent games as their favorite games to play were found by their peers to have fewer pro-social behaviors and more aggressive behavior in the classroom.

3. Loneliness and isolation: Loneliness is a global issue many individuals suffer at some point in their lives. People are subjected to unpleasant experiences. Loneliness is caused by the lack of enthusiasm in certain people's lives caused by significant failures in their social interaction networks. When young people spend long periods alone playing video games, they have less time in real life to engage with family and friends. Though many young gamers utilize online chat in multiplayer games, primarily to communicate with real-life pals, this should be balanced with interactions in the same physical place.

4. Depression (Depressive mental health disorder): In regular gamers, persistent listlessness, sorrow, or lethargy might be indicators of problem gaming. Depressive symptoms will be most noticeable while not playing the game, i.e., during the withdrawal phase. Video games have been linked to increased sadness and anxiety. However, correlation does not always indicate causation – people who are sad or depressed are driven to video games because they assist in repressing bad feelings. They acquire a gaming habit that causes them to get trapped in life. As a result, they are naturally dissatisfied.

Impact of gaming addiction on physical health:

1. Headache and migraine: Headache can be caused by physical factors such as eye strain, poor posture, and dehydration. They might be connected to mental health disorders like sadness and depression. 

2.Lack of physical activity: playing sedentary games for extended periods might lead to a lack of physical activity. The World Health Organization advises that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical excise every day.  

3.Repetitive strain injury: it can affect children and young people who play for an extended period. Symptoms of strain injury are stiffness, pains, and discomfort. For example, 'nintendonitis' refers to the thumb, wrist, and hand disorders caused by gaming system use. Eye strain is also prevalent if you stare at a screen for an extended time without taking breaks. Glare from such a computer display can also impair eyesight.

4.Inadequate nutrition: when gaming addiction takes hold, children or adolescents may skip meals, eat junk food, refuse to take bathroom breaks, or have poor hygiene. 

5.Poor posture: According to studies, as little as 5 minutes of gaming can cause bad posture, such as slouching into a rolled and rounded shoulder position with a forward head position to maintain your eyes on the screen.

6.Quality of sleep: playing exciting games for long periods, incredibly late at night, will result in poor quality sleep.

This degree of gaming can have a negative influence on mental, physical, and emotional disorders in several ways, including: 

• A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

• Neglected social skills as a result of a lack of interaction with persons outside an electronic environment

• Problems with focus and attention caused by video games' quick motions and fast-paced action

• Problems with growth as a result of avoiding tasks that encourage learning, self-discovery, and personal development

• Seizures and repeated stress injuries caused by flashing graphics, lights, and colors that may provoke epileptic episodes

• Increased hostility or violent behavior as a result of the content of some video games

Conclusion

According to this study, there is a direct link between physical health, stress, depression, and video gaming addiction. However, the connection between computer game addiction and social dysfunction was significant and negative. The study showed obese children to be more interested in computer games. In other words, playing more video games causes teens to stay at home, which leads to a lack of movement and obesity. This is considered a biological problem.

On the psychological dimension, video games negatively affect adolescent mental health. It directly impacts the violent behavior, stress, depression, and isolation of adolescents who play these games. Playing video games excessively affects people's mental health, and the severity and importance depend on factors such as the level and intensity of violence in the game. The player's ability to distinguish between the virtual world and the real world, the player's ability to inhibit their desires and motivations, the values they grew up with or lived with, and those values in the context and content of the games. Fear was one of the possible consequences of video games, which researchers study.

When you see delays in your child's growth, it can be stressful. Help is available thanks to our knowledgeable and dedicated specialists. Our specialists will assist you in determining which stages may be tolerated and which indications should not be ignored. We understand your child's requirements and offer reasonable, virtual assistance from the convenience of your own home. Our comprehensive approach guarantees that we work on all five areas of development at the same time: speech and language, cognitive, socio-emotional, delicate, and gross motor abilities.

Must Read : India's Mental Health: The Need to Improve Telepsychiatry's Prominence

India's Mental Health: The Need to Improve Telepsychiatry's Prominence | Online Docs

The demand for telepsychiatry has outpaced the supply due to the global scarcity of skilled board-certified psychiatrists. According to research, Tele-psychiatry is an efficient, inexpensive, and accessible alternative to in-person consultations.

 

According to research published in "The Indian Journal of Psychiatry," PTSD is the most frequently diagnosed form of depression, affecting 30% of Indian doctors and medical professionals. Additionally, the epidemic has made all doctors more stressed, which has led to a rise in the prevalence of anxiety and depression. Dr. Lorna Breen's Health Care Provider Protection Act was enacted in the US on March 18, 2022. This measure establishes grants and mandates additional activities to promote mental and behavioral health for healthcare professionals. Due to such laws and provisions, there will now be greater demand for mental health specialists to care for patients and staff. Telepsychiatry can support hospitals, ERs, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, enhancing the standard of treatment for patients and medical staff.

 

Indian Mental Health Care

 

According to a recent analysis by Deloitte, India had 0.29 psychiatrists and 0.07 psychologists for every 10,000 people, compared to the median of 0.51 psychiatrists and 0.26 psychologists in other low and middle-income nations. Medical groups advise using telepsychiatry for cross-border consultations to address the global shortage of qualified psychiatrists and psychologists. We can handle the global lack of psychiatrists and psychologists using telepsychiatry. With the advent of a telepsychiatry platform, more businesses are moving toward hybrid healthcare that includes in-person sessions. Currently, many nations are attempting to transform mental health globally. Countries like the United States collaborate on a public-private strategy to address mental health.

 

The 2022 budget release in India included a discussion on mental health treatment. These coordinated efforts cover system regulation, patient's rights protection, mental health care funding, and research and innovation promotions. The Indian government has started a nationwide telemental health program. This program would significantly improve accessibility for patients in rural locations who need psychological assistance. It will raise knowledge about mental health and lessen the stigma for people seeking psychological services for the first time.

 

How The Epidemic Hastened The Healthcare Industry's Digital Revolution

 

Telemedicine has been a timely and much-needed tool over the last two years, according to doctors worldwide. However, only a small number of telemedicine systems have assisted doctors in lowering their stress levels regarding administrative tasks like producing invoices or prescriptions, etc. Finding and implementing distinctive telemedicine platforms that are patient and physician-centered, concentrating on clinical care and easing the administrative burden, is crucial. Due to the stigma surrounding mental health, we know that patient data is susceptible and confidential, making it vulnerable to hacking due to weak security measures for storage and access. Only a few telemedicine industries are using technology to ensure transparency and interconnectivity of telehealth services, making them more secure and reliable for mental health services. This is to address the problem and achieve better patient data protection. Block-chain-based telemedicine platforms will make it simpler to preserve patient data and eliminate the stigma associated with mental health.

 

Leveraging Digital Technology For Health Education

 

Telepsychiatry can transform many crucial fields using digital technology to increase capacity. The clinical skills necessary for the early identification and treatment of psychiatric diseases rarely translate from traditional training programs that include technical lectures, video demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, and classroom settings. The benefits of Tele-psychiatry training experiences include a didactic curriculum and adaptability to adopt a pedagogical approach depending on the professional. It receives bottom-up training, the opportunity for service-based learning, and the freedom to attend training sessions whenever it is most convenient for the students. Additionally, technology–enhanced learning can assist students in participating in teleconference journal clubs, satellite broadcasts, and simulated telepsychiatry consultations.

We can introduce the idea of observership in psychiatry through telepsychiatry. Through online lessons, a learner can see how to evaluate. Diagnose, and track the development of a patient. Providing opportunities for additional exposure to challenging clinical circumstances and enhancing liaison opportunities can radically restructure postgraduate training. This could lead to the creation of experts with greater competence.

Technology can be used to educate and train not only medical students but also primary care doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other paramedical staff due to the lack of human resources in the field of mental health care around the world, particularly in low-and middle-income (LAMI) countries. This will assist in increasing capacity, reaching unreached people, and providing care for underserved people.

 

Role Of Mental Health Applications In Telepsychiatry

 

Personalizing Telehealth is a crucial area where telepsychiatry has a lot of potentials. Smartphones are now widely used thanks to recent advancements in communications, and everyone can use them to offer patients individualized care. Applications for mobile devices designed specifically for treating mental illness can provide a multidisciplinary team with dynamic two-way communication. Patients can sign up for themselves in the application tailored to their diagnosis. This application may develop into a secure repository for all clinical information, including e-prescriptions, drug status, allergies, comorbid illnesses, and a checklist to track side effects and treatment adherence. With the help of this application, the professional might also be able to oversee and manage the patient from a distance, similar to running a virtual mental health clinic.

 

The Future Of Telepsychiatry Practice Will Be Advanced By Virtual Reality And Artificial Intelligence

 

Artificial intelligence's application in psychiatry includes using machine learning algorithms and automated language processing to evaluate a patient's mental state. Artificial intelligence is widespread and has anything from diagnosis and prediction to treating mental diseases. Applications are presently available that use artificial intelligence to track smartphone usage patterns and identify users who may be at risk of mental health issues. We can now use artificial intelligence-based algorithms to predict treatment outcomes and cognitive symptoms like psychosis, which might manifest as thinking abnormalities, behavioral disorganization, or catatonia. By adding machine learning algorithms to human clinical ratings, false negative and false positive diagnoses have also been reduced.

A human can interact with a computer-generated simulation known as virtual reality (VR) by adopting specialized gear. Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of virtual reality (VR) as an engagement and diversion tool for people with mental conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, particular phobias, schizophrenia, dementia, etc. Virtual Reality technology can improve in vitro therapy, especially when it's challenging to expose patients in vivo.

Additionally, VR can personalize the exposure to particular contexts and stimuli that may trigger the patient's most distressing symptoms in cases of PTSD and specific phobias. Soon, machine learning will assist patients in receiving psychiatric treatment using computerized conversational bots, boosting the possibility that they will receive customized treatment protocols by establishing links between symptoms, neurobiological conditions, and functioning across diagnoses. Artificial intelligence can even transform the way that mental disorders are classified. In the future, artificial intelligence might help the doctor diagnose a patient, working together with specific applications to analyze a variety of data, such as history, risk factors, side effects, current treatment guidelines, etc., and come up with the best possible treatment plan for any given patient, opening up the possibility of customized treatment. Additionally, artificial intelligence may assess and alert to medicine demand, account for available stocks, and automatically make an order for the drugs to be delivered to predetermined locations.

Along with medication, a doctor might also advise using a particular app for each disorder. These apps can be used for various things, including tracking patient symptoms, generating electronic prescriptions, providing psycho-educational tools, ensuring adherence, and alerting both parties involved to any warning signs. By doing this, it is guaranteed that prompt access to complete care is provided. An intriguing development in the science of artificial intelligence is chatbots. They can be crucial in detecting, diagnosing, and treating mental diseases because they are conversational agents. Additionally, they may also help manage and prevent suicide.

 

Online Counseling

 

Due to limited healthcare resources, online support groups have grown in popularity over the last few years. A Cochrane evaluation found even self-help programs for quitting smoking were inferior. These groups cater to individuals with depression, suicidal thoughts, substance misuse, cancer, and eating disorders. Social media's growing popularity has given online peer networks the chance to support mental health rehabilitation and minimize stigma. This becomes even more crucial for reaching the unreached low- and middle-income countries. These peer support groups are bringing about a paradigm shift by facilitating access to health information and assisting persons with mental illness. Expanding on these benefits and addressing whether peer-to-peer skills acquired via an online platform result in a sustained improvement in social and occupational performance in the actual world require future study. There are still methodological issues to be solved, particularly in assessing such therapies and getting unbiased outcome data.

 

Electronic Health Records

 

Because psychiatrists are required by the MHCA 2017 to maintain an essential medical record, these are crucial for patients with mental illness. Patients can access health information that is recorded (EHRs) and managed by a healthcare organization through electronic health records (EHR) portals, which are provider-tethered applications. Healthcare organizations are the owners and managers of these portals (such as hospitals). Through these portals, organizations give patients restricted web-based access to the clinical information contained in their patient health records. Then, patients can access, read, print, or incorporate this data into any patient–owned document (either electronic or paper-based).

 

Conclusion

 

Applications and artificial intelligence in information technology cannot solve all of these issues. Still, they are already improving assessment methods, developing new ways to collect data, expanding access to mental health services, and altering the very nature of service delivery. Clinical procedures will continue to change in the future, particularly with the emergence of virtual reality, synchronous and asynchronous video conferences, and other technologies that may help us reach the right audiences. Tele-psychiatry will change as technology, clinical uses, and care delivery paradigms advance. Tele- psychiatry incentives can help to advance this even further. By enhancing the ability to communicate with patients and their families, Tele-psychiatry will play a more integral part in healthcare transformation due to this evolution. The blending of national and international borders will give psychiatrists in India access to global opportunities. International consumers would receive real-time services from an Indian psychiatrist. This will start a new age of global regulation and oversight of virtual health tourism.

 

 Must Read : How can bad habits affect our mental health?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can bad habits affect our mental health?

Habits are behaviors that have a positive or negative impact on your life. We all have bad habits that we push under the rug hoping that one day we will find a way to eliminate them. Most people already know how harmful bad habits can be but breaking these habits is a problem for many people. Your mental health is also at risk. Certain bad habits can increase your risk of anxiety and depression. You may begin to experience low self-esteem as a result of poor body image. While we often see bad habits like eating junk food, smoking, or not exercising, we rarely pay attention to what these bad habits can do for our mental health.

 

●        Not giving attention to working out: We know exercise is essential to a healthy body. But, lack of exercise can also mess with your mental health. Even if you are not a fitness-savvy person, you should admit that working out makes you feel good. It is a chemical reaction. Our body releases endorphins, suppressing chemicals associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. To find the best fitness style for you and kickstart your workout routine.

 

●        Always Keep Searching for Perfectionism: The pursuit of excellence is a healthy habit. When we focus on being entirely right, with no limits on how to get there, it's easy to get lost. However, when your search for perfectionism turns negative, it can increase anxiety and stress and tear down your healthy boundaries. Try to practice mindfulness to take your perfectionism to the positive side.

 

●        Constantly feeling Guilty: When you catch guilt, you keep feeling remorse about things that are already in the past. Responsibility has a unique ability to hold you back. Let go and find a place to forgive yourself. It's time to move on, and before you say anything, no, it won't be easy.

 

●        Not making a good posture: A poor posture messes with your spinal health and overall well-being. When your body is aligned, everything works as it will reduce fatigue and give you a more positive attitude. Adopting a healthy posture is associated with fewer symptoms of depression.

 

●        Difficult to stay away from your phone: I know it can be hard to stay away from your phone. But, when your phone usage turns negative, you're probably missing a lot from the real world. There's no doubt that social media affects how we see ourselves, so make sure you're taking the time to do a digital detox every time you do it.

 

●        Keep getting stressed: We all experience stress. There's no way around it. Work, family, friends, and social pressure all affect how stress affects us. Even with the best intentions, we are susceptible to the effects of stress. However, ensuring you know your stress harms your health is essential. It may be time to change your perspective on stress to find a better way to handle it.

 

●        Not getting adequate Sleep: Sleep is essential for our mental health at the risk of sounding like a broken record. As a solopreneur myself, I confess that sleep was an optional activity for several months. However, lack of sleep shows you the importance of a good night's sleep. Ensure you get at least seven hours of restorative sleep every night. Edit your bedroom to help you sleep better, keep a sleep routine, and find tips that help you reach a calm state.

 

●        Procrastination: Delay it whatever you want, do things later, or take a break — procrastination isn't your friend. It's easy to blame stress, exhaustion, or any other event. But, not to deal with things when you only need to make stress and anxiety worse after the deadline is hit. Poor time management skills have many downsides that can affect your personal and professional life. Find ways to incorporate suitable time management methods into your routine and delay the curve.

 

●        Toxic Relationships: People who live in unhealthy relationships tend to dismiss their mental health and focus solely on the other person. Most toxic relationships are full of sabotage and abuse, whether you see it or not. When you're ready, try to forgive toxic people so you can move on and start focusing on your mental health. Also, don't think toxic relationships are only face-to-face. Make sure you are unfollowing poisonous people from your social media.

 

●        Anger Stay Around: If you're catching up on guilt, odds are you're also catching anger. When we don't deal with anger, it can start eating us from the inside out. If you resent a partner, you are spoiling your relationship without looking. If you can't control your road rage episodes every morning, you're only making your mornings more hectic. Find a way to get rid of your negative things.

 

●        Live in Clutter: When you are surrounded by clutter, you keep your mind in a mess. One reason Monica Geller was so happy to clean up is a big stress reliever. You don't need a full-blown minimum to keep your home organized. Look for ways to find happiness in your pieces, and steal some inspiration.

 

●        Co-dependent: When you can't stop relying on someone else to keep going, there are odds that you're co-dependent. Make sure you look in the mirror and find out if you're co-dependent. If you are, know that sometimes co-dependence is something we learn from our family. Break the mold and focus on yourself to break the ties that hold someone else.

 

●        Don't talk with a positive attitude: You won't talk to anyone else like you sometimes speak to yourself. The truth is that we are too harsh on ourselves, sometimes saying harmful things to ourselves. Worst of all, most of us are unaware of our negative self-talk. Don't think about it because you're talking alone. Start practicing self-talk, and notice the difference.

 

●        Try rarely to ask for help: Yes, you are perfectly capable of doing everything you set your mind and heart to do. However, we are not perfect, and we all need help during our journey. When we don't ask for help, we're building a wall around us that prevents others from reaching us. If you don't feel prepared, you don't have to ask for help with your mental health, but asking for help for stress, anxiety, and other struggles is a step forward.

 

●        Compare yourself to others: Everyone on social media shares the highlights of their lives, and it's easy to compare yourself to others. I am guilty of doing it myself. Before letting you know, you're altering every decision because you are comparing yourself to someone else's success. Forget about the highlights. Remember that not many people are sharing behind the scenes of their trip. Beware of imposter syndrome. It can significantly affect your mental health and self-image.

 

●        Self-Sabotaging: We do it all the time. Fear prevents us from achieving goals. We let the opinions of others prevent us from trying something new. And we let the lack of motivation sabotage our journey. Keep an eye on the signs you're self-sabotaging, and make sure you stop yourself on your track. When we self-sabotage, we are stealing the chance to make any progress and bring ourselves down.

 

●        People pleaser: We all want to be encouraged and accepted by our family and friends. However, practicing social self-care means we don't do things to please people. When doing this, it's easier to lose our identity and start changing our personality, actions, and even beliefs to match someone else's. Accept that not everyone will like you, and that's okay because you do and respect who you are.

 

●        Don't Care: Don't care behavior is not a solution. Start doing care, Trying adverse ways to manage, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.

 

●        Don't Listen to Your Body: Our body always talks to us. The problem is we never listen. Every stress response we notice is our body screaming for help and help. Listen to your body and see the symptoms of burnout; Your gut health is constantly sending messages. Make sure you pay attention to the subtle messages you send to your body daily and stay in tune with those signals to take care of your body and mental health.

 

●        Self-doubt: Dreaming of a better life can ruin your mental state, but believing in yourself is the key to success. We all have some self-doubt, and that's not something we should ever be ashamed of as everyone else does. However, when you are obsessed with feelings of inadequacy every day that begins to affect how well you work or social situations, these thoughts are what it takes for any development within you, which will only lead them on a path where they will find their happiness very difficult.

 

Conclusion:

Keep an eye on these bad habits that disrupt your mental health efforts. While you can't change these habits overnight, try challenging yourself to a healthier one. Before you know it, you will adopt new healthy practices every day.

Must Read : Difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist

 

Difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist

 

Although there has been much discussion of current professional conflicts between psychiatrists and psychologists, few studies have attempted to empirically evaluate how occupations view their roles and responsibilities within the mental health system. In this article, we illustrate the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists. The significant difference in clinical practice between psychiatrists and psychologists is, Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe drugs, While psychologists are usually not. Psychologists conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests used in clinical settings for differential diagnosis. Psychiatry and psychology practices have come up dramatically restructuring. Gradual implementation of new benefits, authorization and reimbursement programs reduced patient duration, the scope and time of treatment, and outpatient psychotherapy. Also, there has been a rise in the drug management scene.

Psychologist

A psychologist practices psychology and works on studying mental states, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social processes, and behaviours. They address several content areas fundamental to medicine. Psychologists serve in diverse roles in medical schools, spread across activities such as didactic, round, preaching, supervision, mentoring, participating in educational projects, directing courses, and serving on academic committees. Their involvement in medical education and professional development activities is well regarded by faculty. A psychologist is also used to solve personal problems, solve social issues, understand people's behaviours and maintain healthy relationships, solve psychological disorders, increase the work efficiency of people at the workplace, support and make people with disabilities independent, and find solutions to maintain people's mental health by following various treatments and healthy lifestyles.

Psychologist Requirements

● PhD in clinical psychology 

● Extensive research training 

Job Responsibility

Psychologists study cognitive functioning and behavior and use their knowledge to assist clients with treating or managing mental health and behavioral difficulties.

Clinical Activities

● Takes the therapy of children assigned to them according to the goals set by the developmental Pediatrician/ Child's ITP/ As applicable to counseling parents and children.

● Completes daily log sheets at work itself.

● Submits monthly progress report by the last date of the month.

● Ensures that the Clinical and Non-Clinical SOPs are being followed without deviation.

● Assisting the Developmental Pediatrician in taking case history before OPD.

Training

● Attends clinical meetings with a focus on learning and development.

● Contribution and shared knowledge with team members during clinical sessions.

 

Psychiatrists

They refer patients for psychological testing to determine their diagnosis and severity and recommend and design a treatment plan. Try to solve patients by talking to them about their problems. These may include depression, eating disorders, insomnia, and bipolar disorder.

As the therapist and therapist treat, the psychiatrist plays a unique role for which there is no exact equivalent. The psychiatrist's broad-based training is well suited to design and operate quality assurance programs to review the treatment of patients in different settings for appropriateness, quality, and effectiveness. The psychiatrist further provides education, training, and counseling to mental health system personnel. This role makes excellent use of the psychiatrist's specialized training and is critical to the cost-effective use of personnel in a mental health program.

Psychiatrist Requirements

● M.D with a specialization in psychiatry

● Pharmaceutical education and training

Job Responsibility

They ensure interdisciplinary treatment by reviewing treatment plans and progress, Consulting and collaborating with primary care physicians, mental health practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

● Assess and screen patients by conducting psychological evaluations, including interviews, medical history, Physical examination, observations, and psychological testing

● Analyze data records to diagnose patients  

● Prescribe medications and treatment according to diagnosis

● Monitor patients regularly to determine the efficacy and potential side effects of medications.

● Make a treatment plan, measure progress against the program, and implement it as needed.

● Provide crisis intervention as needed

● Alliance with a broader team of physicians, psychologists, and nurses to assess and adjust treatment plans

● Coordinate and communicate with other stakeholders about treatment and care

Similarities between the Professions 

The terms "psychologist" and "psychiatrist" are usually used to describe anyone providing medical services, but the two professions and the services they provide differ in content and scope. The list of similarities between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is much smaller than one thinks, especially whenever their names interchange. Both domains work in mental health services and analyze mental illness based on individual psychotherapy cases. In some cases, seeing both works together, the psychologist offers regular therapy sessions, and the psychiatrist manages medications. Whichever specialist you choose, it's essential to ensure they have extensive experience treating depression and have an attitude and method that makes you feel comfortable. 

Infographic comparing & Contrasting

Psychologists receive extensive training in psychological testing, scoring, interpretation, and reporting, while psychiatrists are usually not trained in psychological testing. The psychiatrist works in hospitals, Private Practices, Psychiatric Facilities, and Government Facilities. They typically work closely with patients, other medical providers, and patient psychologists. Clinical psychologists work in outpatient facilities or offices, either as individual practitioners in private practice or as part of a group practice. They may also function as organizational psychologists for hospitals, health clinics, schools and universities, rehabilitation centers, or large corporations. While psychiatrists and clinical psychologists treat mental and behavioral health problems, there are fundamental differences in education, right to medicine, treatment approach, and work environment. Psychologists receive extensive training in psychological testing, scoring, interpretation, and reporting, while psychiatrists are usually not trained in psychological testing.

       Based on research, Psychiatrists spend more hours on most aspects of practice and work more hours than psychologists. Weekly caseloads reported by psychiatrists included a more significant percentage of individuals treated for psychiatric conditions than caseloads of psychologists. Psychologists said that In their cases, a large portion of individuals treated for anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and other disorders was included, and psychiatrists reported that In their cases, a large percentage of individuals were treated for schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, and disorder. Psychiatrists reported receiving a higher average payment for services from public insurance, and psychologists reported treating a more significant average percentage of patients who did not have insurance coverage. Significant differences were observed in income sources and fee arrangements, and the net reports of psychiatrists were about 80 percent higher than those of income psychologists.

Which one do you choose first, a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

For people struggling with mental health, seeking help is essential to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Which one is most effective is not prominent. Experienced mental health specialists have the training and knowledge to help clients make decisions about their treatment direction. Both often refer patients to each other. But in general, here are a few things to start making decisions about seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist first.

● A psychologist can be a good fit if you want to spend time talking about an issue and working through it in a one-on-one session.

● If you are interested in pursuing psychological medication for symptom relief for a mental health disorder, you may want to start by talking to a psychiatrist.  

● If the issue you're hoping to address is relationship-focused, say a problem at work or with a family member, what do you need from a psychologist?

● A psychiatrist can be an excellent place to start if you are experiencing languish mental health illnesses that interfere with your daily life.

As mentioned above, both psychiatrists and psychologists are concerned with helping people optimize their mental well-being, and both are often trained in different treatment modalities. They will listen to your reasons for asking for help, assess your symptoms, evaluate your medical, psychiatric, and family history, and help you choose the course of action ahead. And remember, many people visit more than one mental health practitioner before finding the best fit.

 

What is the payment approach for psychologists and psychiatrists?

With an increasing number of people living longer and overall awareness of age-related mental changes, the unfortunate number of addiction disorders, and the importance of mental health and well-being, a career as a psychologist or psychiatrist looks promising. Providers can better negotiate pay when there is an increased need for a service. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 16 percent increase in jobs for psychiatrists and an 11 percent increase for psychologists, it is safe to say that the payment approach is favorable for both professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, psychiatrists earn an average annual salary of $208,000 per year. By comparison, the average salary of a psychologist in 2019 was $80,370. The job growth outlook for psychologists from 2019 to 2029 is around 3 percent, while that of psychiatrists is slightly higher at 4 percent. Thus, the psychological/psychiatric gap is negligible regarding current job opportunities, with more than twice the difference in salary outcomes. Check the psychologist vs. psychiatrist pay comparison chart, and you will immediately see yawning intervals between the two.

Must Read: Strengthening community-based care for mental health needs