Melting interiors: Family debt, the silent killer

The Wake-Up Call I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing at an ungodly hour. “Who is calling this early?” I wondered. It was a friend. “What happened?” I asked, sensing the urgency. “Someone close to us has committed suicide,” he replied, his voice heavy. “Why?” “I don’t know. There is a letter … Read more

Mental health and men: Suicide rates are rising

June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month. The primary aim is to enhance awareness regarding men’s mental wellness. Men often overlook their mental well-being. While they may initially appear free of major concerns, these can escalate into serious issues. Men’s mental health experiences various phases, ultimately leading some to contemplate suicide. A significant number … Read more

Social media: truth and myth

Many individuals believe that solely my perceptions are valid. However, is  everything we observe and perceive genuine? How often do people verify its  accuracy? We communicate with others in diverse ways, often without  confirming what we hear or see. In earlier times, information spread  through  oral traditions, but today it quickly circulates via social media. Yet, the majority of this information is misleading. While the fact-checking mechanisms exist on  social platforms, they are inadequate in halting all misinformation. Most individuals often trust what  their contacts, pages, and influencers on social media proclaim. One significant issue in society is the counsel from those spreading misinformation. Their words may  appear  credible, but in truth, they carry little validity. What distinguishes truth from falsehood? Those with smartphones are led to believe in their privacy. However, all data saved on your device can be viewed, stored on servers, and some shared with third parties by your phone provider and installed applications. Cyber criminals can also infiltrate this data. No bank in India, including the RBI, offers absolute guarantees for all funds in your  account. Instead, a limited deposit insurance system is in effect. Many people accept that Isaac Newton discovered gravity when an apple  supposedly fell on his head. In actuality, the apple fell to the ground in front of him. Remember, consuming an apple daily won’t ensure you remain doctor-free. If bitten by a snake, tying something over the wound or draining blood will  not  save the victim. Detox diets and treatments are marketed as methods to cleanse the body. However, the liver, kidneys, and colon predominantly manage the filtration and removal of  waste and toxins. The human body inherently detoxifies itself. Fats are detrimental to heart health. While certain fats are harmful, others  are beneficial to cardiovascular health and overall bodily function. Not everyone is required to drink 13 glasses of water daily. Increased consumption may be necessary if your urine appears dark yellow, you engage  … Read more

The Mental Challenge In The Digital Age(Fear of Missing Out)

‘FOMO’ or ‘Fear of Missing Out’ is the anxiety that arises from the concern of  missing something significant if you take a break from the digital realm, a prevalent mental state in today’s society. This experience  is particularly evident among those who frequently engage with social  media platforms. The Fear of Missing Out  stems from the apprehension  that something vital will occur while you’re disconnected. Will you miss  out on events that others are enjoying? Individuals who continuously share updates on social media are often more  prone  to FOMO. They might spend their entire day scrolling through feeds, feeling that others are experiencing joy when they are online. This line of thinking causes  discomfort, driving them to remain online. A person might embark on a journey or  visit a location for its purpose, yet after a while, they find themselves pulling out  their phone, checking social media for the latest  news. Those afflicted by FOMO typically find themselves checking their devices  relentlessly. This behavior persists even during conversations with others, while  eating, in the restroom, attending class, driving, or at work; they  struggle to sleep  through the night, fixating on their screens. Such habits  can adversely impact  their education, employment, and overall well-being. Furthermore, another  challenge associated with FOMO is the continuous comparison of one’s life to that  of others, often leading to dissatisfaction due to a perceived lack of participation in the happiness and celebrations  experienced by others. Many individuals take  everything they encounter on  social media at face value and worry about the  things they are missing out on. It is common for those with FOMO to be in a perpetual state of anticipation for  new notifications, feeling disappointed when none arrive.  Those who derive  little fulfillment from their everyday experiences and have numerous unachieved  aspirations are more vulnerable to FOMO. These individuals tend to view social media as a remedy for life’s  shortcomings. Ironically, excessive social media usage  exacerbates their discontent. FOMO is especially prevalent among adolescents and  … Read more

A trek above the clouds of Meesapulimala

Meesapulimala (8,661 feet), the second highest peak in the Western Ghats. It is located 25 km from Munnar. It is home to the Rhododendron Valley, Neelakurinji flowers (blooming once every 12 years), Nilgiri Thar, Sambar deer, and Gaur. Meesapulimala caught the attention of tourists through Dulquer Salmaan’s Charlie, released in 2018, and this is the … Read more

The Origin And Expansion Of The Universe: A Journey From Earth To Infinity

The image shown above, the Pearly Blue Dot, is an iconic photo of Earth taken by NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft on February 14, 1990. Voyager 1 was hurtling rapidly out of the solar system – beyond Neptune, about 3.7 billion miles (6 billion kilometers) from the sun.The image, known as the Pearly Blue Dot, shows … Read more

News Overload: Balancing Information Needs And Mental Health

The globe operates on the foundation of information technology,  and news forms a crucial component of it. News plays a vital  role in helping us grasp what is  transpiring in our surroundings. Through news, we can access various  types of  information, including government notifications, developmental initiatives, examination updates, employment opportunities, social  security pensions, stock trends, technological advancements, celebrations, and travel insights. Consequently, avoiding  news consumption in today’s world is nearly impossible. We are incessantly inundated with information via television, social media, the internet, and conventional media outlets. The news cycle is perpetually active. Even when we’re not  seeking news, it surfaces in unexpected places—on social  platforms and sensationalize headlines. Some individuals may not actively follow  the news yet remain informed.  Those who engage with the news convey  information to those who don’t. Is every piece of news we encounter truly essential? An expanding body of research  indicates that excessive exposure to news can  significantly impact our mental well-being.  Studies highlight  that the unending news cycle, continuous social media  updates,  and the relentless flow of information from various sources can contribute to anxiety, stress, and depression. Mental health professionals also contend that consuming news can adversely affect our mental state. While staying informed is important, there’s rising apprehension regarding the effect of news on individuals’ mental health. Much of what we currently  watch or listen to in the news is not beneficial. Yet, we continue  to  engage with it. Survival is one of life’s fundamental principles. Many news reports may not directly  affect us, but we unintentionally foster  a fear that it might. The influence of news  on mental health is far  more profound than we acknowledge, particularly  noticeable in older adults. Even a minor piece of news can be reported in a  … Read more

Investing: Secure Your Future Today

Investing is crucial for achieving financial stability and growth in our lives. If you place your funds in bank, you will only earn about 7% interest through a government backed institution, which may not suffice. Due to inflation, the purchasing power of your money will decline over time.  Simply storing cash in bank is unwise; … Read more

The Great Kerala Marriage Debate: Why Modern Women Are Saying ‘No’

The Question Haunting Every Indian Household Why are today’s women and girls hesitant to marry? Even with intense pressure from parents and relatives, many are unwilling to commit. The common questions floating around are: Is it because of feminism? Is it their financial independence? Do they simply no longer need the help of men? The reality is complex, but the … Read more