Do Antidepressants Increase ALS Risk? Why Context Matters More Than Headlines

Recently, a patient sent me a photo of a newspaper headline claiming that antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or sleep aids may increase the risk of a rare neurological disorder: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The patient, who had made a good recovery from depression, wanted to stop her medication out of fear. This is a common and dangerous […]
When Code and Confidence Collide Job Loss, AI and Mental Health in Midlife Engineers

Losing a job at any age is jarring, but for men aged 45 and above—many of whom built lives around a tech career—the blow can cut deeper. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in software development has accelerated layoffs across major companies, leaving seasoned engineers grappling with more than just unemployment. The stakes are higher […]
Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?

Mental Health Challenges for Doctors in Modern Healthcare The life of a doctor is often glorified as one of heroism and service. Yet behind the white coat lies a complex web of mental health challenges. From long, unpredictable hours to the emotional toll of patient care, today’s physicians face stressors that can erode wellbeing and […]
Unlocking Potential: The Importance of Developmental Assessments in Creating Effective IEPs

Every child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and learning needs. When it comes to supporting children with developmental delays or disabilities, one size does NOT fit all. That’s where developmental assessments play a critical role in shaping an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that truly works. Here’s why developmental assessments are essential for creating […]
World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

On World Mental Health Day 2024, the focus is on a crucial issue: Mental Health at Work. With about 60% of the global population engaged in some form of employment, the workplace has a massive influence on mental well-being. Decent work can promote good mental health by providing structure, purpose, and financial stability. However, poor working environments, marked […]
Dealing with Trauma : You Are Not Alone

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event, which could be an emotionally or physically harmful and potentially life-threatening event. It affects the mental, physical, and/or social well-being of the person. Most people experience trauma in some form during their life. Examples of traumatic experiences include witnessing first hand or seeing the effects of […]
Life Skills for Adolescents: A Key to Suicide Prevention in the contemporary digital age

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded of the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, especially adolescents. Suicide is the number one cause of death in this age group. Adolescents today face many challenges due to the digital age we live in. Primordial suicide prevention—(addressing root causes before issues emerge)—can have a long-term impact. One of […]
Life’s Lessons from the Olympics

Once every four years we witness the spectacle of the Olympics. It is a triumph of human grit, determination, hard work, luck and endurance. The various sports disciplines generate lot of interest, discussion, controversy and debates. For a month it manages to shift eyeballs from Netflix to the athletes. A few instances and events stand out and probably there is something for us to learn from them.
What is Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD, marked by ongoing challenges in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, significantly affects daily life and often originates from childhood. While previously seen as a childhood condition that would outgrow with age when impulse control develops, recent years have seen a rise in recognition, diagnosis, and successful management of ADHD in adults. Nonetheless, longitudinal research indicates that a considerable portion of children with ADHD, up to 60 percent, continue to grapple with symptoms and functional impairments well into adulthood.
Commit to Quit – Celebrating World No-Tobacco Day

Before every movie we see an elaborate advertisement saying “Smoking is injurious to health”. Public places are adorned with signboards that prohibit tobacco use or smoking. Even the cigarette and chewable tobacco packets have gory pictures of cancer patients printed on them. Why then, do people find it difficult to stop using tobacco?