Fear of Death - a fear that comes from living.

"Mithali (name changed) a 25yr old young lady loves her family the most... Her problem is that she is always concerned that something might happen to her parents.
She constantly gets dreams that they will die in some accident... Her concern has become obsessive, and she checks on their well-being 100 times a day".

"Ali (name changed) is a 45yr old man who is struggling with his business. He is always concerned if something happens to him, who will take care of his wife and children."

"Freddy (name changed) is a 32yr old corporate employee who is working towards his dreams.. he always fears for the life of his wife. Such is his fear, that even on hearing about the death on TV his mind wanders for hours on how helpless he would become if she died!"

These are real people... People from the city of Mumbai who I have met.. and like millions from Mumbai and across the world... Their mind is governed by one of the commonest fears that haunt society... The fear of DEATH!

Human evolution at socio-religious levels has always portrayed Death as a Monster.

I remember, during my Post-graduation in Psychiatry, in my hospital a very famous "spiritual leader" was called to "motivate" an auditorium full of doctors, students and nursing staff...
His talk somehow was centered on the idea - "we should fear death... we should do as much good as we can, before death comes.. and takes life away from us".

I stood up to ask him, "why cann't we just enjoy life within our personal moral rules... why fear death... science tells us, death is a natural phenomenon that will happen to everyone, and a great conclusion to the physiological process... so enjoy life and celebrate death..."

He stood there in shock for a few moments... many of the doctors in the auditorium also got a shock... then he started to cite "spiritual books" to prove his point.
My seniors asked me to keep quite, as NO ONE WAS SUPPOSED TO QUESTION A SPIRITUAL LEADER... IT WAS BAD OMEN!!!

As times has passed, I have read most of the "spiritual books" that old man cited... and I am just amazed at the stupid understanding that he has, and his manipulative behavior to create fear into peoples mind. Even logical people like doctors fear him, cause he has become a "brand".. and because people don't dare to question their "beliefs".

Over the years, I have met hundreds of people who face this fear every day.
I look into their eyes and I can see the need for security that haunts them.

Either they are afraid of loosing their happiness... either they are afraid of loosing the love... either they are afraid of loosing the wealth they have created...
This fear makes them irritable... makes them possessive.. they want to be extremely controlling about everything...
Many would never accept it.. but in the name of LOVE, they actually over-analyze a situation so much that it ends up giving a lot of pain.

One of the cases mentioned in the start of this article, would actually go on calling his relative and asking so many questions...till the relative wouldn't scold him... The scolding was actually a way to bring his anxiety down.

Its not logical for me to say, that one should not be afraid of death.. because till you see death as a monster, you will always fear it.

The count down to Death starts from the moment you where born. Its not in your control... What you can control is -
a. enjoy every single moment in your life.
b. avoid fighting, planning and plotting to give harm to your loved ones...
c. be proud about yourself.. and the life you have lead..
But by being worried about death, you are just doubting everything you have built up.. you are destroying your peace of mind.. and you are moving towards death at a faster pace.

You can ask your questions @-

Dr.Hemant Mittal
(Psychiatrist,Motivational Writer/Speaker and Counselor)

email - eksoch@gmail.com
website - http://mindmantra.in/services.html

or take an appointment for personal consultation @-
address- Mind Mantra wellness clinic
Shop 15, shreeji plaza, next to ice n spice restaurant,
opposite seawoods station,
seawoods (east)
Navi Mumbai - 400706

The RED BULL EFFECT

Energy Drinks have become staple diet of many... Others are slowly pickup them up caught under the "excessive propaganda" of them being very "healthy" and "side effect".

Not everything that glitters is gold... and not every energy drink is healthy and side-effect free.


Are energy drinks safe?
Its a vague question, but not everyone's body is adjusted to having energy drinks.
Some people might get side-effects after consuming 3-4 cans of their favorite drink, while others can get the same effects within few sips.


Top 10 Side-effects most commonly seen are -
1. Palpitations / tachycardia
2. Tremor / shaking
3. Agitation / restlessness
4. Gastrointestinal upset
5. Chest pain / ischaemia
6. Dizziness / syncope
7. Paraesthesia (tingling or numbing of the skin)
8. Insomnia
9. Respiratory distress
10. Headache


Are Energy drinks healthy?
Energy drinks contain supplements and vitamins...
Like any other "food supplement", In moderation most people will have no or only short term side effects.
However long term effects from continuous consumption cannot be denied.


Decoding the Specific Ingredients that make an Energy Drink?
Let’s take a look at the most common energy drink ingredients and list the potential side effects that could result from ingesting too much of them from your favorite energy drink.

1. Caffeine

This is the most common energy drink ingredient and one of the most widely consumed substances in the world.

Caffeine tolerance varies between individuals, but for most people a dose of over 200-300mg may produce symptoms of :-  restlessness, increase heartbeat, insomnia, breathing difficulties and blood pressure changes.

Higher dosages can lead to more (see more about caffeine overdose here):
1. Increased blood pressure
2. Heart palpitations
3. Gastrointestinal disturbance (diarrhea)
4. Increase urination
5. Dizziness, irritability, nausea, nervousness, jitters.
5. Allergic reactions can include; rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the (mouth, face, lips, or tongue), diarrhea, shakiness, trouble sleeping, vomiting.
6. Headache and severe fatigue from withdrawal.
7. Breast shrinkage in females.
8. Painful withdrawal symptoms if not consumed.

Caffeine can be found in other ingredients such as guarana,  green tea extract, and coffee extract as well as many other names, so be aware of this when reading energy drink labels.


Adrenal Fatigue

Some people can become tired after consumption of caffeine. This is a symptom of adrenal fatigue where the the body’s adrenalin system has become overtaxed by constant high caffeine intake. The answer is not to increase caffeine even more – but to reduce, detox, and get the adrenal glands back to a healthy state.

Remember it’s hard to pinpoint a safe dose because it varies from person to person and according to a person’s tolerance. Between 500 milligrams to 1000 milligrams in a 24 hour period will probably lead to some of the more severe side effects.



2. Sugar

Most energy drinks are high in sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup and/or cane sugar.

Some use creative names to make their version of sugar seem healthier, like “natural cane juice” or they’ll call it “glucose”.

a. High sugar drinks are linked to the obesity epidemic
b. Tooth Decay
c. Increases risk of type 2 diabetes.
d. The sugar in energy drinks causes blood sugar and insulin spikes which later result in a “crash like” feeling.


3. Taurine
No side effects from Taurine in energy drinks have been documented.  Some countries (France, Denmark, and Norway) originally banned energy drinks because of their taurine content, but have since accepted that taurine consumption is safe based on the evidence to date.

The amounts placed in energy drinks are well below what would be needed for therapeutic benefit or for any potential side-effects.


4. B Vitamins

A. More than 35mg of Niacin (B3) can cause flushing of the skin. Intake of 3000mg or more can result in liver toxicity.

B. More than 100mg of B6 can cause sensory nerve problems (burning sensation) or skin lesions.

C. Inositol
No known side effects have been reported, but ingesting large quantities has been linked to diarrhea. Large doses have been used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.


5. Ginseng
Some studies have linked it to sleeplessness, while others refute this.
Other possible symptoms include; low blood pressure, edema, palpitations, tachycardia, cerebral arteritis, vertigo, headache, insomnia, mania, vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, fever, appetite suppression, pruritus, cholestatic hepatitis, mastalgia, euphoria, and miscarriage.


6. Glucuronolactone
While no side effects have been reported there’s still debate on its safety. However many countries including Canada, England, Germany, and France have concluded that it is not a safety concern.


7. Artificial Sweeteners
If you drink sugar-free energy drinks you may consuming any number of artificial sweeteners. There is always debate around the health effects of these (particularly aspartame) all major health institutions regard them as safe.


8. Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko is a herb, and can cause some minor side effects in some people:
nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness.

Can interact with other medication such as blood thinners and anti-depressants.


9. L-Carnitine
vomiting, nausea, headache, diarrhea, stuffy nose, restlessness and sleeping difficulty.


10. L-Theanine
This amino acid is derived from green tea and many energy drinks and shots have begun putting “green tea extract” in their products.

It produces a different type of alertness than caffeine and there hasn’t been any scientific evidence of it causing adverse side effects. Some have reported feeling light-headed when consuming a dose of more than 300mg of L-Theanine.


PRECAUTION -
If you or your child has a pre-existing heart condition of any sort – they should not be consuming energy drinks.

ENERGY DRINKS have been "attributed" to contribute to seizures, coma and even death of many.. Be careful in their consumption... Understand the signals from your body.

Source-
The Mayo Clinic

Post-Pregnancy Depression - birth of a baby is not always Joyful

The birth of a baby is one of the most happy moments in the life of many families... But there are many ladies for which this can be the most scary phase of their life.
The birth of a baby triggers a lot of powerful emotions... No one except the pregnant lady herself knows the emotional roller-coaster ride that pregnancy takes her through.

As emotions are an invisible entity... Most people, doctors, family members and society in general misjudge this emotional changes and advice a "let go" attitude...This "let go" accumulates as deep seated frustration in the subconscious, this leads to powerful expression of emotions... which can range from extreme excitement, joy, anxiety, fear and depression.

Many new moms experience the "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings and crying spells that fade quickly.

But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

An extreme form of postpartum depression known as postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth.
If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms — and enjoy your baby.

Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, 8 or more of the following can be clearly seen within few days to weeks after child birth-
1. not feeling the need, irritation or anger in care for your baby
2. irritation, anger against husband/family and
3. extremely high attachment and worry about child.
4. Loss of appetite - leading to weight loss
5. inability to sleep weel
6. Intense irritability and anger
7. Overwhelming fatigue
8. changes in sexual appetite - Extreme Loss of interest in sex or extremely high need for sex.
9. Lack of joy in life
10. Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
11. Severe mood swings
12. Difficulty bonding with your baby
13. Withdrawal from family and friends
14. Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If LEFT UNTREATED
Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems.
Children of mothers who have untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have behavioral problems, such as sleeping and eating difficulties, temper tantrums, and hyperactivity.
Delays in language development are more common as well.
Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming a chronic depressive disorder. Even when treated, postpartum depression increases a woman's risk of future episodes of major depression.

TREATMENT -
1. Counseling. It may help to talk through your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.
Through counseling, you can find better ways to cope with your feelings, solve problems and set realistic goals. Sometimes family or relationship therapy also helps.
2. Antidepressants. Antidepressants are a proven treatment for postpartum depression. If you're breast-feeding, it's important to know that any medication you take will enter your breast milk. However, some antidepressants can be used during breast-feeding with little risk of side effects for your baby.
Work with your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits of specific antidepressants.
3. Hormone therapy.
You can ask your questions @-

Dr.Hemant Mittal
(Psychiatrist,Motivational Writer/Speaker and Counselor)

email - eksoch@gmail.com
website - http://mindmantra.in/services.html

or take an appointment for personal consultation @-
address- Mind Mantra wellness clinic
Shop 15, shreeji plaza, next to ice n spice restaurant,
opposite seawoods station,
seawoods (east)
Navi Mumbai - 400706