July 2024 – Page 2

24/Jul/2024

Life is a journey. And to make this journey more beautiful and meaningful, we travel. We travel across cities, across landscapes, across continents to marvel the beauty of our Mother Earth. Travelling is an enriching experience. It is not only good for the economic growth of a country but also for the overall growth of an individual.

Recent studies have also proven numerous benefits of travelling. Some of these benefits are –

It improves overall physical health. Engaging in outdoor activities, spending time close to nature helps in stabilising BP, improves immunity, and makes a person physically fit.
It improves mental health. Travelling helps lower stress levels, aids in recovery from depression and anxiety problems, encourages flexibility in our thinking process, and ensures mental peace. It also enhances your tolerance of uncertainty which can work wonders for reducing anxiety.
It makes us more creative and incduces out of box thinking as we encounter new and challenging situations which were unexpected. It also enhances problem solving skills.
As we meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, it helps us to look at things from a different perspective. It nourishes love and respect for others, and for the entire humanity at large.
You get to know yourself better as you spend more time with yourself and might even be surprised to discover certain skills which you thought you never had!
Travelling revitalises the human soul and significantly improves productivity at work as it provides a much needed break from excessive workload and monotony of daily life.
The enormity and beauty of nature in its various forms makes us humans humble as we realise how tiny we are in this entire existence. It makes us more appreciative and grateful for all that we have!
Today, people of all ages are taking to travelling more seriously. It is an excellent investment in yourself that promotes physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. Spending time with nature brings us close to our own existence. It broadens our perspective about life, teaches us to maintain balance and be in sync with nature, and even makes us realise to be more mindful and appreciative of all the other living organisms co-existing with us on this beautiful planet of ours.

Thus, we at AKGsOVIHAMS encourage you to travel. Travel to discover places, to meet people, to love animals, to grow stronger bonds with your loved ones, to make beautiful memories, and most importantly to know thyself in the true sense. Be safe while you travel and also be responsible to spread love, happiness, maintain cleanliness, and ensure that our Home, Planet Earth, grows more beautiful as this is all we have!

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

Overview

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety spectrum disorder which is chiefly characterised by the occurrence of unwanted and intrusive (interfering) obsessive thoughts or distressing images usually accompanied by compulsive behaviours performed to neutralize the obsessive thoughts or images or to prevent some dreaded event or situation.

Obsessions involve persistent and recurrent intrusive thoughts, images or impulses that are experienced as disturbing and inappropriate. People with such obsessions try to resist, suppress or neutralize them with some other thought or action. Obsessive thoughts consist most often of contamination fears, fears of harming oneself or others, need for symmetry, sexual obsessions and obsessions concerning religion or aggression. Compulsions can involve either overt repetitive behaviours like hand washing, checking or arranging things in an order or more covert mental acts like counting, praying or saying certain words silently. A person having OCD would realise that the obsessions are a product of his own mind but still feels compelled or driven to perform the compulsive act to “prevent something bad from happening”.

Causes

Like any other psychological illness, there could be various factors causing OCD. The biological factors could be genetic vulnerabilities, heritability, or brain and neurotransmitter abnormalities. Studies suggest that the dysfunction of certain brain areas like orbital frontal cortex, cortico-basal-ganglionic-thalamic circuit could be responsible for the illness. Serotonin, an important neurotransmitter in the brain, has also been shown to be significantly involved in the development of OCD.

There are many psychological theories explaining the aetiology of OCD. According to them, some of the most significant psychological factors responsible for causing and maintaining the illness are – faulty thinking process, irrational beliefs, faulty learning and misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts. Obsessive thoughts lead to significant anxiety which the person finds extremely distressing. In order to get rid of this unpleasant feeling, the person performs the action which reduces the anxiety. This acts like a positive reinforcement and hence an unending, vivious cycle is formed.

As mentioned above, we all experience intrusive thoughts in our day-to-day lives but people with OCD seem to have an inflated sense of responsibility and so misinterpret these thoughts as being very important and significant which could lead to catastrophic consequences. In addition to this, stress is another important aspect that needs to be considered while talking about any psychological problem. Although stress does not seemingly cause OCD, it can trigger the onset of the illness in a person who is biologically or psychologically predisposed to it and can worsen the symptoms in a person having the disorder.

Treatment

Before we initiate the therapy process, it is imperative that we make a complete assessment of the nature, intensity and frequency of all the obsessions and compulsions present in the individual. Assessment consists of detailed clinical interview, self-monitoring, homework assignments and direct observation by the therapist. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), wherein the focus is on replacing the faulty thought processes with the more appropriate, logical and adaptive thinking patterns, is the most widely employed and accepted form of therapy for treating OCD. Some of the techniques frequently employed in the treatment of OCD are- • Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) – Avoidance is often the most common response to anxiety provoking stimuli or situations. The more we try to deal with the problem by avoiding, the more real it seems and the more the thoughts get stuck in our mind. This is exactly what happens in OCD also as the person tries to avoid the obsessive thoughts by neutralising them either through an outward compulsive action or some covert ways. This technique works on the principle that the best way to deal with such thoughts is to get used to them without doing the compulsive actions and avoidance. It requires the person to get more in contact with the things he /she dreads, get used to them and eventually realise that the things that worried him/her actually never happen. The person is “exposed” to the anxiety provoking stimuli without being allowed to perform any activity to neutralise it (“response prevention”). The anxiety might increase initially but will gradually reduce on its own without performing the compulsive or neutralising action. This in turn would break the faulty association that was formed between the obsession and compulsions. Some Dos and Don’ts as part of the therapuetic process which are very effective in treating the problem of OCD:

Obsessions involve persistent and recurrent intrusive thoughts, images or impulses that are experienced as disturbing and inappropriate. People with such obsessions try to resist, suppress or neutralize them with some other thought or action. Obsessive thoughts consist most often of contamination fears, fears of harming oneself or others, need for symmetry, sexual obsessions and obsessions concerning religion or aggression. Compulsions can involve either overt repetitive behaviours like hand washing, checking or arranging things in an order or more covert mental acts like counting, praying or saying certain words silently. A person having OCD would realise that the obsessions are a product of his own mind but still feels compelled or driven to perform the compulsive act to “prevent something bad from happening”.

Causes

Like any other psychological illness, there could be various factors causing OCD. The biological factors could be genetic vulnerabilities, heritability, or brain and neurotransmitter abnormalities. Studies suggest that the dysfunction of certain brain areas like orbital frontal cortex, cortico-basal-ganglionic-thalamic circuit could be responsible for the illness. Serotonin, an important neurotransmitter in the brain, has also been shown to be significantly involved in the development of OCD.

There are many psychological theories explaining the aetiology of OCD. According to them, some of the most significant psychological factors responsible for causing and maintaining the illness are – faulty thinking process, irrational beliefs, faulty learning and misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts. Obsessive thoughts lead to significant anxiety which the person finds extremely distressing. In order to get rid of this unpleasant feeling, the person performs the action which reduces the anxiety. This acts like a positive reinforcement and hence an unending, vivious cycle is formed.

As mentioned above, we all experience intrusive thoughts in our day-to-day lives but people with OCD seem to have an inflated sense of responsibility and so misinterpret these thoughts as being very important and significant which could lead to catastrophic consequences. In addition to this, stress is another important aspect that needs to be considered while talking about any psychological problem. Although stress does not seemingly cause OCD, it can trigger the onset of the illness in a person who is biologically or psychologically predisposed to it and can worsen the symptoms in a person having the disorder.

Treatment

Before we initiate the therapy process, it is imperative that we make a complete assessment of the nature, intensity and frequency of all the obsessions and compulsions present in the individual. Assessment consists of detailed clinical interview, self-monitoring, homework assignments and direct observation by the therapist. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), wherein the focus is on replacing the faulty thought processes with the more appropriate, logical and adaptive thinking patterns, is the most widely employed and accepted form of therapy for treating OCD. Some of the techniques frequently employed in the treatment of OCD are- • Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) – Avoidance is often the most common response to anxiety provoking stimuli or situations. The more we try to deal with the problem by avoiding, the more real it seems and the more the thoughts get stuck in our mind. This is exactly what happens in OCD also as the person tries to avoid the obsessive thoughts by neutralising them either through an outward compulsive action or some covert ways. This technique works on the principle that the best way to deal with such thoughts is to get used to them without doing the compulsive actions and avoidance. It requires the person to get more in contact with the things he /she dreads, get used to them and eventually realise that the things that worried him/her actually never happen. The person is “exposed” to the anxiety provoking stimuli without being allowed to perform any activity to neutralise it (“response prevention”). The anxiety might increase initially but will gradually reduce on its own without performing the compulsive or neutralising action. This in turn would break the faulty association that was formed between the obsession and compulsions. Some Dos and Don’ts as part of the therapuetic process which are very effective in treating the problem of OCD:

DOS	DON’Ts
Let the thought/image/impluse come and let them go.	Do not try to stop the thought/image/impulse as it has a paradoxical effect.
Be with the anxiety	Do not avoid the thought/image/impulse
Accept that these thoughts/images/impulses are not from your own mind, but because of OCD	Do not try to control the thought/image/impulse
A thought is just a thought, and not reality. Just observe it as an audience without engaging with them.	Do not distract yourself as it will provide provide relief but only temporarily.

Another important point worth noting is that guilt is the best friend of OCD; whenever there is guilt attached to obsessions, it will exacerbate the problem. Hence, it is important for the person to understand that simply having an obsessive thought (for instance – sexual images) is not equivalent to having actually done that in reality. We all experience such unpleasant or unwanted thoughts, impulses or images almost everyday and so there is nothing abnormal in it. It is just a thought and has no relevance till the time we attach some meaning to it or in case of OCD, there is anxiety due to the increased sense of responsibility. OCD can be an extremely debilitating and distressful illness for the person suffering from it as it hampers the functioning in various aspects. But there is hope as it is definitely a treatable illness with a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Homoepathic medicines are very efficient in treating OCD in combination with psychotherapy.

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

We are all well aware about the physical first-aid. The white box with a red cross on top which contains all the necessary things like cotton, band-aid, dettol, etc. required for healing a physical injury and preventing any further injury. However, not many people are aware of a similar concept called Psychological First-Aid which involves humane, supportive and practical help to fellow human beings suffering serious crisis events. The World Health Organization (WHO) had even declared “Psychological First-Aid” as the theme for World Mental Health Day in 2016, which is celebrated every year on 10th October.

What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

It is a technique for providing support and care to a person who has just experienced crisis situation like – been involved in or witnessed an accident, terrorist attack, death of a loved one or suicide to help them deal with and recover from the traumatic event. Providing a helping hand in time can prevent the person from getting traumatized, his/her functioning getting disrupted, keep a check on maladaptive coping methods like excessive use of drugs or alcohol, or even taking an extreme step like attempting suicide.

Themes involved in PFA

• Provide practical care and support in a non-intrusive manner

• Assess what the person needs and his/her concerns

• Help people to address basic needs (eg.- food, water, information)

• Protect them from any further injury/harm

• Listen to people but do not pressurize them to talk

• Comforting people and helping them to feel calm

• Seek professional help for further assistance if required.

‘Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. But STIGMA and BIAS shame us all’

– Bill Clinton

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

We all go through the ups and downs of our everyday lives. There are times when we feel we can achieve a lot, do wonders, make the most of our potential, and then there are days when we consider ourselves complete failures, feel down in the dumps, and nothing seems to be going our way. Such is life, and this variety and unpredictability is its beauty. Having a low mood, feeling sad or even “depressed” is actually different from clinical depression.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

According to the ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, clinical depression is marked by the following three cardinal symptoms lasting for a period of at least 2 weeks:-

Depressed mood
Loss of interest and enjoyment
Reduced energy leading to easy fatigability and diminished activity.

In addition to this, other common symptoms could be – reduced concentration and attention, reduced confidence and self-esteem, ideas of guilt and unworthiness, bleak and pessimistic views of the future, disturbed sleep and appetite, decreased libido, and ideas of self-harm or suicide.

CAUSES

Just like any other psychological illness, depression also could be due to a combination of bio-psycho-social factors. It is a very common illness and affects 1 in every 3 persons in India once in their lifetime. Many famous personalities like Deepika Padukone, Jim Carrey, Dwayne Johnson (‘The Rock’), and many others have openly spoken about their struggles with depression with the aim of helping people to come out and seek help as Depression is treatable.

On the biological front, studies suggest that a decrease in Serotonin levels, a neurochemical in our body, is believed to be responsible for causing depression. It also tends to run in families, i.e. depression can be inherited just like any other illness like Diabetes, Hypertension, etc. Psychological factors like – pessimistic style of thinking, tendency to over-think, poor self-esteem, and over-sensitivity make one vulnerable for having Depression. Social factors like – stress, trauma, any significant loss, etc. can trigger depression in already vulnerable individuals.

STEPS TO BEAT DEPRESSION

Although depression can have a recurring course, it is definitely treatable with anti -depressant medication, Homoeopathic treatment, Psychotherapy, and certain lifestyle changes.

Psychotherapy, also called Talk therapy, is a treatment process to help people deal with psychological problems like depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the most efficient form of therpay for treating depression. In CBT, a trained therapist helps the patient identify their faulty thinking patterns, become aware of the cognitive errors they are making, and eventually modify or replace them with more appropriate and healthy ways of thinking.
Maintain a routine. A structured day keeps the uncertainties and stress to the minimal. Moreover, it makes sure you use your time efficiently.
Go for a walk or exercise. Physical activity releases endorphins, often called “happy hormones” which work as natural anti-depressants.
Engage more often in your favourite activities, hobbies or things that give you happiness even if it seems futile. The general rule of thumb that works in depression is- THE MORE YOU DO, THE MORE YOU FEEL LIKE DOING. So, don’t wait for your mood to get better before you do things that you enjoy.
Share your feelings and thoughts with people you are comfortable with. They might not be able to suggest a solution to your problem but you would feel much better.
Feel free to consult a mental health professional like a Clinical Psychologist who understands the condition well and has acquired professional training in dealing with such problems. Psychotherapy is very effective in treating depression and can help you deal better with the situation.

“Do not believe the things you tell yourself when you are sad and alone”

– Anonymous

* Click on the link below to watch a video by Kaartik Gupta, Clinical Psychologist at AKGsOVIHAMS Medical Centres, wherein he talks about Depression and its treatment.

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

Tobacco is considered to be one of the most important avoidable lifestyle related cause of cancer in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use kills nearly six million people worldwide each year. Cigarette smoking is the primary source tobacco consumption in most parts of the world. However, in India we also have other sources like – gutka, khaeni, zarda, etc. in addition to cigarette and bidi that leads to such a huge number of people getting affected with cancer of various types due to use of tobacco in various forms.

This World No Tobacco Day (31st May), we at AKGsOVIHAMS Medical Centres are making an effort to educate our patients and the general population at large to give up tobacco and add healthy years to their life. Here are a few ways to help you live tobacco free for the rest of your life:-

Take the decision to give up tobacco use for yourself. Don’t do it for someone else. Do it for yourself, for your growth and benefit.
Take medical help from professionals. Homoeopathic medicines are very effective in helping you deal with the strong cravings and urges you would feel once you stop using tobacco in any form. It is a safe and highly efficient system of medicine to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. In addition, homoeopathic medicine would gradually improve your immunity and thus you will become healthy.
Seek help from a Clinical Psychologist as psychological dependence is as strong, if not more, as physical dependence on substances like tobacco. Through Psychotherapy, the clinician would help you deal with the cravings, handle cues or triggers, help you identify the reasons why you use tobacco and thus eventually replace it with a healthy alternative, and help you to understand how your faulty thinking patterns were maintaining the problem of tobacco use. In addition to these, assertiveness training to deal with peer pressure during recovery phase, and focus on relapse prevention are important aspects taken up during the therapy process.
Freshen up – Take time to freshen up your home. Wash your clothes, steam the furniture and clean the carpet as the smell of tobacco smoke can trigger cravings. A more pleasant environment will also make it easier for you to deal with withdrawal.
Throw away your smoking accessories – The moment you decide to quit smoking, throw away your old ashtrays and lighters.
Start exercising regularly. This would help to unclog your blocked alveoli and thus gradually increase your lung capacity. In addition, exercising release endorphins in our body which are our natural stress-killers and thus help in the recovery process.
Keep the mouth busy – When you feel strong urge to smoke or take tobacco, use a chewing gum or have some mouth freshner/saunf . This helps to relieve the discomfort.
Take a healthy diet and drink lot of water as it would speed up the detox process.
In case of a lapse, i.e. if you start taking tobacco again don’t get disheartened. It happens with a lot of people. Have faith in yourself and the reason why you decided to quit smoking/using tobacco. Try again and keep yourself motivated.
One day at a time program – Just plan for today, that “Today I will stay away from tobacco.” Take it one day at a time. Just be sober for today, leave the rest for tomorrow and do this every day.

If you or any of your loved one is suffering due to tobacco use, or is wanting to but is unable to leave then you can contact us at AKGsOVIHAMS as we provide a comprehensive treatment through Homoeopathic medications and Psychotherapy for the patient’s overall growth and wellness.

Please watch this video to know how Homoeopathic treatment helped one of our patient at AKGsOVIHAMS to quit smoking.

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

TOWARDS A HEALTHY MIND

We all engage in different exercises or activities to shape up and build our physical strength, but we often ignore our governing system; our mind or brain! Dumbbells are good for building up muscles but what about the mind? There aren’t any gyms for mental training or strengthening. It is often said that A healthy mind resides in a healthy body, but it is also true that A healthy mind often precedes a healthy body. Only if we have the peace of mind and are able to take good decisions efficiently can we grow in all aspects of life.

Mental health is an imperative but often ignored aspect of our lives. Through this article, I am making an attempt to encourage you to pay more attention to your mental health. The daily hassles, frustrations, anger, disappointments and unexpected situations we face in our lives pose great risk for our mental health. We need to train and strengthen our mind to adjust and adapt to such challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realises his/her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community”. It is not just the absence of mental illness. Having talked about what mental health is and why we need to be more serious about it, let’s now look at some of the ways that various studies all over the world propose to be efficient in helping us to train or strengthen our brain/mind.

Engage in brain stimulating activities like playing Sudoku, solving puzzles or crosswords.
Regular exercises, yoga and meditation in the proper way.
Learning to Let Go!!
Spending some significant amount of time doing your hobbies or anything that gives you happiness. As kids, we all had at least one such activity that gave us immense pleasure and we were always ready to do it with full enthusiasm.
Don’t let the child in you die out.
Keep in touch with your friends and family. Meet them often. Share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with whomever you feel comfortable or have that rapport with.
Experience your emotions; even if negative let the feeling run its course. It is important that you process the emotion appropriately. Blocking it is no solution.
Learn to be patient. It is a virtue that very few possess in today’s world but it is a very important ingredient for your success.
Be stable and balanced in your approach.
Get adequate amount of sleep everyday (6-8 hrs) and take a healthy, balanced diet.
Avoid the use of harmful substances like alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs that have the potential of causing havoc in your brain.
Believe in yourself and work towards your goals or dreams.

‘Mental Health…is not a destination but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.’ Noam Shpancer

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

Imagine walking down the road and noticing a group of people talking amongst themselves, and you know for sure that they are planning to kill you, or imagine someone commenting on every move you make, you can hear the fine details of your own actions distinctly, or what if the others could somehow get to know exactly what you are thinking at every moment while you are awake. How does it make you feel? Scary right?!
This is just a small glimpse of what a person suffering with schizophrenia has to put up with because of the illness. Add to this the rejection, discrimination and feelings of helplessness arising from not being understood by your own loved ones. They seem to have a world of their own which is different from the real life but it forms the person’s “Reality” and so he/she responds accordingly. More often than not a person with schizophrenia cannot understand that his “Reality” is not for real and thus lives in complete denial of having an illness.

According to the ICD-10 classificatory system, schizophrenia is characterised in general by fundamental and characteristic distortions of thinking (Delusions) and perception (Hallucinations), and by inappropriate or blunted affect. The prevalence rate of schizophrenia is almost equal in males and females, and begins in the age range of 16-35 years.
Like any other psychological disorder, the aetiology of schizophrenia can also be understood in terms of biopsychosocial aspects. Though the findings are not conclusive, studies suggest an increased level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in people with schizophrenia. It also has strong heritability with a prevalence of upto 50% in identical twins as compared to 1% in the general population. Psychological factors like faulty thinking processes and low stress tolerance have been seen in people with schizophrenia. Studies also suggest that a home environment that is highly critical, hostile or emotional can be a contributing factor in a person who is already vulnerable for developing schizophrenia. In some cases, extreme levels of stress also can trigger the illness in people who are predisposed for schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a very debilitating illness that can significantly hamper a person’s personal, social and occupational functioning. Early identification and treatment can ensure good recovery. It even limits the extent of cognitive impairment due to the illness. Schizophrenia is not curable but definitely a treatable condition. Specific anti-psychotic medicines and psychotherapeutic techniques have been developed that have proven to be efficient in the treatment of schizophrenia.

If you observe any of the following in your loved ones for a period of 1-2 weeks, it is advised you seek mental health professional’s help at the earliest:-

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

The process of breathing symbolises the philosophy of a happy life itself; taking in from the surrounding, staying in the here and now, and eventually letting go off it to live on. It’s a smooth, rhythmic, simple, almost effortless process that happens on its own mostly. Although we can get some control over it, it tends to be involuntary for most part of our lives. However, there are many of us who wish to experience such a feeling more often.

Respiratory problems are on the rise, mainly due to increasing pollution levels, erratic weather conditions, and poor air quality all over the world. No one seems immune to these drastic changes as people of all ages, belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds are suffering with various respiratory problems. Even though there are physical reasons for such problems, psychological and emotional factors like – personality traits, temperament, early childhood experiences, coping abilities, and stress management mechanisms can exacerbate or even trigger problems like asthma. Studies suggest a high comorbidity of anxiety disorders, panic attack and even depression in patients suffering from respiratory problems that mostly go unnoticed and eventually affect the overall Quality of Life (QOL) of the individual. The role of psychological factors like misinterpretation of bodily symptoms can be explained through the “Breathlessness-Anxiety-Breathlessness Cycle”. Feeling or an anticipation of breathlessness can make you feel anxious, which in turn would affect the rate of breathing and can be misinterpreted as a sign of some serious respiratory problem which further makes you feel scared and can lead to a faulty coping of avoiding such situations in the future. Thus, the person gets caught in this vicious cycle that hampers his/her QOL significantly.

What to do?

In addition to the ongoing treatment with your physician, seek professional help from a Clinical Psychologist as they are trained to identify and assist you in dealing with such issues more efficiently.
Through psychotherapy, the underlying issues that are interfering with the overall healthy functioning of the patient are identified and worked upon using various techniques and strategies.
Faulty thought processes like “Catastrophisation”, “Misinterpretation of bodily symptoms”, “Attributional biases”, etc. are identified, challenged and eventually modified through psychotherapeutic techniques that help in better handling of the problems.
Relaxation training and deep breathing exercises are taught to ensure you are breathing correctly and more efficiently.
Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust. It is a must for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Use positive imagery to help you feel calmer, relaxed and thus breathe freely.

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

Psychological testing might sound intimidating, but it’s designed to help you. In many ways, psychological testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. For physical symptoms, a physician might order X-ray or blood test to understand what’s causing those symptoms. The results of the test will help develop a treatment plan. Psychological evaluations serve the same purpose. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a client’s behaviour to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment.

What makes them different and challenging is that physical symptoms and their causes can be seen by the others, whereas psychological entities like intelligence and personality are not something tangible and thus cannot be seen. They are mostly paper-pencil tests and do not require use of any machines. That is why psychological tests are administered and interpreted only by trained psychologists, mostly Clinical Psychologists

Purpose of Psychological Tests

Psychological tests are administered for a variety of reasons depending on the setting in which they are used. Some of these purposes are:-
• For arriving at a diagnosis
• For analysing the personality dynamics of an individual which helps in understanding and predicting their behaviour pattern
• For assessing the severity of a disorder
• For assessing neuropsychological conditions like Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.
• For recruitment purposes in corporate and defence services.

Types of Psychological Tests

Intelligence Tests: Administered mostly among children and adolescents for gaging their Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Intelligence tests for adults are also available.
Personality Tests: Personality refers to one’s usual way of thinking, feeling and behaving across settings and situations, which develops based on one’s temperament, past experiences, upbringing, and way of interpreting things. Our personality is dynamic and thus these tests aid in better understanding of the interpersonal and intra-personal dynamics of it.
Aptitude and Interest Inventory: These inventories help in determining the interest area of the participant and also whether he/she has an aptitude for that particular field.
Neuropsychological Tests/Battery: A Battery is a collection of tests which are administered together for finding out the structural and functional abnormalities of the brain due to stroke, injury, aging or infection.

Every individual is different and unique, and these psychological tests help in devising individualised treatment plan best suited for the welfare of the patient. They form an integral part of the psychological interventions. At AKGsOVIHAMS, these Psychological Assessments are administered by our Clinical Psychologist Mr. Kaartik Gupta.

Ovihams

24/Jul/2024

Learning to Love Yourself

Love is in the air when it’s the month of February. However, love need not always be about valentines or sweethearts, but also about loving your own self. Feeling loved is fundamental to Health. As much as it is important to be loved by others, we need to love, give time and take care of our own mind, body and soul. In the current stressful, hectic and competitive environment that we live in, the significance and practice of self-love has become more relevant than ever.
Let’s first understand what self-love is all about. In simpler terms, self-love refers to appreciating yourself and treating yourself with kindness, both in thought as well as in your behaviour. Self-love is about respect and taking active measures to protect and nurture yourself. Although it sounds easy, self-love is a practice that can be learned. Practicing self-love promotes both physical and psychological well-being. It boosts self-esteem and makes you aware of your strengths and allows you to be more accepting of your weaknesses.

Ways to cultivate self–love in our daily life:-

Practice self-care: Taking care of your basic needs is essential to being mentally healthy. Exercising, maintaining proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep all help to improve and maintain good mental health.
Focus on your needs, not your wants: Practicing self-love means putting your needs ahead of your wants. It is about choosing to do the things that keep you focused on your goals and moving towards a healthier, happier life.
Forgive yourself for mistakes: ‘To err is human’. Practicing self-love is about learning to acknowledge those mistakes and growing from them.
Be proactive and set goals: It can be affirming to set a goal, work towards it regularly, and finally accomplish your goal. Setting reasonable, healthy goals shows that you believe in yourself and your ability to grow.
Protect yourself and your time: A clear boundary around yourself would communicate how you want to treated by others. Most people struggle with setting boundaries, but they are essential for maintaining healthy relationships with the self and others. Boundaries can help prevent a lot of miscommunication and conflict.
Be true to yourself: Identify, acknowledge and live in line with your own values, principles, preferences and needs. By acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, celebrating our personal victories, and asking for help when we need it, we can embody a growth mind-set and have openness and truthfulness in our relationships with others as well as oneself.
Take responsibility and hold yourself accountable: Self-love involves a lot of reflection, awareness, and humility. When you see yourself for who you truly are in the present moment, you can take accountability for your thoughts and actions.

Loving oneself does not mean you are selfish or narcissist. It just means that you believe you are worthy of love; unconditional love! Your relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you will ever have, as it has direct impact on all your other relationships. As with all habits, practice makes perfect and self-love is something worth practicing as it makes us more resilient in dealing with difficult life situations.

To Travel is to Live

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Overview

Prevalence of OCD

Causes

Treatment

Prevalence of OCD

Causes

Treatment

Psychological First Aid

What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

Who can provide PFA?

Themes involved in PFA

Depression – Healing the Blues

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

CAUSES

STEPS TO BEAT DEPRESSION

World No Tobacco Day

Importance of Mental Health

TOWARDS A HEALTHY MIND

Schizophrenia

The Asthma-Anxiety Link

What to do?

Psychological Assessment

Purpose of Psychological Tests

Types of Psychological Tests

Self-love

Learning to Love Yourself

Ways to cultivate self–love in our daily life:-

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