Questions people ask
Simple answers to the questions people ask about the mind and mood – each one in the words of the book, with stories and shloks.
More from the book (29)
- Is it true that mental illness cannot be treated?
- Is it true that once you have a mental illness, you will always be unwell?
- Is it true that mental illness only affects certain kinds of people?
- Is it true that bad parenting alone causes mental illness?
- Is it true that therapy is only for people with serious problems?
- Is it true that therapy is just talking, so it cannot really work?
- Is it true that psychiatric medicines change who you are?
- Is it true that medicines are a crutch?
- Is it true that if medicine does not work right away, it never will?
- Is it true that you can stop your medicine as soon as you feel better?
- Is it true that seeing a therapist means I have failed?
- Is it true that happy people never feel sad or anxious?
- Is it true that positive thinking cures everything?
- Is it true that talking about suicide makes it more likely?
- Is it true that children and teenagers are too young to have mental health problems?
- Is it true that older people are naturally sad and forgetful?
- Is it true that men do not get depression, or they just handle it differently?
- Is it true that you can tell from the outside who is struggling?
- Is it true that self-care is selfish?
- What does Traditional Sanskrit subhashita mean for the mind?
- What does Manusmriti 4.233 mean for the mind?
- What does Manusmriti 3.70 mean for the mind?
- What does Traditional Sanskrit subhashita mean for the mind?
- What does Hitopadesha mean for the mind?
- What does Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.3 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 17.20 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 4.34 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 4.38 mean for the mind?
- What does Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.3 mean for the mind?
Chapter 1: What Is Mental Health? (57)
- Early warning signs of mental distress
- Understanding simple meaning of mental health
- A second definition – simple meaning of mental health
- Key points – simple meaning of mental health
- A tighter clinical definition – simple meaning of mental health
- What is the difference between mental health and mental disorder?
- Diagnosis is a map, not a mirror – mental health versus mental disorder
- Why mental health matters?
- The body keeps the same books – why mental health matters
- Common myths about mental health
- How stigma sounds in an Indian household?
- What are the signs of mental health? Signs of good mental health
- In more depth – signs of good mental health
- What are the signs of mental health? Early warning signs of mental distress
- Levels of impact: mild, moderate, severe, emergency – explained simply
- A worked example of the same person – levels of impact: mild, moderate, severe, emergency
- Understanding factors that influence mental health
- Understanding mental health across life stages
- One picture per age – mental health across life stages
- Understanding culture, faith and mental health
- When to seek help? (Chapter 1)
- More signs that it is time to seek help – when to seek help
- Understanding the three parts of well-being – mental health
- What causes mental health? Risk factors and protective factors
- Indian traditions on mind, sorrow and help – explained simply
- Is it true that mental health problems are just weakness or laziness?
- Is it true that only “mad” people have mental health issues?
- Is it true that medicines for mental health are always dangerous or addictive?
- Is it true that talking about problems makes them worse?
- Is it true that you can just “snap out of it.”?
- Is it true that only adults get mental illness?
- Is it true that mental illness is rare?
- Is it true that mental illness is a personal weakness?
- Is it true that people with mental illness are dangerous?
- What is true: mental health mainly includes…?
- Which statement about mental health is TRUE?
- Which is a FACT (not a myth) about mental illness?
- What is true: mental health exists on a continuum from…?
- What is true: early intervention in mental health leads to…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.38 mean for the mind?
- What does Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 15.41 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 6.5 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 6.16–17 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 5.18 mean for the mind? (Chapter 1)
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.56 mean for the mind?
- What does Amritabindu Upanishad, verse 2 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.50 mean for the mind? (Chapter 1)
- What does Bhagavad Gita 4.34 mean for the mind? (Chapter 1)
- What does Tirukkural 129 mean for the mind?
- The Quiet Room at Number Twelve – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What Will People Say? – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Missing Her, Slowly Healing – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Headaches That Had No Field – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Riya, Age 22”?
- What can we learn from the story “The Uncle Who Only Said “Tension””?
- What can we learn from the story “Lamp And Clinic In The Same Week”?
- What can we learn from the story “A Child Who Would Not Go To School”?
Chapter 2: Psychology, Psychiatry and Counselling (56)
- Psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor – what is the difference?
- Understanding psychology – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- Why the definition matters in a house?
- Understanding psychiatry – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- In more depth – psychiatry
- Understanding counselling – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- A Safe Space is Not a Strategy – counselling
- What are the types of psychology, psychiatry and counselling? (Chapter 2)
- What to look for?
- When to seek help? (Chapter 2)
- In more depth – when to seek help
- What are the types of psychology, psychiatry and counselling? (Chapter 2)
- How psychologists know?
- Understanding the main branches of psychology – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- Ideas from psychology you can use today – explained simply
- Habits form through repetition and reward – ideas from psychology you can use today
- Thoughts are not facts – ideas from psychology you can use today
- Memory is reconstructive – ideas from psychology you can use today
- Multitasking is mostly a myth – ideas from psychology you can use today
- People need connection – ideas from psychology you can use today
- Understanding branches of psychiatry – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- How psychiatrists think about the causes of mental illness?
- The brain in brief – how psychiatrists think about the causes of mental illness
- Understanding your rights as a patient – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- Understanding each professional in detail – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- Psychiatrist – each professional in detail
- Clinical psychologist – each professional in detail
- Counselling psychologist and counsellor – each professional in detail
- Psychotherapist and therapist – each professional in detail
- Psychoanalyst – each professional in detail
- Psychiatric nurse – each professional in detail
- Social worker – each professional in detail
- Occupational therapist – each professional in detail
- Neurologist and neuropsychologist – each professional in detail
- Family doctor (general practitioner) – each professional in detail
- Other helpers you may meet – each professional in detail
- What is the difference between a “therapist” and “counsellor”?
- How to choose the right person?
- What are the signs of psychology, psychiatry and counselling? Warning signs of an unsuitable helper
- How the team works together?
- Understanding costs and access – psychology, psychiatry and counselling
- Two companion verses — not a second subject – explained simply
- Who can prescribe psychiatric medicines?
- What is true: psychology is best defined as…?
- When should someone seek professional mental health help?
- What is true: clinical psychologists typically…?
- What is true: counselling is most helpful for…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 14.5 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 4.34 mean for the mind? (Chapter 2)
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.47 mean for the mind? (Chapter 2)
- Who Should We See First? – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- A Door Closes, a Room Opens – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Man with the Guaranteed Cure – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Second Opinions and Small Pills of Fear – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “The Wrong Door”?
- What can we learn from the story “Licence Before Sofa”?
Chapter 3: Human Brain and Nervous System (27)
- What is the brain and nervous system? An overview
- In more depth – overview
- Understanding major brain regions – the brain and nervous system
- Frontal lobe (front of brain) – major brain regions
- Parietal lobe (top-middle of brain) – major brain regions
- Temporal lobe (sides of brain, near ears) – major brain regions
- Limbic system (deep inside brain) – major brain regions
- Brainstem (base of brain, connects to spinal cord) – major brain regions
- Understanding the nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS) – the nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system: two branches – the nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest) – the nervous system
- Understanding brain plasticity – the brain and nervous system
- Understanding messengers – the brain and nervous system
- Understanding taking care of your brain – the brain and nervous system
- Which brain region is mainly responsible for planning, decision-making and self-control?
- What is true: the limbic system is primarily involved in…?
- The "fight-or-flight" response is controlled by which part of the nervous system?
- What is true: the occipital lobe is primarily responsible for…?
- What is true: the brainstem controls…?
- What does Katha Upanishad 1.3.3–4 mean for the mind? (Chapter 3)
- The Alarm That Would Not Switch Off – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- After the Bike Fall – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Learning to Paint at Seventy – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Midnight Scrolling and the Growing Brain – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “The Stroke That Taught A Family Anatomy”?
- What can we learn from the story “The Helmet Argument”?
Chapter 4: Hormones and Brain Chemicals (30)
- Understanding neurotransmitters – hormones and brain chemicals
- Serotonin – neurotransmitters
- Dopamine – neurotransmitters
- Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) – neurotransmitters
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) – neurotransmitters
- Glutamate – neurotransmitters
- Acetylcholine – neurotransmitters
- Understanding hormones affecting mental health
- Cortisol (stress hormone) – hormones affecting mental health
- Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) – hormones affecting mental health
- Estrogen – hormones affecting mental health
- Progesterone – hormones affecting mental health
- Testosterone – hormones affecting mental health
- Insulin – hormones affecting mental health
- Melatonin – hormones affecting mental health
- Understanding the mind-body connection – hormones and brain chemicals
- In more depth – the mind-body connection
- Keeping hormones in balance: food, lifestyle and warning signs – explained simply
- Which neurotransmitter is mainly associated with mood regulation, sleep and appetite, and is often low in depression?
- Chronic elevation of which hormone is linked to anxiety, depression and sleep problems?
- What is true: dopamine is primarily involved in…?
- What is true: GABA is the brain's main…?
- Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 6.16 mean for the mind?
- Night Shifts and Biscuits – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Tired All the Time, and Not Just Sad – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Heat, Hormones and Hurtful Words – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- It Is Not Only a Chemical – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “The Thyroid That Looked Like Sadness”?
- What can we learn from the story “The Exam-Week Jaw”?
Chapter 5: Emotions, Feelings, Thoughts and Moods (35)
- How to stop overthinking and worrying
- How to control anger
- Emotions, feelings, thoughts and moods – what do they mean?
- Emotions – definitions
- Feelings – definitions
- Thoughts – definitions
- Moods – definitions
- Affect, mood and personality – definitions
- Understanding the cognitive triangle – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Understanding common cognitive distortions – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Personalization – common cognitive distortions
- Understanding emotional regulation skills – emotions, thoughts and moods
- What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping?
- Understanding emotional awareness: step one – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Build your emotion vocabulary – emotional awareness: step one
- The ABC model: how thoughts shape feelings – explained simply
- Understanding the thought record – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Understanding mindfulness – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Simple practices – mindfulness
- Understanding self-compassion – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Understanding gratitude, meaning, and strengths – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Understanding managing anger – emotions, thoughts and moods
- Understanding handling rumination and worry – emotions, thoughts and moods
- What is true: the Cognitive Triangle shows the interconnection between…?
- Which is an example of "all-or-nothing thinking" (a cognitive distortion)?
- Which is a HEALTHY emotional coping strategy?
- What is true: emotions are best described as…?
- What is true: moods differ from emotions because moods are…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.62–2.63 mean for the mind?
- Not Angry, Just Tired – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- I Always Fail – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Pressure Cooker at Home – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Three O'Clock Worries – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Sunday-Night Money”?
- What can we learn from the story “The Child Who Was "Angry"”?
Chapter 6: The Five Senses and Mental Health (38)
- Why senses matter for the mind?
- Understanding sight (vision) and mental health – the senses and mental health
- Natural light and sunlight – sight (vision) and mental health
- Colours and lighting – sight (vision) and mental health
- Screens and digital exposure – sight (vision) and mental health
- Healthy visual habits – sight (vision) and mental health
- Understanding sound (hearing) and mental health – the senses and mental health
- Calming sounds – sound (hearing) and mental health
- Healthy sound habits – sound (hearing) and mental health
- Understanding smell (olfaction) and mental health – the senses and mental health
- Calming scents – smell (olfaction) and mental health
- Healthy smell habits – smell (olfaction) and mental health
- Understanding taste (gustation) and mental health – the senses and mental health
- Comfort food – taste (gustation) and mental health
- Gut–brain axis – taste (gustation) and mental health
- Eating patterns and mental disorders – taste (gustation) and mental health
- Healthy taste and eating habits – taste (gustation) and mental health
- Understanding touch (somatosensation) and mental health – the senses and mental health
- Positive touch – touch (somatosensation) and mental health
- Negative or harmful touch – touch (somatosensation) and mental health
- Healthy touch habits – touch (somatosensation) and mental health
- Understanding sensory overload and sensory deprivation – the senses and mental health
- Overload – sensory overload and sensory deprivation
- Deprivation – sensory overload and sensory deprivation
- Understanding sensory sensitivity and mental disorders – the senses and mental health
- Understanding using the senses therapeutically
- The senses and the five elements – explained simply
- Which sense has a direct pathway to the limbic system (emotion and memory centre)?
- Visual information from the eyes is primarily processed in which brain lobe?
- Which statement about senses and mental health is TRUE?
- What is true: auditory (hearing) information is primarily processed in the…?
- The sense of touch sends signals to which brain region?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 15.9 mean for the mind? (Chapter 6)
- The Window Seat Experiment – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Smell of Her Mother's Kitchen – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Sugar Highs and Sunday Lunches – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Too Loud, Too Quiet – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Ankit, Age 24”?
Chapter 7: Stress and the Body (31)
- How to reduce stress – healthy ways that work
- What is burnout and how do you recover?
- What is stress?
- The stress response: fight, flight, freeze – explained simply
- Understanding the HPA axis and cortisol – stress
- Understanding effects of chronic stress
- Brain and mental health – effects of chronic stress
- Physical health – effects of chronic stress
- What are the types of stress?
- What are the signs of stress?
- Understanding stress and mental disorders
- Understanding healthy ways to manage stress
- Body-based – healthy ways to manage stress
- Mind-based – healthy ways to manage stress
- Social and lifestyle – healthy ways to manage stress
- Understanding unhealthy coping – stress
- Understanding common causes of stress
- Understanding burnout – stress
- What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
- Understanding adjustment disorder – stress
- Understanding thinking differently about stress
- The HPA axis involves which three structures?
- Which hormone is released during stress and is called the "stress hormone"?
- What is true: chronic stress can lead to all of the following EXCEPT…?
- What is true: the sympathetic nervous system activates during…?
- What is true: healthy stress management includes all EXCEPT…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.14 mean for the mind?
- The Exam Season Knot – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Running on Empty – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- A New Country, A Heavy Heart – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Meera, Age 38”?
Chapter 8: Anxiety Disorders (40)
- How to calm anxiety – simple techniques for daily life
- Is it normal worry or an anxiety disorder?
- What is the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorder?
- What are the types of anxiety?
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – one type of anxiety
- Panic disorder – one type of anxiety
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) – one type of anxiety
- Specific phobias – one type of anxiety
- Agoraphobia – one type of anxiety
- Separation anxiety disorder – one type of anxiety
- Selective mutism – one type of anxiety
- What causes anxiety?
- Understanding anxiety and the body
- How is anxiety treated?
- Psychological therapies in the treatment of anxiety
- Medicines in the treatment of anxiety
- Lifestyle and self-help — support, do not replace, professional treatment in the treatment of anxiety
- Anxiety in children and adolescents – what to know about anxiety
- Common myths about anxiety
- Understanding the anxiety cycle
- Anxiety in daily life: useful techniques – explained simply
- The worry decision tree – anxiety in daily life: useful techniques
- Challenging anxious thoughts – anxiety in daily life: useful techniques
- Grounding with the senses – anxiety in daily life: useful techniques
- Is it true that anxiety is just overthinking; pull yourself together?
- Is it true that medicines for anxiety are always addictive?
- Is it true that avoiding feared situations is the best way to stay safe?
- Is it true that only weak people get anxiety disorders?
- What is true: generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by…?
- Which is NOT a common symptom of panic attacks?
- What is true: first-line treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes…?
- What is true: social Anxiety Disorder involves intense fear of…?
- What is true: specific phobias are…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 6.34 mean for the mind?
- The Night My Heart Raced – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What If Tonight Goes Wrong? – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Back Row – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Lizard on the Wall – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Aarav Who Would Not Speak – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Rohan, Age 26”?
Chapter 9: Depression and Low Mood (32)
- Is it sadness or depression? The signs to look for
- What can I do for myself when I feel low?
- What is the difference between normal sadness and depression?
- What are the signs of depression?
- What are the types of depression?
- What causes depression?
- Depression across age groups – what to know about depression
- Understanding depression and suicide risk
- Understanding diagnosis and assessment – depression
- How is depression treated?
- Psychotherapy in the treatment of depression
- Medicines in the treatment of depression
- Lifestyle and self-help — support professional treatment in the treatment of depression
- Common myths about depression
- Understanding the thinking patterns of depression
- What you can do for yourself?
- Depression in men, women, and young people – what to know about depression
- Is it true that depression is just sadness; snap out of it?
- Is it true that antidepressants change your personality or are always addictive?
- Is it true that only serious or dramatic events cause depression?
- Is it true that talking about depression makes it worse?
- Which is a key symptom of depression?
- What is true: major Depressive Disorder requires symptoms to last at least…?
- Which treatment is commonly used for depression?
- What is true: persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is characterised by…?
- What is true: seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically occurs…?
- Grey Weeks – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Quiet Farmer – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- After the Baby – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Grandfather Stops Reading – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Message at Midnight – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Sunita, Age 45”?
Chapter 10: Trauma, Grief and Loss (40)
- Coping with grief and the loss of a loved one
- Why trauma and loss matter?
- What is trauma?
- Understanding common reactions to trauma
- Understanding post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Negative changes in thoughts and mood – post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Hyperarousal and reactivity – post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Understanding complex trauma and complex PTSD
- Understanding grief and bereavement – trauma and grief
- What is the difference between normal grief and complicated grief?
- Understanding trauma, grief and the brain
- Understanding trauma-informed care
- Understanding healing from trauma and loss
- Understanding children and adolescents – trauma and grief
- When to seek professional help?
- Acute stress disorder and adjustment problems – explained simply
- Understanding childhood adversity – trauma and grief
- Who is more likely to develop PTSD?
- How is trauma and grief treated? Treatments that work
- Trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in the treatment of trauma and grief
- Prolonged exposure therapy in the treatment of trauma and grief
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) in the treatment of trauma and grief
- Medicines in the treatment of trauma and grief
- Phases of healing in the treatment of trauma and grief
- What helps after a traumatic event?
- Grounding skills for flashbacks and overwhelming feelings – explained simply
- Supporting someone who has experienced trauma – explained simply
- Understanding post-traumatic growth
- What is true: PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms must last more than…?
- Which is a common symptom of PTSD?
- About grief, which statement is TRUE?
- What is true: trauma can result from…?
- What is true: EMDR is a therapy specifically used for…?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.3 mean for the mind?
- The Road That Kept Coming Back – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Six Months Since Ashok – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The House Where She Always Listened – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- When the Water Came – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Standing Beside Ana – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Arun, Age 32”?
Chapter 11: Mood, Psychotic and Personality Conditions (41)
- How to support someone with schizophrenia or psychosis
- Why these conditions need careful understanding?
- Understanding mood disorders beyond depression – mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Bipolar disorder – mood disorders beyond depression
- Cyclothymic disorder – mood disorders beyond depression
- Other mood disorders – mood disorders beyond depression
- Understanding psychotic disorders – mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Delusions – psychotic disorders
- Understanding schizophrenia and related disorders – mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Understanding personality conditions – mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Cluster A (odd or eccentric) – personality conditions
- Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic) – personality conditions
- Cluster C (anxious or fearful) – personality conditions
- What causes mood, psychotic and personality conditions?
- How is mood, psychotic and personality conditions treated? (Chapter 11)
- Medicines in the treatment of mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Psychotherapy and psychosocial support in the treatment of mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Lifestyle and family in the treatment of mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- Understanding stigma and human rights – mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- When to seek urgent help?
- Understanding bipolar disorder in more detail – mood, psychotic and personality conditions
- What are the signs of mood, psychotic and personality conditions? Symptoms of mania
- What are the types of mood, psychotic and personality conditions?
- Why correct diagnosis matters?
- How is mood, psychotic and personality conditions treated? (Chapter 11)
- How to respond to a person experiencing psychosis?
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) in more detail – explained simply
- Effective treatment – borderline personality disorder (BPD) in more detail
- Living with or supporting someone with a personality disorder – explained simply
- What is true: bipolar disorder involves episodes of…?
- Which is a symptom of mania in bipolar disorder?
- What is true: hallucinations and delusions are characteristic of…?
- What is true: A hallucination is…?
- What is true: personality disorders involve…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 5.18 mean for the mind? (Chapter 11)
- Eight Days Without Sleep – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Voices in Shanta's Son – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Zoe at Two in the Morning – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Coming Home, Slowly – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Mr Hassan Prefers the Edge of the Room – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Vikram, Age 23”?
Chapter 12: Child, Teen and Adult Mental Health (41)
- Understanding mental health across the lifespan
- Child mental health (roughly up to age 12) – explained simply
- Common mental-health issues – child mental health (roughly up to age 12)
- Role of family and school – child mental health (roughly up to age 12)
- Adolescent mental health (roughly ages 13–19) – explained simply
- Developmental context – adolescent mental health (roughly ages 13–19)
- What causes mental health at every age? Risk factors
- Common issues – adolescent mental health (roughly ages 13–19)
- Supportive approaches – adolescent mental health (roughly ages 13–19)
- Adult mental health (roughly ages 20–59) – explained simply
- Common challenges – adult mental health (roughly ages 20–59)
- Common conditions – adult mental health (roughly ages 20–59)
- Workplace mental health – adult mental health (roughly ages 20–59)
- Older adult mental health (roughly age 60 and above) – explained simply
- Common challenges – older adult mental health (roughly age 60 and above)
- Depression in older adults – what to know about mental health at every age
- Anxiety in older adults – what to know about mental health at every age
- Dementia and cognitive disorders – older adult mental health (roughly age 60 and above)
- Support – older adult mental health (roughly age 60 and above)
- Understanding gender and mental health
- Culture, faith and mental health across ages – explained simply
- When to seek help at any age?
- Infancy: before birth to two years – explained simply
- What infants need?
- What are the signs of mental health at every age? Signs of healthy early development
- Early childhood (2 to 6 years) – explained simply
- Common challenges and what they mean – early childhood (2 to 6 years)
- Supportive parenting – early childhood (2 to 6 years)
- Understanding life transitions and resilience – mental health at every age
- What builds resilience?
- What is true: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is most commonly diagnosed in…?
- Which is a warning sign of mental health issues in teenagers?
- What is true: mental health in older adults is affected by all EXCEPT…?
- What is true: eating disorders are most commonly diagnosed in…?
- What is true: early intervention in child mental health is important because…?
- The Boy Who Could Not Sit Still – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Sofia and the Glow of the Screen – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Neha Stops Saying Yes – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Mr Iyer Forgets the Way Home – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Little Zara Learns to Wait – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Ramesh, Age 68”?
Chapter 13: Sleep, Food and Movement (38)
- How to sleep better – habits that help
- Food, mood and emotional eating
- Why lifestyle matters?
- Understanding sleep – sleep, food and movement
- Why sleep is essential?
- How much sleep is needed?
- What are the signs of sleep, food and movement? Signs of poor sleep
- Sleep and specific mental disorders – sleep
- Healthy sleep habits (sleep hygiene) – sleep
- Understanding food – sleep, food and movement
- How food affects the brain?
- Blood sugar and mood – food
- Diet patterns – food
- Specific nutrients – food
- Eating disorders – food
- Practical eating tips – food
- Understanding movement – sleep, food and movement
- How much?
- What are the types of sleep, food and movement?
- Exercise and specific disorders – movement
- Over-exercise – movement
- Understanding integrating the three – sleep, food and movement
- Understanding light, nature and daily rhythm – sleep, food and movement
- Daylight – light, nature and daily rhythm
- Nature – light, nature and daily rhythm
- Routine – light, nature and daily rhythm
- Digital habits – light, nature and daily rhythm
- Understanding food and emotional eating – sleep, food and movement
- How much sleep do most adults need for good mental health?
- What is true: regular physical exercise benefits mental health by…?
- Which dietary pattern is associated with better mental health?
- What is true: poor sleep can contribute to…?
- What is true: omega-3 fatty acids are important for…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 6.17 mean for the mind? (Chapter 13)
- The Three O'Clock Waker – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Maggi at Midnight – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Counting Every Step – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Kavita, Age 34”?
Chapter 14: Counselling and Psychotherapy (33)
- What happens in counselling or therapy?
- What are counselling and psychotherapy?
- How therapy works?
- What are the types of counselling and therapy?
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – one type of counselling and therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy – one type of counselling and therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – one type of counselling and therapy
- Trauma-focused therapies – one type of counselling and therapy
- What to expect?
- First session – what to expect
- How to choose a therapist?
- Common myths about counselling and therapy
- Culture, faith, values, and online work – explained simply
- When therapy alone is not enough?
- Which therapy is best for what?
- How long does it take?
- What therapists do and do not do?
- Getting the most out of therapy – explained simply
- Understanding self-help and guided self-help – counselling and therapy
- Is it true that therapy is only for "mad" people?
- Is it true that therapists just listen and do nothing?
- Is it true that if I go to therapy, I am weak?
- Is it true that therapy will go on forever?
- What is true: CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) focuses on…?
- Which is TRUE about psychotherapy?
- What is true: A key benefit of therapy is…?
- What is true: confidentiality in therapy means…?
- Which is a common type of psychotherapy?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 4.34 mean for the mind? (Chapter 14)
- The Waiting Room – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Two Kitchens, One Quarrel – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- When Words Alone Were Not Enough – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Neha, Age 29”?
Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment (36)
- Myths and facts about mental health medicines
- Why medicines are used?
- Who can prescribe?
- Understanding antidepressants – mental health medicines
- Understanding anti-anxiety medicines – mental health medicines
- Understanding mood stabilisers – mental health medicines
- Understanding antipsychotics – mental health medicines
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sleep, and substance-use medicines – explained simply
- Understanding ADHD (Chapter 15)
- Understanding sleep
- How they work, side effects, special groups?
- Common concerns – how they work, side effects, special groups
- Special populations – how they work, side effects, special groups
- Common myths about mental health medicines
- Understanding working with your doctor – mental health medicines
- When hospital treatment is needed?
- Understanding stopping medicines safely – mental health medicines
- Understanding overdose and emergencies – mental health medicines
- Understanding evidence and honesty – mental health medicines
- Understanding alternatives and add-ons – mental health medicines
- Is it true that psychiatric medicines are always addictive?
- Is it true that medicines change your personality?
- Is it true that once started, I will need them forever?
- Is it true that medicines are the only treatment?
- What is true: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly used to treat…?
- Who should prescribe psychiatric medications?
- Which statement about psychiatric medications is TRUE?
- What is true: benzodiazepines are typically used for…?
- What is true: medication compliance means…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.47 mean for the mind? (Chapter 15)
- Day Ten of the Little White Tablet – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Neha Asks About the Baby – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Boy Who Could Finally Finish His Homework – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Mr Fernandes and the Sleeping Strip – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- When the House Cannot Hold the Storm – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Kabir Age 28”?
Chapter 16: Daily Mental-Wellbeing Routine (22)
- A simple daily routine for mental well-being
- Why a routine matter?
- Understanding core pillars
- Understanding sample daily routine
- Morning – sample daily routine
- Midday – sample daily routine
- Night – sample daily routine
- Understanding weekly additions
- Understanding adapting the routine
- People with mental disorders – adapting the routine
- Understanding handling disruptions and tracking
- When routine is not enough?
- Which is part of a healthy daily routine for mental wellbeing?
- What is true: mindfulness and meditation practices help with…?
- What is true: social connection and relationships are important because…?
- What is true: A healthy morning routine might include…?
- What is true: work-life balance is important for…?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.12 mean for the mind? (Chapter 16)
- The Timetable on the Fridge – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Night Shift, New Baby – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Pension Day Routine – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Raj, Age 31”?
Chapter 17: Helping a Family Member (26)
- How to help a family member who is struggling
- Why family support matters?
- Understanding understanding the person's experience – helping a family member
- How to talk?
- Helpful phrases – how to talk
- Unhelpful phrases to avoid – how to talk
- Listening – how to talk
- Understanding encouraging professional help – helping a family member
- Understanding supporting treatment at home – helping a family member
- Understanding handling crises at home – helping a family member
- Understanding reducing stigma within the family – helping a family member
- Understanding special considerations – helping a family member
- Understanding caring for the caregiver – helping a family member
- Five steps to help someone in distress – explained simply
- What is true: when helping someone with mental health issues, you should…?
- Which is a helpful way to support someone struggling?
- What is true: caregivers should also…?
- What is true: when someone refuses help, you should…?
- What is true: setting boundaries as a caregiver means…?
- What does Tukaram Gatha; cite by first line mean for the mind? (Chapter 17)
- The Door That Stayed Closed – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Appa in the Village – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Brother, Bottle and Blame – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Daughter Who Held Everything Together – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Five Steps for Anil – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Suresh And Meena”?
Chapter 18: Mental-Health Emergency and Safety (21)
- Why emergency knowledge is crucial?
- Understanding recognising suicide risk – mental-health emergencies
- What to do if someone may be suicidal?
- Listen and validate – what to do if someone may be suicidal
- Ask directly about suicide – what to do if someone may be suicidal
- Seek immediate professional help – what to do if someone may be suicidal
- When there is risk of harm to others?
- Understanding severe psychosis or mania – mental-health emergencies
- Understanding substance-related emergencies – mental-health emergencies
- Understanding creating a safety plan – mental-health emergencies
- Understanding after a crisis – mental-health emergencies
- What is true: if someone expresses suicidal thoughts, you should…?
- What is true: in a mental health crisis, you should contact…?
- Which is a warning sign of immediate risk?
- What is true: if someone is having a panic attack, you should…?
- What is true: safety planning includes…?
- The Message to the Team – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Night the Neighbour Stopped Sleeping – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Too Much, Too Fast – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Four Lines on a Card – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Sixteen-Year-Old's Notebook – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 19: How Five Senses Actually Work (27)
- What is how the five senses work? An overview
- Understanding sight (vision) – how the five senses work
- How it works? (Chapter 19)
- Mental health connection – sight (vision)
- Understanding hearing (auditory) – how the five senses work
- How it works? (Chapter 19)
- Mental health connection – hearing (auditory)
- Understanding smell (olfactory) – how the five senses work
- How it works? (Chapter 19)
- Mental health connection – smell (olfactory)
- Understanding taste (gustatory) – how the five senses work
- How it works? (Chapter 19)
- Mental health connection – taste (gustatory)
- Understanding touch (somatosensory) – how the five senses work
- How it works? (Chapter 19)
- Mental health connection – touch (somatosensory)
- Understanding sensory integration – how the five senses work
- What is true: visual signals from the eyes travel to the brain via the…?
- What is true: sound waves are converted to neural signals in the…?
- Which sense bypasses the thalamus and goes directly to the limbic system?
- What is true: taste information is processed primarily in the…?
- What is true: the retina in the eye contains…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 15.9 mean for the mind? (Chapter 19)
- The Grandfather Who Stopped Coming to the Table – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Dark Months in Helsinki – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Mihir and the Scratchy Shirt – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Leela, Age 41”?
Chapter 20: Five Senses and Five Elements (14)
- Why this map sits beside psychology?
- Understanding the five elements
- Understanding combinations in lived life – the five senses and five elements
- Understanding practical applications – the five senses and five elements
- Understanding meditation on elements – the five senses and five elements
- In traditional Hindu philosophy, which element is associated with the sense of smell?
- The element Akasha (space/ether) is associated with which sense?
- Which sense is associated with the fire element (Agni)?
- The water element (Jala) is associated with which sense?
- The air element (Vayu) is associated with which sense?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 7.4 mean for the mind?
- The Restless Night Shift – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Manager Who Burned Hot – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Heavy as a Monsoon Cloud – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 21: Body Chemistry and Mental Health (23)
- What is body chemistry and mental health? An overview
- Understanding thyroid function – body chemistry and mental health
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) – thyroid function
- Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid) – thyroid function
- Understanding blood sugar – body chemistry and mental health
- Understanding vitamins – body chemistry and mental health
- Vitamin D – vitamins
- B vitamins – vitamins
- Vitamins C and E – vitamins
- Understanding minerals – body chemistry and mental health
- Understanding amino acids and omega-3 – body chemistry and mental health
- Understanding gut–brain axis and inflammation – body chemistry and mental health
- Understanding practical recommendations – body chemistry and mental health
- Physical conditions that can look like mental illness – explained simply
- What is true: thyroid hormone imbalances can cause…?
- What is true: blood sugar imbalances can affect…?
- What is true: vitamin D deficiency is linked to…?
- What is true: B vitamins (especially B12 and folate) are important for…?
- What is true: dehydration can cause…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 17.8 mean for the mind?
- Tired, Low and Forgetful at Forty – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Kabir's Skipped Meals – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Neha's Tingling Fingers – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 22: Advanced Psychological Issues (24)
- Understanding dissociation – advanced psychological issues
- Dissociative identity disorder (DID) – dissociation
- Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder – advanced psychological issues
- Common themes – obsessive-compulsive disorder
- How is advanced psychological issues treated?
- Understanding eating disorders – advanced psychological issues
- Anorexia nervosa – eating disorders
- Bulimia nervosa – eating disorders
- Binge-eating disorder – eating disorders
- Understanding personality disorders – advanced psychological issues
- Cluster A (odd / eccentric) – personality disorders
- Cluster B (dramatic / emotional / erratic) – personality disorders
- Cluster C (anxious / fearful) – personality disorders
- Understanding substance use disorders – advanced psychological issues
- What is true: dissociation involves…?
- What is true: obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves…?
- What is true: eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are…?
- What is true: borderline Personality Disorder is characterised by…?
- What is true: substance use disorders involve…?
- The Glass Wall – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Checking the Gas Again – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Empty Plate – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Mira and the Storm of Feelings – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- One Drink to Sleep – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 23: Integrating Mind, Body and Spirit (22)
- Understanding holistic mental health – mind, body and spirit
- Understanding mind-body connection – mind, body and spirit
- How mind affects body?
- How body affects mind?
- Understanding practices for mind-body integration – mind, body and spirit
- Yoga – practices for mind-body integration
- Progressive muscle relaxation and body scan – practices for mind-body integration
- Understanding spiritual wellbeing – mind, body and spirit
- Aspects – spiritual wellbeing
- Understanding finding meaning and purpose – mind, body and spirit
- Understanding integrative treatment – mind, body and spirit
- Understanding daily integration practices – mind, body and spirit
- Understanding the whole person – mind, body and spirit
- What is true: holistic mental health care addresses…?
- What is true: practices like yoga and meditation can help with…?
- What is true: finding meaning and purpose in life contributes to…?
- What is true: spiritual wellbeing can include…?
- What is true: mind-body practices include all EXCEPT…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.50 mean for the mind? (Chapter 23)
- The Headaches That Had No Cause – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Savitri's Morning Practice – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Teacher Who Said to Stop the Tablets – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 24: Gita, Ramayana and Hindu Traditions on the Mind (104)
- What the Bhagavad Gita teaches about the mind
- Why look at Hindu scriptures for mental health?
- The Bhagavad Gita: a dialogue on crisis, duty and the mind – explained simply
- Arjuna's breakdown — a psychological view – the Bhagavad Gita: a dialogue on crisis, duty and the mind
- Key Gita teachings on the mind – explained simply
- Equanimity is yoga — Gita 2.48 – key Gita teachings on the mind
- The ladder of disturbance — Gita 2.62–2.63 – key Gita teachings on the mind
- The person of steady wisdom (sthitaprajna) — Gita Chapter 2 – key Gita teachings on the mind
- The Ramayana: grief, duty, and relational psychology – explained simply
- Dasharatha's grief and attachment – the Ramayana: grief, duty, and relational psychology
- Rama's response to loss and duty – the Ramayana: grief, duty, and relational psychology
- Sita's trials and trauma – the Ramayana: grief, duty, and relational psychology
- Bharata, Lakshmana, and family systems – the Ramayana: grief, duty, and relational psychology
- Upanishads: self-knowledge and freedom from fear – explained simply
- Klesha 1 — Avidya (ignorance) – upanishads: self-knowledge and freedom from fear
- Klesha 2 — Asmita (I-making) – upanishads: self-knowledge and freedom from fear
- Klesha 3 — Raga (attachment / clinging) – upanishads: self-knowledge and freedom from fear
- Klesha 4 — Dvesha (aversion) – upanishads: self-knowledge and freedom from fear
- Klesha 5 — Abhinivesha (clinging to life / fear of ending) – upanishads: self-knowledge and freedom from fear
- Understanding bhagavata Purana and devotional psychology – the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Understanding regional traditions across India – the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Tamil — Alvars and Nayanars – regional traditions across India
- Marathi — Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath – regional traditions across India
- Kannada — Basava – regional traditions across India
- Gujarati – regional traditions across India
- Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Northeast – regional traditions across India
- Understanding hindu practices as mental-health supports – the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Rituals, puja and festivals – hindu practices as mental-health supports
- Ethics as mental hygiene – hindu practices as mental-health supports
- Techniques used for healing – hindu practices as mental-health supports
- Ancient Indian medical texts on mind – explained simply
- Charaka Samhita — what unmada is – ancient Indian medical texts on mind
- Sattvavajaya — definition – ancient Indian medical texts on mind
- The five tools — technique by technique – ancient Indian medical texts on mind
- Inner sequence of the mind – ancient Indian medical texts on mind
- Pratidvanda — pairing an opposite – ancient Indian medical texts on mind
- What the physician and the family actually do?
- Ashtanga Hridaya — medicine for mental doshas – what to know about the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Understanding trauma-informed yoga – the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Why ordinary class cues can harm?
- Principles (SAMHSA care + TCTSY) – trauma-informed yoga
- A cautious practice menu (not a class plan to force) – trauma-informed yoga
- Understanding more bhakti voices – the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Understanding integrating scripture with modern care – the Gita, Ramayana and Hindu traditions
- Across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help – explained simply
- Shruti, smriti, sutra, samhita, purana — the classical shelf – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Tamil — Cankam ethic, Tirukkural, Shaiva and Vaishnava bhakti – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Telugu and Kannada — Vemana, Potana, Annamayya, Tyagaraja, vacanas – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Malayalam — Ezhuttacchan, Puntanam, Narayana Guru – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Marathi — Jnaneshvar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram, the Varkari road – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Gujarati, Rajasthani, Hindi–Awadhi — Narsinh, Mira, Tulsi, Sur, Kabir – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Bengali — Caitanya, Ramprasad, Candi, Ramakrishna – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Odia, Assamese, Manipuri, and the Northeast – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- Kashmir and the far north – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- A map you can actually use – across the Hindu world — mind, sorrow, company, and help
- What is true: according to Bhagavad Gita 6.5, the self (atman) can be…?
- What is true: in Bhagavad Gita 6.34, Arjuna compares the mind to…?
- What is true: bhagavad Gita 2.48 teaches…?
- What is true: the concept of "Sthita Prajna" in the Gita refers to…?
- What is true: hindu traditions emphasize mental balance through…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.48 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.62 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.63 mean for the mind?
- What does Isha Upanishad 1 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.12 mean for the mind? (Chapter 24)
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.4 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.5 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.6 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.7 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.8 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.9 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.5–1.6 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.33 mean for the mind?
- What does Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.46 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 6.17 mean for the mind? (Chapter 24)
- What does Tirukkural 1 mean for the mind?
- What does Tirukkural 121 mean for the mind?
- What does Tukaram Gatha; cite by first line mean for the mind? (Chapter 24)
- What does Basavanna, Vachana tradition mean for the mind?
- What does Narsinh Mehta, Vaishnava jana to mean for the mind?
- What does Charaka Samhita, Nidana Sthana 7.5; types at Nidana 7.3 mean for the mind?
- What does Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 9.6 mean for the mind?
- What does Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 11.54 mean for the mind?
- What does Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 1.58 mean for the mind?
- What does Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 1.26 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 18.66 mean for the mind?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 12.13 mean for the mind?
- What does Shankara, Bhaja Govindam 1 mean for the mind?
- What does Mirabai pada; cite by first line mean for the mind?
- What does Kabir; commonly cited couplet, first line mean for the mind?
- What does Andal, Tiruppavai 1 mean for the mind?
- What does Purandara Dasa / Tyagaraja keertana tradition; cite by refrain mean for the mind?
- What does Katha Upanishad 1.3.3–4 mean for the mind? (Chapter 24)
- What does Purananuru 192, Kaniyan Pungundranar mean for the mind?
- What does Tukaram Gatha, abhang beginning je ka ranjale ganjale mean for the mind?
- What does Kabir Sakhi tradition; cite by first line mean for the mind? (Chapter 24)
- What does Kabir Sakhi tradition; cite by first line mean for the mind? (Chapter 24)
- Arjuna in the Exam Hall – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Dasharatha's Grief, Rama's Steadiness – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Sita's Courage and the Gentle Choice – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Restless Mind of Mohan – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Parvathi, the Healer and the Doctor – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Anita, Age 36”?
Chapter 25: Addiction and Substance Use (17)
- What addiction is?
- Understanding common substances – addiction
- Why the body learns the loop?
- How is addiction treated?
- Understanding family — support without enabling – addiction
- Understanding harm reduction – addiction
- What is true: the loop named is best captured as…?
- What is true: A substance use disorder includes…?
- What is true: alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be…?
- What is true: medication-assisted treatment is…?
- What is true: support without enabling means…?
- The Glass After Dinner – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Cigarette Behind the Hostel – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Night Games, Empty Mornings – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Pills for Sleep, Pills for Nerves – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Brother Nobody Mentions – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Rafi, The Third Excuse”?
Chapter 26: Eating Disorders (18)
- What they are?
- Understanding anorexia nervosa – eating disorders
- Understanding bulimia nervosa – eating disorders
- Understanding binge eating disorder
- Understanding ARFID and OSFED – eating disorders
- What sits underneath?
- How is eating disorders treated? Treatment principles
- What is true: eating disorders…?
- What is true: anorexia nervosa includes…?
- What is true: bulimia may occur at…?
- What is true: ARFID is driven mainly by…?
- What is true: OSFED…?
- The Quiet Plate – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Hidden Cycle – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Man at the Fridge Door – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Eight Foods and a Packed Lunch – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Not Quite Anything – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Meera’S Plate”?
Chapter 27: ADHD and Neurodiversity (22)
- Understanding ADHD (Chapter 27)
- Understanding autism spectrum – ADHD and neurodiversity
- Understanding learning disorders – ADHD and neurodiversity
- What sits beside them in childhood?
- Understanding adults – ADHD and neurodiversity
- Understanding neurodiversity as a word – ADHD and neurodiversity
- Hidden autism: women, girls, and adults – explained simply
- How to communicate well with an autistic person?
- Understanding tic disorders and Tourette syndrome – ADHD and neurodiversity
- Supporting neurodivergent children at home and school – explained simply
- Understanding neurodiversity at work – ADHD and neurodiversity
- What is true: ADHD is…?
- What is true: autism includes…?
- What is true: dyslexia is…?
- What is true: sharing ADHD stimulant tablets is…?
- What is true: neurodiversity means…?
- The Boy Who Could Not Stay in the Chair – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Always Late, Always Sorry – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Girl Who Copied Everyone – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Bright Boy, Cannot Read – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Blink and the Sniff – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Arun’S Two Reports”?
Chapter 28: Digital and Social-Media Mental Health (18)
- Too much phone and social media? A balanced way
- What we already know? (Chapter 28)
- Understanding sleep – phones and social media
- Understanding attention and noise – phones and social media
- Understanding comparison, bullying, body – phones and social media
- Understanding danger online – phones and social media
- A usable day, not a purity test – explained simply
- What is true: night screens…?
- What is true: social-media comparison can…?
- What is true: self-diagnosis from the internet is…?
- What is true: searching online for means of suicide is…?
- What is true: A usable digital rule…?
- The Lamp in the Dark – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Screenshot – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Perfect on the Screen – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Seventeen Tabs, One Diagnosis – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What He Searched for at Night – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Ankit’S Evening, Rewritten”?
Chapter 29: Workplace and Academic Stress (39)
- How to handle exam stress and test anxiety
- Understanding academic pressure – work and exam stress
- Understanding the body at a desk – work and exam stress
- Understanding workplace mental health
- What to do that is not a slogan?
- Understanding common work-related problems
- Overload and burnout – common work-related problems
- Bullying and harassment – common work-related problems
- Job loss and insecurity – common work-related problems
- Working from home – common work-related problems
- Shift work and night work – common work-related problems
- Perfectionism and imposter feelings – common work-related problems
- Understanding if you are a manager – work and exam stress
- Talking about mental health at work – explained simply
- Understanding returning to work after illness
- Understanding test anxiety – work and exam stress
- Understanding bullying and cyberbullying – work and exam stress
- Understanding supporting students – work and exam stress
- Gap years, study abroad, and leaving home – explained simply
- Understanding life transitions – work and exam stress
- Why changes are hard?
- Moving to a new country (migration) – life transitions
- Becoming a parent – life transitions
- Chronic illness and disability – life transitions
- Caring for others – life transitions
- Retirement and later life – life transitions
- Money and mental health – life transitions
- Resilience in uncertain times – life transitions
- What is true: short-term exam stress…?
- What is true: burnout is closest to…?
- What is true: A positive workplace in your list includes…?
- What is true: taking mental-health leave is…?
- What is true: harassment at work is…?
- The Night Before the Board Exam – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Inbox That Never Ends – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Boss Who Humiliated – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Day the Letter Came – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Daughter Who Carried Everyone – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “The Third Sunday”?
Chapter 30: Perinatal Mental Health (16)
- Baby blues or postpartum depression?
- What we already know? (Chapter 30)
- Baby blues and depression — keep the difference – explained simply
- Understanding medicines – pregnancy and new parents
- Who else is in the room?
- What is true: postpartum depression is…?
- What is true: baby blues usually…?
- What is true: traumatic childbirth…?
- What is true: psychiatric medicine in pregnancy…?
- What is true: thoughts of harming the infant…?
- The Tablet She Wanted to Throw Away – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Not Just Tired Tears – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Birth That Went Well on Paper – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- A Quiet Room After the Scan – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Night Rosa Stopped Making Sense – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “After The Discharge”?
Chapter 31: Later-Life and Dementia-Related Care (16)
- Understanding the load of later life
- Understanding depression is not “normal ageing” – later life and dementia
- Understanding dementia – later life and dementia
- What support looks like?
- Understanding the family myth – later life and dementia
- What is true: late-life depression is…?
- What is true: dementia is…?
- What is true: depression can…?
- What is true: ramesh’s family learned…?
- What is true: caregivers need…?
- Just Getting Old, Said the Family – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Where Did I Put the Keys, Again? – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Carer Who Forgot Herself – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Empty Flat on Raja Street – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- When Dad Became Another Person – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Ramesh”?
Chapter 32: Rights, Stigma and Suicide Prevention (24)
- Understanding stigma
- Understanding rights – stigma and suicide prevention
- Who is pushed further out?
- Understanding suicide prevention – stigma and suicide prevention
- What a family can actually do?
- Understanding understanding stigma
- The harm stigma does – understanding stigma
- Where stigma comes from?
- How to challenge stigma?
- As an individual – how to challenge stigma
- As a parent or teacher – how to challenge stigma
- In the media – how to challenge stigma
- Understanding self-stigma: if you feel ashamed
- Understanding community-based support – stigma and suicide prevention
- What is true: stigma often…?
- What is true: WHO-style rights include…?
- What is true: asking about suicide…?
- What is true: A locked starved room at home is…?
- What is true: if someone may be suicidal…?
- The Meeting He Did Not Join – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What Farah Said at the Bus Stop – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Room With the Latch – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Sam Told Nobody at Home – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Words We Use After Ravi – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 33: How Mental Health Conditions Are Assessed and Diagnosed (37)
- Why diagnosis matters?
- Who can diagnose?
- Understanding the diagnostic systems – mental health assessment and diagnosis
- The assessment process, step by step – explained simply
- Step 1: The interview – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 2: The mental state examination – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 3: Standardised questionnaires and rating scales – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 4: Physical examination and tests – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 5: Information from others – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 6: Psychological testing – the assessment process, step by step
- Step 7: Formulation and diagnosis – the assessment process, step by step
- Understanding the risk assessment – mental health assessment and diagnosis
- Understanding common diagnostic challenges – mental health assessment and diagnosis
- Overlap of symptoms – common diagnostic challenges
- Comorbidity – common diagnostic challenges
- Changes over time – common diagnostic challenges
- Culture and context – common diagnostic challenges
- What is the difference between normal reactions and disorders?
- How accurate is diagnosis?
- Understanding and living with a diagnosis – explained simply
- Common reactions – understanding and living with a diagnosis
- Questions to ask your clinician – understanding and living with a diagnosis
- Privacy and sharing – understanding and living with a diagnosis
- Understanding labels: helpful and harmful – mental health assessment and diagnosis
- What is the difference between screening and diagnosis?
- Assessment of children and young people – explained simply
- Understanding digital tools and apps – mental health assessment and diagnosis
- What is true: A diagnosis is best described as…?
- What is true: A mental-health assessment usually includes…?
- Why do doctors sometimes order physical tests during an assessment?
- What is true: screening tools such as short questionnaires…?
- What is true: having two or more conditions at the same time, such as anxiety and depression, is called…?
- Eleven Questions, One Long Breath – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Seventy-Four Per Cent on the Internet – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Thyroid, Not Just Nerves – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- A Diagnosis That Changed – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Maya Will Not Sit Still, Or Is It More? – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 34: Relationships and Communication (32)
- How to set healthy boundaries in relationships
- Why connection matters?
- What is the difference between loneliness and being alone?
- Understanding different kinds of relationships
- Understanding attachment styles in adult relationships
- The building blocks of good communication – explained simply
- Listening – the building blocks of good communication
- Speaking clearly and kindly – the building blocks of good communication
- Body language and tone – the building blocks of good communication
- Assertiveness – the building blocks of good communication
- Saying no – the building blocks of good communication
- Understanding handling conflict – relationships and communication
- The antidotes – handling conflict
- Steps for resolving a disagreement – handling conflict
- Apologising and forgiving – handling conflict
- Understanding boundaries – relationships and communication
- Making and keeping friends as an adult – explained simply
- Understanding healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Abuse and violence – healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Grief, breakups, and loss of relationships – explained simply
- Understanding relationships and mental illness
- Understanding social media and connection – relationships and communication
- Which of these helps most in listening?
- What is true: an assertive message usually…?
- What is true: A healthy boundary is…?
- What is true: loneliness differs from being alone because loneliness is…?
- Which is a serious warning sign of an unhealthy relationship?
- Three Hundred Contacts and Nobody to Call – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Three Words He Always Said – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- I Am Happy to Talk, But Not Like This – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- She Stopped Seeing Her Friends – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Left on Read – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
Chapter 35: Maps, Thinkers and How to Use This Book (17)
- How to read this series?
- Understanding four reading paths
- Psychoanalytic tradition – founding figures and schools
- Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) – founding figures and schools
- Behaviourism and social learning – founding figures and schools
- Humanistic and existential – founding figures and schools
- Cognitive psychology – founding figures and schools
- Developmental psychology – founding figures and schools
- Social psychology – founding figures and schools
- Clinical and counselling – founding figures and schools
- Neuroscience, memory, biological – founding figures and schools
- Women pioneers – founding figures and schools
- Understanding psychiatrists and contemporary figures – reading this book
- Contemporary influential figures – psychiatrists and contemporary figures
- Understanding indic and related sources – reading this book
- Understanding big Five sketch (educational) – reading this book
- D — Brain (lookup only) – quick cards: brain, elements, therapies