Indian Addiction and Recovery Blog

EMDR Therapy: How Eye Movements Help Process Trauma

Akansha Sahay

November 11, 2024

What is EMDR Therapy? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a unique, evidence-based approach to treating trauma and distressing memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is designed to help you process traumatic experiences that may feel "stuck" in your mind, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and daily life. The purpose of EMDR therapy is…

Highlights from the Bangalore University Conference on Mental Health in the Workplace

Akansha Sahay

Introduction The International Conference on Mental Health in the Workplace, held on September 26th and 27th, 2024, at Bangalore University, brought together global experts to tackle one of today’s most pressing challenges: fostering mental well-being in professional environments. Hosted by the Department of Psychology and the Centre for Psychological Counselling at Bangalore University, the event was aligned with the World…

How Neurofeedback Helps Rewire the Brain in Addiction Recovery

Akansha Sahay

November 4, 2024

Neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive technique that monitors and trains your brainwave activity to improve mental and emotional well-being. It uses real-time feedback from EEG (electroencephalogram) technology to help you regulate brain function. By observing your brainwave patterns, a therapist can guide you in learning how to self-regulate those patterns. This technique has been especially effective in treating conditions like…

Designing Impactful Mental Health Workshops: Must-Have Topics and Engagement Techniques

Akansha Sahay

October 22, 2024

Mental health workshops have become an essential tool in today’s world, especially in workplaces where stress and mental health issues can have a significant impact on both individuals and organizations. You might already know the importance of mental well-being, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when planning a workshop that makes a real difference. The concept of…

Creating Safe Spaces: How Trauma-Informed Care Transforms Treatment

Akansha Sahay

October 14, 2024

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that recognises how deeply trauma can affect a person’s well-being and aims to create an environment that promotes healing. You might not realise it, but trauma is more common than we often think. Research suggests that up to 70% of people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, whether it’s…

Is Couple Therapy Right for You? A Guide to Relationship Counseling

Akansha Sahay

Relationships can be one of the most fulfilling parts of life, but they can also be challenging at times. Every couple faces ups and downs, and it's perfectly normal to experience periods of tension or frustration. However, when problems persist and you feel stuck in patterns of conflict or disconnection, it can start to impact your emotional well-being and the…

How Exercise Can Boost Your Mental Health: Science-Backed Benefits

Akansha Sahay

October 3, 2024

You’ve probably heard that exercise is good for your physical health, but did you know it can have a powerful impact on your mental health too? Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety or just looking for a mood boost, physical activity can be a great way to support your mental well-being. Science shows that exercise doesn't just improve your body;…

The Hidden Mental Health Struggles of Olympic Athletes

Akansha Sahay

Introduction: The Glamor vs. The Reality When you think of Olympic athletes, you likely imagine glory, medals, and the highest levels of achievement. These individuals are often seen as the epitome of success, their lives filled with discipline, fame, and accomplishment. From the outside, it may seem like they have it all: adulation from fans, endorsement deals, and the honour…

The Intersection of Women’s Mental Health and Safety: Lessons from the Kolkata Case

Akansha Sahay

September 19, 2024

Women’s mental health and safety are deeply connected, and it’s a link that often goes unnoticed. As a woman, the environment you live in, the level of safety you feel, and the risks you face all play a huge role in your mental well-being. The Kolkata case is a powerful reminder of this connection. In this incident, the dangers women…

How to Support a Loved One Who May Be at Risk of Suicide

Akansha Sahay

September 10, 2024

Supporting a loved one who may be at risk of suicide is one of the most challenging situations you can face. It’s difficult to know when someone is struggling internally, and the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing can make it even more overwhelming. However, your support can be a crucial lifeline, offering hope and connection in moments…

How Long Does It Take for Your Body to Develop a Drug Dependence

Akansha Sahay

September 9, 2024

Intro: Understanding Drug Dependence and Its Development Drug dependence is a condition where your body and mind become reliant on a substance, making it difficult to function without it. This can happen with both prescription medications and illegal drugs. Understanding how quickly drug dependence can develop is crucial for both prevention and treatment. It doesn’t happen overnight; instead, it gradually…

Mental Health and Pop-psychology Quizzes

Akansha Sahay

In recent years, pop-psychology quizzes have gained significant popularity. These quizzes, often found online or in magazines, promise to reveal aspects of your personality, mental health, or emotional state with just a few quick questions. They’re fun, easy to access, and offer instant results, making them a cultural phenomenon. You’ve likely encountered these quizzes on social media or shared them…

How to Manage Suicidal Thoughts When Battling Addiction

Akansha Sahay

September 2, 2024

Intro: The Connection Between Addiction and Suicidal Thoughts When you're struggling with addiction, the weight of your emotions can become overwhelming. Addiction and suicidal thoughts often intertwine, creating a complex and dangerous relationship. Substance abuse can intensify feelings of hopelessness, despair, and isolation, which can lead to thoughts of self-harm. It's crucial to understand that these thoughts, while powerful, are…

Schizophrenia – Treatments and Rehab

Akansha Sahay

August 21, 2024

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) describes schizophrenia as a complex, chronic mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It's characterized by a range of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning. While this mental health condition is often associated with hallucinations, not everyone with schizophrenia experiences them. Instead, other symptoms of…

A Guide to Auto-Brewery Syndrome

Akansha Sahay

August 15, 2024

Imagine waking up with symptoms of a hangover—dizziness, nausea, and a foggy mind—without having had a single drink. This is the perplexing reality for individuals with Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), a rare and often misunderstood medical condition. Also known as gut fermentation syndrome, ABS occurs when certain types of yeast in the digestive system convert carbohydrates into alcohol, leading to elevated…