According to the research, when people feel the change in extreme weathers, it has an effect on their mood and state of mind.

First published: May 11, 2018
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/the-weather-and-your-mood/

A violent monsoon hit Karachi last year and whilst we heard a lot about the material impact of the heavy rains, we never really considered the psychological and effective impact. Considering the heat and in the sunlight that Karachi experiences all year round, the coolness of the cloudy weather and the cool drops of rainwater generally seem like a welcome change. Truth be told, a general lift in peoples’ moods can be observed when such a weather is on the horizon. However, research suggests that rain is associated with negative emotions.

So, do Karachiites defy the norms and experience an uplifted mood during a rainy day? Well, that’s not an easy question to answer! The coolness of the cloudy weather and a little bit of drizzling has a positive effect on people. It is a much-wanted relief from the desert like summer heat and the blaring sunshine of the typical Karachi weather. In fact, a research conducted in the United States showed that people living in states that recorded higher mean temperature expressed more positive effect on Twitter than those living in warmer states.

However, violent monsoons and the stormy weather like the one we are experienced last year – though sometimes feels exciting – initially has a negative effect on the people’s mood. Reduced or no sunlight has an effect on our hormones levels, the body increases production of melatonin which makes one more lethargic and sleepy and by association – a bit cranky. Moreover, the chemicals in our brain are also affected, thus impacting our moods, sleep, and appetites.

According to the research, when people feel the change in extreme weathers, it has an effect on their mood and state of mind.

Getting wet in the rain has a detrimental effect on the body as it uses more energy to dry us up and keep us warm. To sum it up, a rainy stormy season causes low moods in people. Socializing can be a good way to uplift oneself but unfortunately, that too becomes difficult as people tend to prefer to stay indoors for the sake of safety. A common observation is the road rage people display in order to reach to safety.

To be fair, rain is not always bad for us. I personally know people who enjoy sitting outside in their gardens during the rain. They claim that the rain not only has a cooling effect but the green color of the garden, after the waterfalls on it, calms them down. Others talk about the pitter patter of the rain and its rhythm which has a comforting effect. People who appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature tend to enjoy this weather.

To put it in simple words, the type of personality one has, tends to influence their perception and reaction to the weather. Intuitive thinkers claim that the rainy season somehow leads to fewer distractions – which allows one to focus on what is important for them. The sensing and feeling types tend to find harmony and peace in the experience of rain. Type A people tend to dislike rains as it causes hindrances and obstacles in their work.

Rain can lead to cancellation of work, difficulties in meeting deadlines, and living in Karachi – we experience, electricity, water, and internet issues. These effects tend to increase the anxiety felt by type A people. They feel greater agitation, frustration and generally tend to react to events with a flair of aggression. Of course, there are always exceptions to every type and we cannot make sweeping statements.

Considering the heat and in the sunlight that Karachi experiences all year round, the coolness of the cloudy weather and the cool drops of rainwater generally seem like a welcome change.

Monsoon is now over, and the summer is in full force. The summer of Karachi is not only hot, it is also humid. Humidity is a factor that has a strong negative impact on our moods. In a study conducted in 1984, researchers stated that out of eight weather variables – i.e. hours of sunshine, precipitation, temperature, wind direction, change on barometric pressure, absolute barometric pressure and humidity – humidity was the most significant predictor of mood changes.

When humidity was high, participants reported feeling lethargic, sleepy and less able to concentrate. This seems to be true for Karachiites as well, who display tiredness and irritability during the hot days of summer.

What’s interesting is that a study conducted in different regions of Pakistan showed that it is not only the intense heat that has an impact on our mood but also the extreme winters experienced in different areas of the country. According to the research, when people feel the change in extreme weathers, it has an effect on their mood and state of mind. Depressive moods and symptoms are shown to correlate with extreme weather conditions while these symptoms reduce in milder weather conditions.

Despite the above findings, there is still a lot of variability in the link between mood and weather. In 2011, researchers identified four distinct types of people based on how they react to weather; the first category are the of ‘Summer Lovers’ who report feeling happy during warm and sunny days, second is the ‘Summer Haters’ who tend to report the opposite feeling from ‘Summer Lovers’ – i.e. worse moods in sunny warm weather.

Socializing can be a good way to uplift oneself but unfortunately, that too becomes difficult as people tend to prefer to stay indoors for the sake of safety.

The third is the ‘Rain Haters’ who report really bad moods during rainy days and the last category is ‘Unaffected’ – these are people who report the least amount of changes in their mood no matter what the weather.

It is true that different people react differently to the changes in the weather and being able to understand these reactions can help us. For instance, if you understand that you are a Summer Hater, it might help you understand your low mood and you can deal with it in a better manner.

The same goes for our relationships, understanding that the intense humidity or heat can make a person grouchy can be quite helpful. We all are different and how the weather affects us is also not the same, but yet it can be said that the weather affects our moods more than we expect!

“Counselors can help improve mental clarity“

First published: May 5, 2018
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/is-it-time-to-seek-counseling/

There is no denying that life is full of difficulties and challenges. Some challenges we can overcome ourselves, sometimes with the help of close friends and family; but other times, we experience issues when we have to admit that we need professional help. Often we are advised to just perk up or join a gym or do yoga to improve our mental health.

However, these things, though helpful, are not a solution for when we feel stuck. Research shows that talking about ones’ feelings, goals and fears to someone unbiased can be powerful, and psychologists are trained to not judge you. In short, therapy can be life-changing.We should realize that there is no shame in seeking counseling. The question that now arises is – how does one know when they need to seek professional help?

Our emotional experience consists of positive and negative emotions. A balance is essential to achieve well-being functioning. There are several theories and models presented by psychologist that help analyze when our emotional well being is in trouble.

Counselors enable you to understand yourself better. Psychologists provide an opportunity to look inwards and answer questions related to oneself.

The DSM-5 is used by health professionals, social workers, and forensic and legal specialists to diagnose and classify mental disorders, and is the product of more than 10 years of effort by hundreds of international experts in all aspects of mental health.

However you don’t need the DSM in order to know when to seek psychological help. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or any negative emotion, are disrupting your daily life, you need to seek psychological help.

If your anxiety is constant and it has started interfering with your work and other daily life activities, you should consider seeking help. Additionally, there are physical symptoms of anxiety such as frequent headaches, restlessness, diarrhea, shortness of breath and so on, that should not be ignored either.

Psychological services or counseling is not only for “ill” individuals. Anyone feeling low or even having disturbances in his or her interpersonal relationships or at work can seek counseling.

Research shows that talking about ones’ feelings, goals and fears to someone unbiased can be powerful, and psychologists are trained to not judge you.

You should also keep a check on your behavioral pattern. Do you notice anything different in your habits? For instance have you recently lost interest in a hobby you previously enjoyed? Have your sleeping habits and eating habits changed? Feeling a lack of motivation to go to work or perform daily life activities could be signs of depression that should not be overlooked either. Other behavioral changes that shouldn’t be overlooked are things like increased smoking or drinking, and other forms of drug use that one might be using as means of escape.

Are you having trouble communicating your feelings with your loved ones? Relationship issues are another area where counseling can be helpful. Couples or marital counseling can help save your relationship as it can help both parties voice their concerns and chalk out a plan to work on them. Family therapy can involve siblings, parents and children. Here the aim is to resolve family conflicts and improve communication within the family. A psychologist helps improve family relations and enables family members to work together to support each other during trying times.

Death is inevitable, and not appropriately dealing with the loss of a loved one can adversely affect our mental health. Grief counseling is often helpful under such circumstances. A counselor can help you find appropriate ways of dealing with the loss

Similarly, people often need help to deal with a recent or some past trauma. The trauma can be of any intensity and nature – from sexual harassment to being in an earthquake to facing discrimination at work. A psychologist can help map out a strategy on how to cope with it and achieve catharsis.

Couples or marital counseling can help save your relationship as it can help both parties voice their concerns and chalk out a plan to work on them.

A major sign for understanding that it is time to seek professional help and counseling is when your close family members and friends advise you to do so. When people close to you voice their concerns, they should not be ignored as sometimes others can notice things about us that we might not realize.

An outside perspective can be worthwhile. Another reason to seek counseling is when you feel you don’t have adequate support in life; it helps to have someone who would listen to you without judging or lecturing you!

Feelings of anxiety, depression, going to life crisis are not the only reasons for seeking counseling. Athletes for instance consult psychologists for motivations and to calm nerves before a big game. Counselors can help improve mental clarity. Simply talking out loud to someone can improve concentration and encourage goal seeking behavior in people. Psychologists can help people visualize their goals and future.

Thus consulting them for career guidance and such can be helpful. Counselors enable you to understand yourself better. Psychologists provide an opportunity to look inwards and answer questions related to oneself. Understanding our own feelings, behaviors and thoughts can lead to self-realization and really empower a person.

“knowing when to seek help is the greatest favour you can do for yourself!“

First published: September 29, 2017
https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/57702/does-going-to-a-psychologist-mean-that-one-is-crazy-or-weak/

Psychologists and counsellors often work with day to day concerns and difficult life transitions such as divorce, death in the family, adjustment issues, or stress and anxiety. PHOTO: PINTEREST

Whenever I tell someone I am a psychologist, I usually get one of two responses:

“Can you tell what I’m thinking right now?”

“You must be pretty crazy to deal with so many crazies!”

I recently went to get my driving license renewed, and when I was called in for a medical evaluation, the assistant asked me for some personal information, including my profession. When I told him I am a psychologist, he suddenly paused and asked,

“Kya main aapko pagal lagta hoon? Mere dost mujhe pagal kehte hain.”

(Do I look crazy to you? My friends call me crazy.)

This was an amusing, but not an uncommon experience for me. In light of such instances, I am sure it is easy to guess the perception people in Pakistan have regarding psychologists.

In all honesty, consulting a psychologist in no way implies that one is crazy or mad. Psychologists and counsellors often work with day-to-day concerns and difficult life transitions such as divorce, a death in the family, adjustment issues, or stress and anxiety.

Most people wonder – what happens in a counselling room? What do psychologists really do? Does going to a psychologist mean I am crazy or weak? What if people find out I am seeing a psychologist? These questions are what dissuade people from seeking help, despite suffering from psychological and/or emotional pain.

This is not to suggest that psychologists do not work with serious mental illnesses because they do. However, they also deal with and help individuals having trouble in their personal and/or professional lives. Let’s be clear that those who seek help from counsellors are not weak. On the contrary, they show certain strength of character by taking the first step and admitting that they need help. Relationship or marital problems, the death of a loved one, work-related stress or dissatisfaction, mid-life crisis, sexual harassment and depression are just a few examples of serious life issues that can prompt a person into seeking help.

As a psychologist, I have dealt with various daily life issues. One of my clients was an undergraduate student suffering from anxiety-related issues who was unable to cope with the stress of studies and exams, and as a result, resorted to over-the-counter medicines to help her study. When she came to me, we not only worked towards reducing and finally eliminating her drug use but also helped her deal with her anxiety in a way that ultimately put her in control.

I distinctly remember her mentioning how difficult it was for her to approach a counsellor, she almost did not come because she felt her peers and even her parents would ridicule and judge her. However, she later admitted that she does not regret her decision to seek help one bit. Another client came to me for grief counselling as her mother had recently passed away from breast cancer and she was having difficulty coping with life after her. A male client came for consultation because he was having difficulty coping with the pressure of two jobs. All patients initially worry about approaching a psychologist – many admit that others think of them as weak, crazy or mad for asking for help.

Another experience I would like to share relates to an awareness program I was involved with. Our aim was to raise awareness regarding postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis in the uneducated masses of Pakistan. Needless to say, it was one difficult road to manoeuvre. I remember approaching houses to speak to women but the men of the house who would answer the door would refuse to let their wives/sisters/daughters meet us. According to them,

“Aap to hamari biwiyoon ko bigaar dein gi, yeh sab bakwas hai.”

(You will spoil our wives; all that you are saying is nonsense.)

So how did this stigma emerge? Let us take a step back and look at some of the history of psychology in Pakistan. In the past, psychology and therapy were associated with what were known as ‘mental hospitals’, where patients were bound and mistreated, especially if they suffered hallucinations, and were eventually labelled ‘lunatics’. Though psychological and psychiatric care has come a long way, the stigma of being called a ‘lunatic’ or ‘crazy’ still persists. People fear that if others find out that they are consulting a psychologist, they will be seen as someone who is mentally ill or unfit for society.

The role of a psychologist now is not only to provide counselling and therapy, but also to raise awareness regarding psychological issues. Psychology is no longer simply about treating disorders such as psychosis, as seen in many Hollywood movies. Psychologists now use their knowledge to improve the quality of life of their clients.

Just as we do not think twice when consulting a general physician or a specialist for physical illnesses, we should no longer be scared of consulting a counsellor or psychologist when experiencing mental health and psychological issues. Ultimately, knowing when to seek help is the greatest favour you can do for yourself!