Gender Role Socialization

All through their lives, men are beneath intense pressure to maintain these masculine norms— which incorporate being intense, brave, and sincerely detached—and studies have shown that the repercussions of breaking these standards are regularly worse for men than for women. For instance, when boys and men express their hurts, ask for help, or show emotion, they are more likely to face harsh treatment, ridicule, or punishment.

These norms may seriously harm men’s physical and mental health. Compared to men who don’t follow to traditional masculinity beliefs, men who hold more traditional beliefs about masculinity and male gender roles are more likely to smoke, have poor dietary and sleeping habits, and are more likely to be physically harmed in accidents.

Reaching a Crisis Point

Men’s mental wellbeing could be a major theme of discussion, contemplated from these concerning statistics:

More middle-aged men (45–64) than any other demographic, including women and young individuals, died by suicide. (Centre for Suicide Prevention, 2022). According to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, men died by suicide three times as frequently as women.

According to the Centre for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (2017), men are two to three times more likely than women to utilize substances in a way that’s destructive to them. The UK’s most noteworthy suicide rate is among men between the ages of 40 and 49.
Compared to women, men are less likely to get psychological treatment: as it were 36% of referrals to talking treatments inside the NHS are made for males.

One prominent analyst referred to male suicide as a “silent epidemic.” It’s ‘silent’ since of a lack of public awareness of the seriousness of the issue, as well as insufficient number of studies and initiatives aimed at preventing male suicide. Suicide is one of the top 3 causes of men’s death between the ages of 15 and 44, which makes it “epidemic” due to its high frequency and significant part in men’s mortality.

What Keeps Men from Discussing Mental Wellbeing Concerns?

The social stigma about being emotional

Men with major depression don’t always look for therapy; numerous are awkward with the stigma connected to receiving such a diagnosis. After all, the stereotype of real men is that they are not depressed. Moreover, a man will never talk about it with another man, indeed in the event that they accept it. However, a lot of men agree with the saying that “real men do not talk about their sentiments.” And a great deal of men’s unhappiness can stem from precisely this impassive pose.

Acquiring unhelpful coping mechanisms

When men begin to struggle, the desires of society may thrust them towards unhealthy coping components instead of helping them get the support they need. Among the unhealthy coping mechanisms are:

• Not getting the assistance one needs from companions, family, or medical experts;
• Overindulging in liquor to ease mental distress
• Sucking it up’ by denying suffering
• In times of distress, isolating oneself or diminishing social connections

A vast number of men in Western culture use these unhealthy psychological coping mechanisms, which expose them to various negative physical and mental impacts, such as depression or anxiety.

Effects of the Ideology of Masculinity

Presence of persistent stress in men’s lives

Wellbeing is incredibly affected by stress. Men encounter a great deal of stress due to masculinity standards, which direct that men ought to be the primary providers and leaders. Another source of stress is the expectation for men to be prepared for sex at all times. Additionally, social standards that require men to be strong guardians while expecting them to hide their sentiments and vulnerabilities are important causes of stress for men. Men are expected to neither inquire for nor acknowledge emotional support, and society views healthy coping techniques like crying, yoga, and meditation as feminine.

Inexpressiveness in intimacy

The traditional masculinity ideology, which encouraged men to constrain their emotional experience, encompasses a negative effect on men’s intimacy. Men who experience more gender role conflict (GRC) also frequently experience greater levels of intimacy fear. Emotional expressiveness and restrictive emotionality identify the main causes of this fear of intimacy. Men would consequently be incapable of creating any kind of personal association, counting a relationship with a psychotherapist, since they would be incapable of expressing their thoughts and sentiments to anybody, not even their romantic partner.

Experiencing the feeling of shame

Men feel shame when they deviate from the gender norms that society anticipates of them as men. They encounter intense distress when they experience shame and its associated feelings, such as humiliation, embarrassment, and guilt, since these sentiments conflict with their masculine identity and are not appropriate for men to experience.

Alexithymia- a condition

Greek in origin, “alexithymia” truly implies “having no words for emotions”: a=lack, lexis=word, thymos=emotions.
We characterize the condition known as alexithymia as patients who obviously experience sentiments but seem not to understand them, and as patients who lack the words to portray these sentiments to others (Muller, n.d.). And it appears that this condition is more common in men.

Help-Seeking Conduct

Frequently, society raises men in a way that directly opposes asking for help. For instance, studies reveal that only 1 in 7 men, compared to 1 in 3 women, look for mental health services at a few point in their lives, and 1 in 4 men would put off seeing a doctor if they felt ill, in pain, or stressed around their wellbeing.

The reason for this hesitance to inquire for help could be that they accept appearing powerlessness and uncovering sentiments are signs of shortcoming and imitate female conduct, or it could be that they believe that asking for help and admitting to having issues shows a man that they are weak or possibly incompetent.

How can we support men with mental ailments?

Redefining the way people seek health care

Therefore, one technique to encourage more men to induce help is to persuade them that the issues they are confronting are “normal.”

Raising awareness for the emotionality of men

Campaigns and media can utilize to raise awareness around men’s emotionality and the mental issues they face. The National Institute of Mental Health unveiled this reality when it started a nationwide media campaign titled “Real Men. Real Depression,” revealing that over 6 million men experience depression each year. Furthermore, the objective of the National Football League’s “Tackling Men’s Health” campaign was to energize men to see doctors and take charge of their health.

Role of a clinician

It is significant for clinicians to perceive and address the gender role socialization that contributes to men’s tendency to deny or minimize well-being issues, as this will hinder the treatment of male patients. There’s a need to motivate endeavors for accurately assessing, diagnosing, and implementing effective treatments.

The author composed this article to provide the readers with practical and engaging information.

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The post Psychology Behind Men’s Issues appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

It’s been a while that I have found a problem with people using terms like “loneliness” and “alone”. I mean not all of the people using them, but the majority of them. People often interchangeably use those two words, and often out of fashion. This not only creates confusion between the meanings of the two, but also dilutes their seriousness. So, let’s understand the fine line of distinction between the two and dive deep into these concepts.

What is Loneliness?

We consider loneliness as an emotional state of mind that arises from a perceived sense of isolation (mentally). Because it has a negative impact on us, people frequently see it unfavourably. The drawbacks include sensations of emptiness, exclusion, unwantedness, etc.

Who is a Loner?

A loner is somebody who is generally accompanied by oneself and doesn’t feel the need to get other’s company. They love to be by themselves. This state of being alone and enjoying one’s own company is synonymous with “solitude”.

Is there any link between the two?

The concepts of loneliness and being alone might sound similar but there’s a fine line between them. Although most people think being alone is a good thing, most people see loneliness as a negative effect. While depending upon the personality of a person, being alone can also be negative. The background studies show that there are multiple types of loner personality which can be positive or negative. While the types of loneliness suggest only negative feelings of isolation. Both loneliness and solitude are subjective concepts and can vary from person to person.

These two being contrasting concepts, leads to polarity among people. While solitude seekers take great pride in considering themselves as so, lonely people feel the exact opposite. Some even get confused between the two, and end up wrongly labeling themselves and others.

Introverts are often seen as loners. Extroverts are often seen to suffer from loneliness when they lack that social stimulation. But this doesn’t guarantee any rigidness of any personality type. An introvert can equally feel lonely at some point of time. Likewise, an extrovert can seek solitude according to their need.

Finding a Balance

Whether you’re lonely or a loner, extremes of either of them create problems. You can still feel lonely when you’re surrounded by a lot of people. On the other hand, you can still be a loner even after having loving relationships with others. We are sociable creatures and a minimum amount of social interaction is necessary in any case.

In fact, solitude often leads to creative thinking and more productivity which loneliness often doesn’t. And since none of these guarantee permanence, a loner can feel loneliness and a lonely person can become a loner.

The causes of loneliness can be varied and often roots back to factors like- culture, hereditary, society, gender, loss, etc. On the other hand, solitude is often considered as a choice and is often intentional. Over the ages, philosophers, sages, artists, researchers have remained in solitude to explore things and expand their freedom.

Link between mental illness and loneliness

Though loneliness is a negative outcome of feeling isolated, it’s totally wrong to generalize things based on it. For example, we often tend to link loneliness with mental illnesses. But being lonely doesn’t always guarantee a pathological outcome.

Yes, it might be true that certain depressive and personality disorders have loneliness as their symptoms. But the reverse isn’t always true, a lonely person doesn’t necessarily be mentally ill. It all depends upon what other symptoms that person has, how loneliness is linked to it, the extent of loneliness and how the clinician diagnoses it.

Types of Loner

Loners can be of majorly five types, as follows-

● Intentional positive loner- Somebody who chooses to be alone for positive intentions.

● Intentional negative loner- Somebody who chooses to be alone, either because it might look cool or might serve antisocial purposes.

● Unintentional loner- Somebody who wants to socialize but didn’t get enough scope of it, due to lack of social skills or negative habits.

● The short-term loner- Somebody who takes time off from others to enjoy solitude and rest for a short period of time.

● Chronic loner- When the state of short-term solitude persists and or gets worse, it can lead to chronic loneliness. Chronic loners had the desire to be around others. But being alone eventually became normal for them.

So, what kind of a loner are you?

Types of Loneliness

Loneliness can be of three major types, as follows-

● Emotional loneliness- Absence of or isolation from someone very close to the person.

● Social loneliness- Lack of social connectedness with friends, peers, relatives, workmates, etc.

● Existential loneliness- It’s the universal feeling of isolation of a person from others.

Can you connect yourself with any of these types?

Want to become a loner?

Well, for people who wants to be a loner, and is trying to explore ways to be one, here are some for you-

● Disconnect a bit from the digital world and focus on yourself.

● Spending some more time wandering in your mind.

● Go out on dates with yourself, to your favorite places and explore new places alone.

● Start investing time in workouts, meditation, and mindfulness.

● Start utilizing your leisure hours for hobbies.

● Spend more time with your plants and in nature.

● Journaling your thoughts as a form of talking to yourself and finding the best friend in you.

● Acknowledge your inner desires, flaws and try working on them.

Struggling with loneliness and needing a solution?

Well, yes you did hit the right spot, if you’re going through the same. Struggling with loneliness is a serious thing and should be taken care of! Let us know some effective ways to deal with it and get the best out of the situation-

● Connecting back with people whom you miss.

● Ask for help from your loved ones and try to communicate your feelings.

● Seek for some professional psychological help if nothing else works out.

● Get outside and try spending time at a different place outside your house.

● Interact with people going through the same.

● Spend time with animals or maybe adopt a pet animal too.

● Make some positive changes to your routine.

● Get your daily work done to feel the joy of accomplishment.

● Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself enough time to accept and deal with it.

So, after all these, what do you think you are?

Lonely or a loner?

The post Are You Lonely Or A Loner? appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

While it is common to have possessiveness in relationships, occasionally the person can manage their associate, which may be poisonous to their relationship. Apart from the poor outcomes of possessiveness, it can additionally have fantastic results on relationships. Showing possessiveness may be a way of displaying love and attachment in the direction of another individual. Moreover, this trait can expand emotions of lack of confidence, and low self-esteem in a person, which harms the relationship and even breakups.

Also Read: The Psychology Behind Arguments

Attachment Theory and Possessiveness

In our life, attachment patterns have a vast function. Our number one caregivers in the course of youth are chargeable for forming our attachment patterns. All this will become obvious in our adulthood. Anxious attachment is a sort of insecure attachment style. The characteristics of this style include a robust desire for independence and a sensitivity to being too near others. People who have a stressful attachment search for validation from their companions. Moreover, after they do not get the eye they need, then the feelings of jealousy and possessiveness come into the photograph. These behaviors can damage the whole relationship and may cause conflicts among the partners.

Furthermore, the avoidant attachment is also some other steady attachment that individuals have. The hallmark of this fashion is a strong preference for autonomy and a worry of being too intimate with others. People with this attachment might also find it hard to hold intimacy with their partner and get insecure or jealous while their associate talks to others. Hence, they will control their partner to engage with.

Also Read: Importance of Self-Respect in Relationships

The root purpose of each of these attachments lies in our early childhood with the primary caregivers. The care and interest received from primary caregivers determines the formation of these attachment styles. Insecure attachment styles may additionally result from inconsistencies, reliability, or neglectful caregiving, as the kid may not have felt always loved and cared for. As a result, they feel the concern of abandonment and are unable to consider others.

Low Self-Esteem And Possessiveness

Our society has created a notion for all of us about having a romantic relationship, as having a relationship makes your life filled with success and love. A partner provides the feeling of validation and self-esteem. However, this is not always the reality. To maintain long-lasting relationships, individuals should not only be dependent on seeking external validation. Having a supportive partner assists you in building your self-worth and self-confidence.

When you are dedicated to a person, then people try to offer a sense of preference and love to their partners. Having a partner can help to boost self-esteem, which may assist in removing personal insecurities and negative thoughts. The root motive of self-esteem is not addressed by way of this fleeting outside validation. However, it’s crucial to realize that actual and lasting self-esteem is something that we can’t be searching for externally and it comes from inside.

That’s when therapy comes into the picture. Therapy can assist individuals build a strong sense of self-esteem, which enables them to enhance a strong feeling of self. Moreover, it ensures people recognize their thoughts and emotions in a nonjudgmental location. Therapy also makes people learn about their negative thoughts and ideals.

Also Read: Red Flags in a Relationship: Ignore them at your risk

Signs Of Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Possessiveness

1) Healthy Possessiveness:

Many of us think that showing possessiveness in relationships is dangerous or toxic however that is no longer the case usually. However, showing possessiveness sometimes can be a sign of affection and attachment closer to their partner. This kind of possessiveness is called healthy possessiveness. Healthy possessiveness in dating involves occasional feelings of jealousy and a desire to spend great time with a partner. Showing jealousy on occasion could be a sign that the person cares for their partners and cares about their relationships. It is crucial to know that healthful possessiveness does not include dominating or controlling their respective partners.

Moreover, spending nice time with people you love allows you to maintain a good mental well-being. Couples may be effortlessly distracted with the aid of their busy schedules and overlook spending quality time with each other. Expressing a desire to strengthen the connection consists of feeling possessive and looking to spend time together. Quality time allows us to construct an emotional bond on a deeper stage and it additionally creates sweet memories with each other.

2) Unhealthy Possessiveness

On the opposite hand, unhealthy possessiveness is harmful and toxic to the relationships we share in our lives. This possessiveness can be harmful to relationships. Possessive people have a fear of losing their companion, and they will go to extreme lengths to make sure that everything is in their control. Unhealthy possessiveness can isolate the character from their companion or family. People can restrict their interaction with their loved ones. All this could cause feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Also Read: Father of Psychoanalysis: A Deep Dive into the Life of Sigmund Freud

Jealousy is another conduct someone with bad possessiveness shows. Constantly questioning, making fake accusations, and stalking their partners are numerous common behaviors shown using human beings. Moreover, controlling their companion to engage with others, and making all decisions for their partner are some of the behaviors people with unhealthy possessiveness show.

The post The Psychology behind Possessiveness appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

What is an addiction to mobile games?

One kind of behavioral addiction is the addiction to mobile games. Mobile game addiction is characterized by an insatiable drive to play games, even when doing so has a negative impact on one’s life.
Individuals who get dependent on mobile gaming may face several issues, such as:

• Playing video games for long periods of time
• Putting off attending to work, education, or social interactions
• Having financial difficulties as a result of in-app purchases
• Feeling agitated or fidgety when not engaged in gaming
• Having trouble focusing or falling asleep

The reason behind Moblie’s game addiction

Several strategies are used to impress players, e.g. Social interaction.

Communication between players is an inherent feature of many mobile games and can be addictive for those who require interaction.

• It’s easy to get because mobile games are always available
• It’s easy to pick up and play for a short period of time.

The Reason behind PUBG Addiction

While PUBG’s psychological effects were ignored at first, some players may get used to the game and experience unpleasant consequences from certain aspects of the game design

Competition:

The reason behind the biggest craze, and attraction towards PUBG is a real and authentic experience. Competing in a Battle Royale mode against other opponent players creates a rush and thrill to win the game. When one comes close to winning and wants to try again, this creates a “just one more game” mentality. The “just one more game” mentality is when you are at the point of winning and want to try again. PUBG attracts a lot of gamers due to its challenging and competitive nature

Social interaction:

It is communal. One may play the online game with other people in the team option as well. It’s possible to meet new people and play as a team and requires cooperation to win. While there are advantages in playing whenever you play with friends, playing more frequently might have a negative impact on other aspects of your life.

Game Addiction’s Symptoms and Indications

One may be exhibiting the warning signs and symptoms of Game addiction if you or someone you know is hooked on the game. Among the most typical indications of this addiction are:

• No command over the game
• Disinterest in pursuit of other interests
• Playing on despite the consequences
• Symptoms of withdrawal when not playing
• Ignorance of other facets of existence
• Physical and mental health issues

It might be prudent to think about speaking with a therapist if you encounter these symptoms. As an alternative, you can quit playing gams, by following these instructions.

How to avoid addiction to mobile games

One way to avoid being addicted to mobile games is to set time limitations for yourself to play games. Establish a daily limit on the amount of time you are willing to spend playing video games and adhere to it. Take pauses. Every twenty to thirty minutes, get up and walk about to prevent eye strain and weariness. Play cooperative games. They might be more enjoyable and social when playing games with friends and family. Stay away from gaming in bed. Engaging in video games before bed might cause sleep cycle disruption and difficulty falling asleep.

The initiatives taken by the government

The number of users who fit the definition of “addiction” is unknown, however, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore has received reports of many cases of PUBG addiction at its SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) clinic. The SHUT clinic assists people in overcoming addictions associated with technology.

A petition to outlaw PUBG, which describes it as hazardous and addictive, is being considered by the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

In the meantime, efforts have been made to increase PUBG’s safety. Parental control is now implemented, consisting of a digital lock for users less than 13 years old. “Health reminders” that placed a daily restriction of six hours on players were implemented for a period.

Parents should also take actions

Parents are concerned about incidents of violence, self-harm, health problems, and accidents caused by players being too engrossed in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. The game might not be banned. Children who are adept with technology can obtain games that are forbidden. It’s unacceptable to blame kids and refer to them as “addicted”; doing so will only make them feel hurt. Removing their electronics will simply lead to arguments and tantrums. Some actions parents might take are as follows:

• Speak with your kid: Teach your kids the benefits and drawbacks of playing video games. Make them understand that virtual accomplishments have little bearing on actual success in life.
• Become close to your kid: Spend time conversing and engaging in activities with your child. Building trust with their child is the first step towards a parent’s power to influence them.
• Keep track of the amount of time your youngster spends gaming: When playing a game, a player frequently loses track of time.
• Establish a suitable time for your kids to play: Talk about how long your child can play throughout the week and on the weekends as a family. Regarding these regulations, be stern. Make sure your child has completed their schoolwork and engaged in some physical exercise before granting them access. Limiting play might be achieved with a basic kitchen timer. Alternatively, you might spend money on a program that shuts off the computer after a certain period of gaming.
• Be picky: Pay special attention to the sorts of internet games your kids are engaging in. Compared to others, some are more aggressive and addicting. Assist him in selecting age-appropriate games that are manageable to pause or quit.
• Take gadgets out of the bedroom: Make sure you only use the game console, laptop, computer, or mobile device when you can see it. Your child will be aware that you are keeping an eye on their gaming time and you will be able to keep a closer eye on things.

Some other suggestions

• Promote other “replacement” activities: Encourage your kids to play sports (a competitive outlet similar to gaming) or go outside and play with friends. These activities will keep them occupied and happy just as much as playing video games. Alternatively, you may sign up your kid for a hobby class in dancing, music, or painting.
• Inviting friends: Encourage them to interact with friends in person as social isolation is one of the risks associated with video game addiction.
• Look for the underlying cause: Addiction-prone behaviors are more common in children who suffer from sadness and low self-esteem. Keep tabs on your child’s life to see whether he is experiencing any emotional or social challenges.
• Completely ban games: If attempting to get him to play in moderation is unsuccessful, complete banning of the games must be done.
• Seek expert assistance: In severe situations, seek the advice of a mental health specialist with expertise in technology detoxification and addiction, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.

Video Games & Your Kids: How Parents Stay in Control is an invaluable guide for parents navigating the world of video games with their children. Written by experts in the field, this book provides practical insights and strategies for parents to ensure a healthy and balanced gaming experience for their kids

The sole purpose of mobile gaming is addictive. One can prevent gaming addiction by setting limits on gaming time and investing time in outdoor activities. Also, one can establish a habit of reading from a young age. Reading is not only a captivating pastime, but also a certain way to get better at studying.

Read More Articles:

• A look upon games being an addiction
• Video Game Addiction: Children and Adolescents
• What Is the Growing Concern Behind Digital Addiction?
• Understanding The Neurobiology of Addiction!

The post Mobile Game Addiction: The Craze of Free Fire, PUBG, and More appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

Disney movies and shows are extremely well-known around the globe and it is very rare to find someone who is unaware of at least one Disney story. The most famous ones are Cinderella and snow white, they are the classics, however, there are many others as well. Disney has managed to capture the attention of not only children but of people of all ages around the world for years and years. Whenever a new Disney movie is released, it’s not only children of a certain age who are going to watch the shows but people of all ages show up to the theatres to watch the newest Disney movies.

Read More: Can Disney Play a Major Role in Child Development?

The Importance of Media Representation

Media portrayals play an important role in the behaviours of those consuming that media. People tend to mimic what they see both in action and in thought, even if the mimicking is subtle and not visible to open eyes. The things we see on television affect us in more ways than we think they do. Our perceptions of people, places, and things are all affected. At times, media portrayal can shape perceptions for the first time, leading to doubt or change in our viewpoints. This is the case for mostly the younger generation who is consuming media at an increasingly fast pace.

Read More: The Psychology Behind Choosing Your Role Models

The younger generation of nowadays is often referred to as the iPad generation and are addicted to their devices and their source of entertainment comes mostly from the consumption of media. This addiction to media consumption only increased after the COVID-19 pandemic wherein there was a lockdown and media consumption was the only form of entertainment. This mostly affected the younger generation who unlike those before them did not get to play outside and were found to be extremely attached to and addicted to their devices from morning to night consuming all sorts of media.

Depicting Mental Health in Disney

Disney is a fairytale. When people think of Disney they normally think of magical places and happy ever-afters, however, that is not all Disney is about. Disney deals with a lot of mental illnesses and many of the shows depict various mental illnesses through their characters. The songs in dismay also hold deeper meanings than one thinks it does at first glance.

Many people only notice depictions of mental illness when someone points them out, but there are also many individuals who recognize them on their own. Since mental illness is sort of adult-themed despite it being an occurrence in children, therefore adults are more likely to realize the depictions of mental illnesses as compared to children. However, children suffering from mental illness or those who are sensitive to mental health issues. They may see signs and may point out certain depictions that adults beside them may be unaware of.

Read More: Understanding the Adult Content In Cartoon And Animes

Disney’s Exploration of Mental Health Themes

Popular shows like Encanto and Frozen among others showcase mental illness which is very visible to the naked eye and people find it easier to see the depictions of mental illnesses as portrayed by the characters in these shows. The songs in these shows also hold extremely deep meanings and help in better understanding the character whose song it is. For example, in Encanto, the most famous song is “We Don’t talk about Bruno” which talks about Bruno and how he is different from the rest of his family and how he is the black sheep of the family and the family secret that they do not talk about.

Bruno’s neurodivergent nature sets him apart from the rest of his family members and significantly influences how they treat him within the family. One can also notice some sort of a mental issue at play when he is found later to be hiding within the walls of the house and it comes to light that he always joined them for meals through his place in the wall and watched over them through a hole in one of the paintings in the dining room. However, Bruno is not the only character who depicts a mental health issue.

Mirabel, Isabella and Luisa through their songs too expose their inner feelings and how they are suffering mentally in different ways. Mirabel’s song “Waiting on a Miracle” shows how she has to fit into a certain role and how she is from a family that dealt with trauma that she did not face but still feels.

The character of Mirabel is often extremely relatable by many immigrant children whose parents have undergone trauma that still exists within the family in some way or the other and despite them not having faced it in the face, they are living in that traumatic memory in a way with their family and they want out.

The character of Isabella in her song “What Else Can I Do” brings to light how limiting perfection can be and how there are many expectations from her that are both from others as well as from within her and how she is afraid that she may not live up to those expectations and how perfection is a burden that is making her life difficult. Luisa’s song “Surface Pressure” talks about how the pressure she carries. One can see throughout the movie how Luisa is the elder sibling who is always there at everyone’s beck and call and how she always tries to help and be there for everyone.

This could be a sign of codependency wherein she feels that if she is not there for them, they will fall through and so she goes out of her way to always be there for her family. The song also to some extent portrays anxiety. Elder children may be able to relate a lot with Luisa’s character and also may resonate well with the song as it talks about how the pressure is too much and she is about to crack.

Other Disney Characters and Mental Health

In Frozen one can assume that Anna probably suffers from ADHD and that Elsa may have avoidant personality disorder, these are both themes that are prevalent throughout the show and one may notice the signs if they are paying attention and looking out for it. The songs in the show like “Let It Go” and “Into the Unknown” among others also speak a lot about the characters and one must pay attention to the lyrics of the songs to better understand the way the minds of Anna and Elsa work.

Other characters that show mental illnesses in other movies include Dory from Finding Nemo who seems to depict ADHD, Alice from Alice in Wonderland who is probably suffering from schizophrenia, Merida from the show Brave who shows signs of someone who may have an Avoidant Personality Disorder and Rapunzel from Tangled and Belle from Beauty and the Beast who seem to be perfect examples of characters who portray Stockholm Syndrome.

There are also other shows that delve deep into various mental illnesses and one may find various themes related to mental illness if one watches these shows keeping in mind to pay better attention to the signs. A study has shown that the shows Winnie the Pooh and Up were found to provide an accurate representation of depression in line with ICD-10.

Read More: 90’s cartoon and their impact on people’s mental health

Inside Out is another famous show that is often used to understand the relationship with mental illness and does an excellent job at portraying mental illness and spreading awareness about mental health and other issues that affect the mental health of an individual.

It is often assumed that viewing mental illness may lead children to develop mental illness behaviours themselves as children learn through mimicking and may model their behaviours after them. However, this has not been proven to be true. Although one must keep in mind to not expose young children to extreme media portrayals of mental illness until they are of a certain age to not horrify them, children should not be kept away from media that portray mental health issues.

Although in its early years, Disney did a horrible job at showcasing mental illness, which led to certain characters being labelled as mad and also depicted the disorders very wrongly and in an extremely negative light. Shows nowadays are doing a better job of depicting mental illness. It is important that children are made sensitive to mental health issues at a young age and learn to be more accepting therefore media representations of mental health issues are to some level important and should be included in the kind of media that is consumed by children.

The post Disney, a vessel displaying Mental Illness appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

Diogenes syndrome or senile squalor syndrome consists of the person living in seriously unhygienic surroundings with extreme signs of self-neglect, personal hygiene, and isolation from society. They may also engage in extreme levels of hoarding and some of the affected people may display signs of catatonia. The name Diogenes syndrome is derived from the Greek philosopher Diogenes who was believed to be found living in a barrel. But historians quote him to be a minimalist who never showed any signs of extreme hoarding or unhygienic living.

Thus, this can be considered as an example of a misnomer. Diogenes syndrome is identified not as a specific disease, hence lacking actual recognition as a mental health disorder from ICD and DSM-5 to date. It is a neurobehavioral syndrome, nonetheless, necessitating a clinical diagnosis and treatments. The understanding of this illness is to date not fully developed. Although doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others have been aware of it for several decades, little research has been done on the disorder’s symptoms or underlying causes. While the diagnosis of neurobehavioral illness has been made and verified, the precise relationship between the symptoms presented by the affected person and their neurological health or foundations has not yet been fully determined and tested by science.

Symptoms:

Some of the commonly displayed symptoms that can be identified to mark the onset or the existence of Diogenes’ syndrome are:

• Rashes on the skin due to infestation of lice or pests
• Unkempt hair
• Malnutrition
• Serious Dehydration
• Body odour
• Extreme levels of hoarding
• Unhygienic surroundings
• Unkempt and filthy home environment
• Lack of shame about the filth
• Hesitation to take help or medical support
• High levels of self-neglect

Causes:

Diogenes syndrome can be divided into 2 categories: primary and secondary. Primary Diogenes syndrome can be defined as one that does not occur simultaneous to the onset of any other mental disorders while the latter’s diagnosis is coupled with that of any other mental disorder. Both categories account for about 50% of the diagnosed cases in the case registry.

Diogenes syndrome can also be triggered in an individual due to some personal tragedies or major life changes. Loss of a parent, spouse or any loved one in one’s life, and even major changes in one’s life like retirement or divorce can trigger these symptoms and can cause the affected person to lead a socially isolated life and develop hoarding symptoms. Medical conditions like stroke, arthritis, mobility problems, depression, substance abuse, dementia, etc. may also serve as risk factors that can kickstart the onset of the mentioned symptoms. Since the disorder is not yet classified as a major mental illness, the above-mentioned symptoms, since they also commonly belong to other mental illnesses like compulsive hoarding or even schizophrenia, are mostly checked and diagnosed for these disorders rather than exclusively for Diogenes’ disorder. As a result, Diogenes’ disorder is viewed as a collection of symptoms rather than a singular, unique condition.

Treatment

Since most people affected and suffering from extreme levels of disorders may be indifferent to the idea of treatment or medical support or maybe even hesitant about seeking professional help, treating this bunch of people can never be an easy task. Living in such filthy and unhygienic conditions can not only bring huge turmoil to the mental and emotional health, it can also put them at risk of developing physical illnesses that could turn life-threatening. The development or onset of any resultant physical illnesses must be initially done to ensure that their bodily processes are not affected. If there exists any such discrepancy, it should be ensured that those are cleared first with adequate treatment.

If they are found to be stable and capable enough to follow these instructions by themselves, behavioural therapies can be suggested and implemented. Since most of these patients may also develop anxiety and even depression along with these problematic symptoms, treatment methods should be inclusive to treat these as well. They must be suggested to receive inpatient treatment for effective recovery. They can also be suggested or referred to take part in group therapy or support groups as this may help them cope with social situations especially when they suffer from social isolation and self-neglect symptoms.

Existing Literature

Even though there exists a huge dearth of scientific research pointing towards the actual root causes of the disorder and its biological groundwork, some recent publications can help us delve deep into the possible precautions or lifestyle changes one should undertake to avoid falling prey to the disorder. The Hoarder in You: How to Live a Happier, Healthier, Uncluttered Life is a book written by Dr Robin Zasio in November 2012. Dr. Zasio is a psychologist whose major area of study and intervention remains hoarding disorders. The book explains various useful tips and techniques to curb hoarding tendencies and goes into additional detail on how to manage compulsive feelings that lead to the hoarding of needless items. This advice and strategies can be implemented when one is found to slip into the disorder as they are relevant to hoarding habits and self-neglect symptoms exhibited during the disorder.

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What is memory distortion?

Memory distortion is a phenomenon where our memory or recollection of past events becomes changed or inaccurate with time. It includes modification, misunderstanding, and misinterpretation of a situation that has been previously encountered. Memory distortion causes differences even in the actual experience and what is stored in memory. Memory distortion can happen for various reasons and it can different forms.

Types of Memory Distortion

a) Misattribution:

Misattribution of memory can occur when we remember a piece of information correctly but attribute or associate it with the wrong source. For example, We might remember listening to the news on TV but in reality, you heard it from a friend.

b) False Memories:

False memories are the memories of the events which never happened. It can happen due to distorted recalling of an event that has been stored due to suggestion or imagination by use. Over time we assume an event has happened and our memory also remembers it like that due to the strong thinking that we have witnessed that event.

c) Suggestibility:

Suggestibility is a phenomenon that indicates how easily we tend to be influenced by external sources of information. The influence impacts our ability to understand a situation and form a memory based on our interpretation. When recalling an event people can include this suggestion into the recalling process.

d) Source Amnesia:

Source Amnesia can be defined as when we are able to store information in our memory correctly but while recalling an event we might misremember it. We might question the source of the information during recall. This usually happens while recalling news or stories and from other people.

Factors Influencing Memory Distortion

a) Emotion:

When we are experiencing a huge emotional event, we are more likely to misremember something. Because of the strong emotions involved such as the death of a person, any tragic event, or any disaster, we might have memory distortion when recalling info later. Intense emotions tend to impair our memory.

b) Stress:

High levels of stress can impair our memory. Traumatic memories tend to hinder our memory because of the strong negative feelings attached to them. Traumatic memories tend to be fragmented or forgotten depending upon the nature of events.

c) Schemas:

Schemas are mental frameworks in our minds that help us to organize the information we have learned. Schemas tend to enhance memory however it is also a subject of bias and distortion depending on the person. Due to schemas we always tend to adjust the new piece of learned information n based on our mental thinking.

d) Misinformation Effect:

Misinformation is a phenomenon that occurs when we encounter a false piece of information after experiencing an event. This can lead to memory distortion because of the differences in the nature of what we have shared and what we have experienced. For example, while encountering a nearby car accident, listening to the word hit instead of smash can distort our memory of we remember the incident.

The Role of Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony can greatly impact memory distortion. Witnesses in legal settings tend to provide inaccurate and inconsistent recollection vents. It can greatly affect the outcome of the testimony leading to wrongful conviction.

Neuroscience of Memory Distortion

According to recent studies in the field of neuroscience, there is more understanding of the phenomenon of memory distortion. Neuroimaging has indicated that the brain’s ability to remember is highly vulnerable to suggestion. The part of the brain called the hippocampus plays an important in the formation of memory and the recalling process.

Memory distortion is a common phenomenon occurring in human beings. It’s a natural aspect of life because memory is not perfect. It is subject to change, distorted, and fading over time. When recalling events with a retrieval process a person has to piece together the info bit by bit the create the recollection of one single event. Our knowledge is limited and so is human capacity. It can not be free errors and change .Hence recognizing our limitations and knowing about the distortion can only help us understand this phenomenon and learn more about the mystery of human cognition.

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As it was seen in the past that type 1 diabetes is less prevalent, this type of diabetes got less attention from researchers. Hence, risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as clear for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This leads to several myths and misinformation about prevalence, association, and optimal treatment. This study cleared up multiple myths regarding T1D, such as that the chronic condition only affects lean adolescents.

Also Read: Obesity and Mental Health

What is T1D?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the human immune system, which works to fight infection, attacks and starts destroying the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, called beta cells. Thus, its body has an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). Symptoms of type 1 diabetes appear after months and years of this process. Family history and environmental factors such as viruses can be the reasons for type 1 diabetes.

Role of stress in T1D:

Though stress is not the only potential triggering cause or factor for the onset of T1D, it can influence the outcomes of the patients affected by T1D. Stress is common among their caregivers and type 1 diabetic children. As parents, we face greater responsibility regarding our children’s health. Learning to cope with stressful events is an important factor in achieving better long-term outcomes for diabetic patients.

Also Read: Psychologists Struggle Amid Mental Health Crisis

Common myths about T1D:

1. Because its onset was historically noted in adolescents, this condition has been known as juvenile diabetes. However, recent research has shown that type 1 diabetes can develop in individuals of any age group.
2. Another myth was that type 1 diabetes will affect only lean individuals, and obese and overweight people are immune to this condition. However, in recent research, it was found that there is a positive cycle feedback association between excessive weight disorder and type 1 diabetes.

Future challenges

After these research findings, experts predicted that the current count of 3.7 million people suffering from type 1 diabetes will potentially reach around 17 million by 2040. To face this challenging future situation, we must work to increase professional and public awareness about this disease, its causative agents, and optimal management strategies. This will allow the clinician to improve the quality of life for all the patients with these chronic conditions.

Research findings

Being overweight and obese significantly and positively associated with T1D.Adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19 who deviate from the mean body mass index by one standard deviation are at a 25% increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Mendelian Randomization Studies validated these research findings.

Also Read: Study Reveals Sleeping is Better for Weight Loss

Extremely positive information also comes from this finding, which is that with every 10% weight loss, children with severe obesity can drastically reduce their risk of suffering from Type 1 diabetes by 22%. A proper weight loss intervention plan can prevent thousands of people from developing this disease before its onset. Future research, policy, and intervention must be patient-specific to avoid and form in such a way that they address type 1 diabetes and their comorbidities simultaneously.

The post A recent study shows a positive association between obesity and type 1 diabetes appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

Prevalence of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that causes disruptions in a person’s thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behaviors. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can happen at any age. The condition affects men and women equally, affecting about 1% of the world’s population. It is a complex and difficult mental condition that affects millions of people around the world. Only 14 people with schizophrenia have had this kind of surgery thus far, according to medical records.

The patient who had received the treatment for Schizophrenia was a 28-year-old male. The patient’s presenting problems, such as hallucinations, anxiety, and delusions, exhibited a 50–60% reduction, according to the senior neurosurgeon. The operation has a duration of 8 to 10 hours. Since DBS tracks the brain’s wave pattern, time is thought to aid in his condition’s improvement.

The patient is a citizen of Africa and is suffering from the disorder since 13 years of age. He reportedly used to be paranoid about meeting people and going as well and has avoided going outside for the past 8 years. He completely disrupted his normal life to the point where he would lock himself in a room, which impacted his social life and academic career.

The patient has claimed remarkable improvement following DBS despite undergoing pharmacological treatment for the previous 15 years, which was not effective in his situation. He has progressed to the point where he is currently heading towards enjoying a normal life. And upon receiving this treatment he was willing to go outside and meet people as well.

Psychosurgery: An innovative approach in medical science

Psychosurgery is a new and growing field of surgery that has proven beneficial for the treatment of schizophrenia where medicines didn’t work. Early diagnosis by medical professionals can usually result in effective treatment for schizophrenia using a mix of medication, psychotherapy, and other therapies. The patient’s body might, however, oppose the treatment in some circumstances. The body of the patient may, however, occasionally oppose the treatment. The treatment of schizophrenia may change as a result of this unique discovery, according to doctors. After receiving approval in line with the Mental Health Act of 2017, the mental health review board of India used this DBS procedure.

The post India’s First Surgery for Schizophrenia Is Successfully Performed in Gurugram Hospital appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

Psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors frequently work directly in this field, frequently in a clinical setting. Psychologists in this profession concentrate on the potential level of distress that behaviors, ideas, or emotions could produce rather than the line that separates normal from aberrant.

Examining Abnormal Behavior

A conduct is considered “abnormal” if it is causing problems in the individual’s life or if it is upsetting to others. In certain situations, the behavior can call for mental health treatment of some kind.

It is rare to witness abnormal behavior. Still, statistical infrequency by itself does not provide a satisfactory characterization. Additionally, some desirable, healthful habits are sporadic. Nor does it matter what other unusual traits or behaviors a person has in terms of behavior or functioning. It does not follow that something should be classified as abnormal simply because it is uncommon or unique.

Also Read: Forensic Psychology vs Criminal Psychology

Distress is caused by abnormal conduct. These actions could be distressing and bothersome to others, or they might disturb the individual. The functioning of an individual is impacted by abnormal conduct. These behaviors can make it difficult for the person exhibiting them to go about their everyday lives regularly, which can have an impact on their relationships, jobs, education, and home lives.

Topics in Abnormal Psychology

The investigation, comprehension, identification, management, and avoidance of psychological illnesses are the principal foci of abnormal psychology. Behavioral or psychological symptoms that are repetitive and affect several aspects of life are referred to as psychological illnesses. The person exhibiting symptoms of these diseases is distressed.

The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” which is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is used for many purposes by mental health professionals. A list of mental illnesses, diagnostic codes, prevalence data for each condition, and diagnostic standards are all included in the handbook. The following are a few categories of psychiatric disorders:

• Multiple anxiety-inducing disorders, including GAD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
• Mood disorders include BPD (bipolar disorder) and depression.
• Neurodevelopmental conditions including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities neurocognitive conditions, such as delirium
• BPD, OCD and avoidant personality disorder.

Also Read: Intellectual Disability: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Historical context of abnormal psychology.

The study and management of behavior considered abnormal or deviant (either statistically, functionally, morally, or in another sense) has a long history, and the methods employed have frequently varied among cultures. Many theories from the broader field of psychology and other sources are used by the area of abnormal psychology to identify many explanations for various illnesses, but much still depends on what is meant to be “abnormal.” There has historically been a distinction between biological and psychological explanations, which is indicative of a dualistic philosophy concerning the mind-body issue. Different methods have also been used in the attempt to categorize mental illnesses. Subnormal, supernormal, and paranormal are the three classifications that fall under the umbrella of abnormal.

Abnormal behavior was frequently viewed in prehistoric civilizations as the product of evil spirits, Satan, deities, or witches who had taken possession of the individual. It was thought that this type of demonic possession happened when the victim behaved in a way that went against the prevalent religious doctrine at the time. The trephination procedure, which was employed by cave inhabitants as a form of treatment, involved cutting a portion of the skull open with a stone tool called a trephine. They thought that the opening in the skull would allow evil spirits to exit, curing the sufferer’s mental illness and allowing them to resume their regular activities.

Theoretical perspectives

Abnormal psychologists investigate mental, cognitive, and/or behavioral disorders that persons face. conduct that is upsetting (socially unacceptable), stressful, maladaptive (or self-defeating), and frequently the outcome of warped thinking (cognition) is referred to as abnormal conduct. A number of theories and views (models, methods based on data) make an effort to explain why aberrant behavior occurs.

1) The medical perspective:

Those who have a medical perspective look at biological and physiological aspects as the origins of abnormal conduct, which is treated as a disease or mental illness, diagnosed by symptoms, and cured by treatment. Hospitalization and medicines are frequently chosen treatment options above psychological evaluation. (Recent research correlating metabolic abnormalities with various atypical behaviors lends support to this approach.)

Also Read: Cognition and Aging: How Age Impacts Memory and Mental Abilities?

2) The psychodynamic perspective:

The psychodynamic approach, suggested as a substitute to the medical model, arose from Freudian theory of psychoanalysis, which holds that psychological diseases are the result of anxiety caused by unresolved, unconscious conflicts. Treatment focuses on identifying and resolving issues.

3) The behavioral perspective:

Advocates of a behavioral perspective argue that poor or inefficient learning and conditioning cause abnormal behavior. The goal of treatments is to modify abnormal behavior and, through traditional learning methods, instruct individuals in developing new, more suitable, and adaptive responses. For example, a behavioral analysis of a child abuse case may conclude that a father abuses his children because he learnt abusive conduct from his father and must now learn more suitable parenting techniques.

4) The cognitive perspective:

The cognitive perspective suggests that individuals engage in deviant behavior due to specific ideas and behaviors, often rooted in incorrect assumptions. Designed to help individuals with maladjustment, treatments aim to facilitate the acquisition of new cognitive processes and values. Therapy is the process of unlearning and replacing harmful habits with more beneficial ones.

Also Read: Is It Possible To Work With Schizophrenia?

5) The social‐cultural perspective:

Social contexts, including family, community, and culture, shape abnormal behavior. People believe that cultural characteristics acquired through learning and cognitive processes significantly influence abnormal behavior. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia, for example, are psychological disorders prevalent in Western cultures that place a high priority on the slim female body.

Conclusion

Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies human behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that fall outside the statistical or societal norm, with “norm” being a relative term. More understanding and empathy, especially in recent years, have helped shed light on this field and on mental health disorders, lifting stigma and ushering in a new era for medical treatment and therapy. The richness and complexity of the abnormal branch of psychology means there are plenty of opportunities to explore, whether that leads you to research or to practice.

The post What is Abnormal psychology? Meaning, history, and Theoretical perspectives appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.