Food For Healthy Hair.

 Food for Healthy Hair

In this time of popping expensive hair

nourishing biotin supplements, you can

get thick, long, strong hair by

consuming these natural foods.

Invest in your hair, its the Crown you never take off.

Keratin is the protein of which hair is made of. The healthy outgrowth of keratin depends

on your inner body's health.

Here are 5 nourishing superfoods for your dream hair.

Photo by Rowan Chestnut on Unsplash

1. Ghee

Ghee contains rich fatty acids which lubricate the intestines. This helps the organs to

eliminate toxins. It increases the blood supply in the body and so in the head and helps

the roots to grow stronger and healthier by repairing hair follicles.

It contains antioxidants which are good for hair and overall body health.

Eating a spoonful of pure desi cow ghee on empty stomach is recommended to eat. It

provides the required nutrition and reduces the heat called 'Pitta' from the body.

Pitta dosh is responsible for the thinning and breakage of hair.

Curd￾Curd along with other milk products is rich in vitamin B5 and D. It supplies the needful

protein and folic acid. Lactic acid from curd is an abundant source of calcium and

hair care proteins. It promotes hair strength and growth. It is recommended to eat curd

in lunch. It promotes gut health by improving digestion.

2. Nuts/ Dryfruits

Soaked dry fruits have numerous benefits for physical- mental health, the nervous system

in particular. Nuts and seeds contain high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty

acids nourish the hair and promote hair growth. It increases blood circulation in the

scalp through which hair growth is triggered. It provides essential nutrients and protein (

keratin) for hair growth. Consumption of Handful of soaked almonds, cashews, and

soaked raisins can bring wonders to your hair health.

Various nuts such as sunflower seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds should be consumed

for healthy hair.

3. Leafy vegetables

Spinach, kale, fenugreek and other green leafy vegetables are a storehouse of Vitamin A,

Vitamin C, Iron, folate, Beta carotene and other micronutrients and vitamins. Especially

Vitamin A is required for healthy hair growth. Adding these vegetables to your diet

(mostly steamed or sauteed or raw) is good for your hair.

These can be added to salads or vegetable curries. Homegrown and freshly plucked

leaves of these vegetables can prove to be very beneficial for your skin and hair.

4. Amla/ Vitamin C

Amla or Indian Gooseberry, Lemon, Oranges, Sweetlimes and various other vitamins C

rich foods are boons to healthy hair. Amla is packed with antioxidants. It eliminates free

radicals from the body which are responsible for premature greying of hair, ageing

signs and wrinkles. Consuming amla and lemon frequently in your diet can make you

look younger than your age.

Boiled or steamed amla, and lemon water keep your body hydrated and hair and skin

shining and youthful.

5. Curry leaves

Curry leave powder is used in hair masks. The benefits of Hair oil made of curry leaves

are well known too. But little do you know about the benefits of eating raw curry

leaves on empty stomach?

Curry leaves are rich in Phosphorous, Iron, calcium and vitamin C. It helps control hair

fall and removes the weak hair follicles from the scalp. It is also used to get rid of

digestive issues, gases and bloating.

Chewing 2-3 leaves 30 min before breakfast is a healthy option to keep your hair healthy

and strong.

Indian kitchen is filled with the goodness of healthy ingredients for hair, skin and

health. The least is the need to buy expensive hair nourishing supplements. One needs

dedication and belief that the wonders of hair happen with healthy food. Keep your hair

healthy with these supernatural foods and let your hair do the talking.

Heat Waves Can Lead To Health Risks.

What’s your favorite season? Is it summer? Years ago, I liked summers because we got to eat ice-cream, coolers, etc. The stylish thing about summer was obviously “The Holidays”. I recall visiting my grandma’s place every summer. This season has left a bunch of memories with me. But, in the past few years, it has taken a toll on the health of each individual. 

Lately, there has been a huge rise in temperatures all over the world. If we talk about India specifically, it was observed at around 49 degrees in Delhi, which was the highest so far. Extreme heat waves can lead to fatal accidents or diseases. One of the reasons for these adverse temperature rises may be climate change.  The burning of fossil fuels can lead to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, which are mainly the reason for climate change. 

What are Heat Waves?

 Heat waves are dragged periods of surprisingly high temperatures that reduce productivity and increase morbidity and mortality. These include extreme rainfall, which has an adverse impact all over the world. Heat waves are also considered one of the natural calamities mainly caused by the release of dangerous gases into nature. A recent study shows a major increase in the death rate due to scorching heat. For illustration, France in August 2003, was seen with temperatures of 37°C during an uncommonly warm and dry summer across Europe. These unusual temperatures, when put together with a health system, were not prepared for such conditions. Limited responses and left the most vulnerable. In this case, the elderly are to suffer shattering outcomes.

Impact of Heat Waves on Health.

1. One of the major factors of heat waves could surely be definitely climate change. Climate change increases the threat in affections similar to heart conditions, it also affects our nervous system and can be the cause of diarrhea.  

2. The most vulnerable individuals, in my opinion, are the migrant labourers who have to work in these adverse conditions to earn their daily wages. The marginalized sections do not have much access to facilities such as coolers, refrigerators, and other summer essentials. 

3. The marine ecosystem has been affected on a large scale. 

4. Heat waves are already known to be the leading cause of death in the world. The 2018 report by Sustainable Energy for All has declared that the rising temperature because of climate change and the negative impacts on societal health are likely to escalate and will worsen the effect on human health. 

5. The extreme heat effects may include heavy breathing, restlessness, dehydration, heat stroke, heart attacks, fainting, vomiting, fever, and may also contribute to thrombogenesis (blood clots).  

6. Indirectly, it has also affected water resources. The more the temperature rises, the more likely the oceans and rivers tend to evaporate. This will also affect hydropower production, which is mainly the biggest asset for cooling infrastructure. 

How to Prevent Health-Related Issues Caused by Heat Waves.

• Drink Water.

• Take cool showers.

• Wear light-colored and be-fitting clothes.

• Try to avoid going out in the sun.

• Be in a cool place or, if possible, spend many hours in air-conditioned structures.

• Drink fluids similar to coconut water and sugarcane juices and add ice to them.

• Eat organic food in particular.

• Avoid foods that are caffeine-rich.

• Avoid protein-rich foods.

• Avoid dairy products.

• Keep a check on family and friends.

• Be self-aware and gain knowledge about the health issues caused by heat waves.

• Be self-motivated.

• Meditation.

• Try specific yoga asanas similar to Surya Namaskara in the morning (avoid doing this exertion after 8 am in the morning).

• Avoid intense physical exercises such as weight training, cardio, etc.

• Take regular tests and necessary check-ups to avoid adverse conditions in the future.

• Will power.

• Visit or seek help for your mental stability.

• Apply sunscreen up to SPF 50 to avoid skin tanning or any other skin issues. 

Things to keep in mind if you are experiencing symptoms such as unconsciousness, dry skin, itching, skin rashes, cramps, dizziness, intense thirst, headaches, etc. In this situation, move immediately to a cool place, drink water to desiccate yourself, and call an ambulance or doctor immediately. 

The guidelines provide the necessary key plans and strategies, and proper implementation and coordination are to be taken seriously. The main objective is to alert the population, especially those at high risk. Cities can take a charge and do the needful, such as avoiding outings and strategizing accordingly to prevent health risks due to heat. Whereas public mindfulness, collaboration with NGOs, establishing warning systems, occupational support to alleviate Heat waves, etc., are some of the key strategies that could help prevent adverse effects of Heat Waves.

Cureya has 25+ years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry and will help you live a healthy and happy lifestyle. To know more, do check the below website. 

https://www.cureya.in/

Writer- Maitrika Chandrikapure

Is daily activity a route to fitness as well as sharp memory?

 Is daily activity a route to fitness as well as sharp memory?

For adults, physical activity will embody recreational or leisure-time physical activity, transportation (e.g. walking or cycling), job  activity (i.e. work), house chores, play, games, sports, or planned exercise within the context of daily, family, and community activities. Everyday things like walking to the station, carrying luggage or mounting stairs all count, and may add up to the a hundred and fifty minutes of exercise per week suggested for the typical adult

You probably already understand that workout is important to preserve muscle strength, keep your heart robust, maintain a healthy weight, and head off chronic diseases like polygenic disorder. However exercise also can boost your thinking skills. Exercise boosts your memory and thinking skills directly and indirectly. It acts directly on the body by stimulating physiological changes like reductions in internal secretion resistance and inflammation, together with encouraging production of growth factors — chemicals that have an effect on the expansion of new blood vessels within the brain, and even the abundance, survival, and overall health of new  brain cells

Primary school pupils who took part in running 15 min for more than 3 months were fitter than those that participated for a shorter time. Taking days out of lessons for a run or walk didn't have a negative result on pupils’ thinking skills or well-being, whereas bigger fitness was additionally found to be connected with higher memory. 

What is physical activity?

At a really basic level, physical activity suggests that any movement of your body that uses your muscles and expends energy. One of the good things concerning physical activity is that there are endless potentialities And there'll be an activity to suit more or less  everyone! It is suggested that the common adult ought to do between seventy five and one hundred fifty minutes of exercise every week. This could be either moderate intensity exercise, like walking, hiking or riding a motorbike, or it may be a lot of vigorous activities, like running, swimming quickly, aerobic exercise or skipping with a rope. Any activity that raises your pulse, causes you to breathe quicker, and causes you to feel hotter counts towards your exercise!

 Over recent years, there has been an excellent deal of analysis into how bodily fitness would possibly influence the mind. For instance, studies have concluded that fitness will reduce the chance of insanity, relieve depressive symptoms, and more. There is additional proof that physical activity boosts the psychological feature performance of healthy people, individuals of various ages, and participants with psychological feature impairments. Similarly, some studies have shown positive links between fitness and changes in brain structure

There are several reasons why physical activity is beneficial  for your body – having a healthy heart  and bones are simply 2, however did you recognize that physical activity is additionally useful for your mental state and wellbeing

• Being active daily is one in all the foremost necessary belongings you will do for your health.

• Even if you're busy, you'll arrange physical activity in brief bursts that work around your life.

• Getting active is going to be even easier if you decide on one thing that you just fancy, and schedule it into your calendar.

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is  a ‘ positive physical, social and mental state’. Mental wellbeing  doesn't have one universal definition, however it will embrace factors such as:

The sense of feeling sensible regarding ourselves and having the ability to operate well separately or in relationships. 

The ability to handle the ups and downs of life, like addressing challenges and creating the foremost of opportunities. 

The feeling of affiliation to our community and surroundings 

Having management and freedom over our lives .

Having a way of purpose and feeling valued

Of course, mental wellbeing doesn't mean being happy all the time, and it doesn't mean that you just won’t experience negative or painful emotions, like grief, loss, or failure, that are a part of traditional life. However, no matter your age, being physically active will assist you to steer a mentally healthier life and might improve your wellbeing.

What impact will physical activity have on  wellbeing?

Physical activity encompasses a broadening potential to reinforce our mental health. Even a brief burst of ten minutes’ brisk walking will increase our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. Participation in regular physical activity will increase our self-esteem and might cut back stress and anxiety .It  additionally plays a role in preventing the event of psychological state issues and in raising the standard of lifetime of individuals experiencing psychological state problems.

Impact on memory

Daily Physical activity can enhance the event of latest brain cells within the adult brain, a method referred to as adult ontogenesis. These newborn brain cells play a very important role in learning and memory. Exercise can even boost memory and thinking indirectly by rising mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety. Issues in these areas often cause or contribute to psychological feature impairment.

Impact on depression and anxiety

Physical activity is an alternate treatment for depression. It is used as a standalone treatment or together with medication and/or psychological medical aid. it's few facets and doesn't have the stigma that some individuals understand to be hooked up to taking antidepressants or attending psychotherapy and counseling. Physical activity will cut back levels of hysteria in individuals with gentle symptoms and should even be useful for treating clinical anxiety. Physical activity is on the market to any or all, has few prices hooked up, And is an empowering approach which will support self-management.

Tips to remain fit during your busy schedule

Walk additional

Stand up during work whenever practicable

Use staircase rather than elevator

Clean your home

Take regular breaks from your table

Move the ashbin away so you have got to steer to throw garbage

Take regular breaks from your pc. each half-hour, stand up  and move around. 

Cycle to high school along with your children once or double every week rather than driving them.

Tips  to boost your memory

Listening to music

playing board games like  chess and checkers 

Practice physical activity in your daily routine

Socializing

Getting organized

Sleeping for 7-8 hrs at night

Learning new languages

Practicing a hobby

Daily activities like walking, using the staircase instead of elevator, doing a brisk walk, using a standing desk, playing checkers or chess, solving puzzles, etc can help u remain fit as well as boost your memory .We should include such activities in our daily life in order to maintain our physical and mental wellbeing .These small daily activities have ample benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing and are easy to perform.

SAGARIKA DEY

Healthy Aging for Older Adults

 Healthy Aging for Older Adults 

A very disheartening yet inevitable change that nearly everyone witnesses in their lives is seeing their parents grow old. We can't reverse this process without magic. However, the pace of aging can be decelerated and made healthier. 

Simply put, "healthy aging" is a continuous process of keeping oneself in good health both physically and mentally and grabbing every opportunity towards a hassle-free old age. Having a positive outlook is crucial for the improvement of the quality of life.

Healthy aging should not mean looking a lot younger than your age, nor should it mean one should be as agile as a teenager. It is just living your best life, having no chronic ailments, no regrets, and no stress. The perfect balance of physical as well as mental well-being is the key to aging beautifully.

It is absolutely true that nothing is free and nothing is attained without effort. Looking for suggestions for a healthy life? Let us help you with some:

Daily exercise and workout

Staying active decreases the chances of fatal heart disease as well as cancer to a great extent. Walking for 30 minutes every day is the easiest and most effective way of staying fit. Other ways of working out for middle-aged people can include swimming, dancing, and cycling.

Healthy diet and eating habits

A healthy appetite is the way to go. A diet containing the perfect quantities of vitamins and minerals enhances our healing capabilities and helps to cleanse toxins from our body. As a result, aging becomes a lot easier and safer when a person has a strict healthy diet.

Drink water 

Staying hydrated and consuming enough fluids is a necessity. Especially during hot summers with the scorching heat outside, middle-aged people tend to fall ill and get tired very easily. To prevent such circumstances, have plenty of water (at least 3 liters a day).

Mental well being 

A healthy mind leads to a healthy body. Older adults can be said to be the earning members of a family. Depression, stress, and anxiety are very common. In this distress, we often forget about our health. We don't take our meals properly, and this, in turn, makes us fall ill.

It is pretty evident that if the mind is clouded and is unhealthy, it will lead to repercussions for our physical well-being. Always have a positive outlook and stay away from "bad vibes"!

Sleep

Sleep deprivation can put your health and safety at risk, which is why it’s essential that you prioritize and protect your sleep on a daily basis.

Having a good night's sleep is equally important as having a healthy diet. 7 to 8 hours of rest is required for a light mind and a healthy physical condition in older adults. It reduces stress and anxiety, and when we wake up with a fresh mind, we look forward to a good day, and in the long run, this has a huge positive effect on our life.

"No" to addiction.

If you want to stay fit, have no ailments during old age, and have the ability to be independent, reduce your alcohol consumption and stop smoking. Having a drink once in a while during celebrations is hard to prevent, but try your very best. Smoking will reduce your lifespan by years, even if you follow a strict diet and exercise daily.

So, put a red cross around your addiction. 

Build a new hobby

Having a hobby always helps. It keeps us occupied and diverts our minds from the existing preoccupations that lead to frustration. 

It helps in having a calm mind, which is, again, a crucial requirement towards a healthy body.

Regular visits to the doctor

Aging cannot be stopped. Thus, getting regular checkups is important. Doctors can prescribe what changes you need to make in your life to remain fit. They are the only people who can give a proper diagnosis to heal.

While writing this blog, I have this haunting fear that one day I will have to face similar consequences. However, when there is a will, there is a way. If we give our best efforts to a healthy life as older adults, no one can take it away from us. Cheers to a happy and healthy 

life.

BY SWASTIKA

CHANGES IN CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND FITNESS SINCE PAST PANDEMIC

 CHANGES IN CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND FITNESS SINCE PAST PANDEMIC

I was reminiscing about my life before this pandemic. Just two years down the line, all the way back to my home from office at 6pm, I used to cherish the kids playing in parks, basements of apartments, on roads. Those sweaty, dirty faces had a different beauty in itself. And there used to be this group of moms scolding their kids to get back home and finish their homework. But now things seem to have taken a back seat and life isn't that jolly anymore. I can hardly see any kids playing. And the most disheartening thing is they have been caged by the bars of electronic gadgets. And yes this is the bitter truth we are facing post pandemic. Pandemic forced us to go to a lockdown and for a very significant period of time schools and colleges remain closed. The fear of the virus and the need for social distancing stopped the children from playing out of the houses. The natural idea of face to face interactions with peers was grounded. Adults being adults and in spite of having work got bored and faced challenges. Thus, one can imagine how vulnerable children’s situation would have been. The age in which one is meant to run, jump, cycle, etc, instead they were confined within the four walls of their houses.

The pandemic had its consequences both on physical as well as mental health of the children.

Broadly, these  following issues can be seen:

No physical activity

Reduced inclination towards outdoor games

Lethargy

Health issues such as obesity ,weak eyesight

Increased usage of electronic gadgets

Depression

Anger issues

Emotional instability

Self-absorbed behavior

Anxiety

Mood disorders

Disturbed sleep patterns

Thus, the pandemic has affected children’s health on physical, mental and emotional grounds. Because of the pandemic children were given access to have mobile phones and electronic gadgets at a very early stage. Though it started with online classes, the other part of it was too scary. They were exposed to a world – a world full of entertainment, games, gossip, WhatsApp, Instagram, snapchat, YouTube, reels, hashtags, trending and what not. To wrap up, they entered a virtual world which seemed quite engaging and easy to them. Now, the issue is they are used to this kind of lifestyle. The above mentioned issues are the result of the lifestyle exercised during the pandemic. There is an array of challenges before us as a consequence of the pandemic.

To cope up with the current situation, remind the children that human beings are social animals. Get them out to the playgrounds. Let them play rigorously. Engage them in a group activity. Tell them that mobiles aren’t there for their tender hands. Bring them toys. Make a habit of reading story books. And most importantly interact with them. Nurture them. 

Author Credits: Prajakta

RISE IN HEART ATTACKS ON YOUTHS

 

When we hear the news or think of someone getting a heart attack, we automatically think of someone aged or someone in their 40s at least. But recent data shows that more and more young people below the age of 40 are at higher risk of having a heart attack. One in every five people who suffer a heart attack, one is under the age of 40. Between the years 2000 and 2016, heart attacks have been increasing by 2% each year. Actor Siddharth Shukla made headlines when he died of a sudden heart attack in September 2021 at the young age of 40. This raised questions about the causes of heart attacks among young people. The seemingly simple reason is, of course, due to a change in lifestyles. More and more adults today smoke, which gives rise to the pressure put on the cardiovascular system. The 5-9 job has left people no time to cook and has increased the intake of fast food, which ultimately gave rise to obesity. The same reason has led to a lack of physical activity. These all add to the rise in pressure put on the cardiovascular system.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) can lead to Myocardial Infarction (MI), which can be the cause of an abrupt and unprecedented death. According to Dr. Rajnish Sardana, a senior cardiologist at Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, “When the blood supply to the heart muscles is stopped or there is some interruption in blood supply, it leads to necrosis of the tissue, which means death of the tissue of the cardiac cells and damage to the heart muscles.”

 

SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACKS

One should know that there are no visible signs of heart attack. The following are the traits of the indications during the occurrence of a heart attack:

•          Chest pain (Angina): It may occur for a few minutes, then come back again after a while.

• ·         Shortness of breath

• ·         Discomfort: In the arms, back, jaw, neck and stomach.

• ·          Sweating and nausea

• ·         Light-headedness

FACTORS AFFECTING HEART ATTACK

Factors leading to heart attacks in youngsters are as follows:

•         Obesity

•     Heredity

•        Smoking

•      Lifestyle: Low physical activity and increased intake of foods containing fat

•       High Blood Pressure

•    High Cholesterol Levels

•      Level of Stress

•       Alcohol

 

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HEART ATTACK?

•    Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

•       Avoid smoking or drinking since it doubles the risk of heart attack.

•     Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.

•   Limit the intake of fats and start eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

If you’re overweight, try to convince a doctor of the same and follow the suggestions given to lose weight in a healthy way.

WHAT TO DO IN A TIME OF EMERGENCY?

•   First of all, call an emergency (100 for India) or medical help from a nearby clinic if you think someone is having a heart attack.

•    If you or someone you know is having a heart attack, chew and swallow an aspirin since it helps prevent blood clots.

•    Do CPR if someone is already unconscious or you can’t feel their pulse till the emergency arrives

•    If someone you know is having a heart attack, reassure them. Encourage them to relax and keep encouraging them to keep calm.

 

TREATMENT FOR HEART ATTACK

•    Heart attack treatment involves a variety of medications such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, angiotensin-converting enzymes, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc.

•  Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT): Patients who undergo CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft surgery) are treated with two antiplatelet agents at the same time. This is known as DAPT.

•   Coronary Angioplasty: This is done by specialists, and not all hospitals have such facilities.

• Use of an AED (automatic external defibrillator).

 

The heart is a very important part of our body and we need to take proper care of it, especially the young. A heart attack can cause immediate death. Leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking can help prevent heart attacks among young people.

writer - Upasana puri

Maternal Mental Health Month

A mental illness is an illness or disorder that emotionally drains a person or prevents a person from participating in everyday affairs “normally”. The most vulnerable and crucial time for a mother is when she is pregnant and the first few weeks after giving birth to a child, both physically and mentally. We, as a society, often overlook or overestimate our women’s self-esteem and mental tolerance- blame the patriarchy. May is a month where we focus on the mental health of women during prenatal and postpartum periods and spread awareness and provide support for the same. 

Reportedly, one out of seven women experiences depression during their pregnancy and also following the birth of a child. A study by the University of Essex stated that due to the spike in COVID-19 cases followed by the worldwide lock down, there has been an increase in depression in expectant mothers. The study reported a jump from 17% to 47% depression and 37% to 60% anxiety in mothers bearing children. 

It is common for women to experience a feeling of sadness and moodiness that involves crying, irritability, anxiety and restlessness after giving birth. This is known as “Baby Blues”. These symptoms are common and may not need any psychological treatment, but when these feelings of sadness and anxiety escalate and hinder a woman from performing everyday tasks, then one needs to get psychological help before it gets any worse. 

A 33-year-old healthy mother in Delhi almost committed suicide after three months of giving birth to a boy. She recalls asking her family to help her, but they merely blamed her hormones. Only when her emotions escalated and became out of control that she tried to end her life. Her husband took her seriously and sought mental help from a therapist. The reason for the spike in depression and anxiety among pregnant women is social distancing. Perinatal mothers are more isolated from the world, their parents, and friends, who are in great need during this vulnerable period. They suffer from fear about their pregnancy, especially new mothers with no one to reassure or guide them. Another reason is financial issues. Many went unemployed or had their salaries cut in half during the lock down. Families expecting a child had to face many difficulties involving treatment money for the expectant mother as well as those who had just given birth, adding to their depression and anxiety level. 

Mothers feel isolated from their new born baby if they are facing mental illness, which can play a major role in the child’s growth. Studies show that children with mentally unstable mothers are likely to be victims of bullying in schools, perform poorly academically or develop a mental illness.

Depression is very common in pregnant or postnatal women. The following are the symptoms of women suffering from depression or likely to suffer from one:

• extreme sadness

• Irritability

• Uncertainty about the future

• Forgetfulness

• Difficulty in concentrating

• Self-harm

• Sleeplessness

• Extreme Tiredness

Anxiety disorder is another common mental disorder faced by pregnant and postnatal women. The following are the symptoms one needs to consider to help a mother or help yourself:

• Panic

• Nervousness

• Irritability

• Fear of being alone

• Sleeping problems 

• Extreme sweating

• body aches

• Increased pulse

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is recurrent during the perinatal period, which can get to its worst forms like suicide or self-harm if not treated within time. The following are the symptoms:

• Washing hands more often than usual

• Storing things excessively

• Rechecking things

• Repeating phrases

• Overthinking

What can we do to help pregnant women or new mothers fight mental illness?

1.Encourage them to join support groups. Pregnant and new mothers can use support groups to meet other women in similar situations and talk about the issues they are dealing with.

2.Be a good listener. Listen to their problems instead of just giving sheer advice. Understand her problems before you impose your unsolicited advice. Recognize the factors that are causing her stress and, if necessary, make suggestions.

3.Give Clarification. Let her know she is not alone. The prenatal and postpartum periods are the most vulnerable periods for a woman. She is likely to feel lonelier than ever. Just being there for her and letting her know that she has someone to rely on can be a great help.

4. Help her find a counselor if needed and be there for her during counselling. This can help her release her stress.

What can pregnant and new mothers do? 

1. Remember, every mother goes through the same situation, and you are not alone in the process. Join support groups where you can meet women in familiar situations and where you can share your distress or experiences.

2. Talk to someone you trust. This person can be your partner, parent, friend, or therapist. This may be hard initially, but it will give you some relief and you might feel better knowing you have people to rely on.

3. Do some self-care. Eat good, nutritious meals and go for a short walk. Do the things you love and that will make you feel better.

4. Sleeping is mandatory when you are in a vulnerable state. So, make sure to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep. Ask someone to care for your new-born baby when you sleep. You can hire a nanny or ask someone in your family or friend circle to help you.

The problem of mental health of women is multidimensional and complex. It is estimated that 10–35% of women around the world, including India, suffer from depression during pregnancy and postpartum. Even in the past, the issue of maternal mental health was barely addressed by public and private healthcare providers. However, in a crisis situation similar to the present pandemic, it is necessary that health facilities give attention to pregnant and recently delivered women for possible symptoms of depression. Detecting and treating depression in the beginning could prevent detrimental long-term effects on maternal and infant health. Pregnant and recently delivered women  should be provided with appropriate information as well as counseling, to reduce stress.They must also be supported by their partners and the community and encouraged to exercise and remain active for their mental health.It is also the government's responsibility to ensure their well-being and make the necessary effort to minimize the uncertainty that is the major cause of depression.

Writer- Upasana Puri