Mental Health

Mental Health

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour. In the field of mental health, clinicians are concerned with disturbed behaviour, it's severity and duration amongst patients, and look for indications of diagnosis, treatment and follow up. At one extreme are the greatly and visibly disturbed people, once called 'insane', 'mad' or 'lunatic', and now called the 'psychotic'. At the other end are the unhappy people, unable to cope effectively with life demands, either over long periods or in brief, stress-related episodes. Against  standards of mental health or normality these are all described as forms of mental disorder or psychopathology.

☆  NORMALITY  ☆

Concept of normality is difficult to explains over a period of time this concept has been changing. Traditionally it was conceptualised as the person's adjustment to his environment. But now it is termed as 'adaptability'. The concept of normality focuses more on positive attributes such as individuality, creativity and self-fulfilment.

Psychological normality has most often been defined either as an average, an ideal, or a level of adjustment. Normality as an average is a statistical definition that identifies the typical or most common behaviours among a group of people as being normal for that group.

Identifying some large middle percentage of a group of persons as showing normal behaviour has the benefit of providing a precise criterion for deciding whom to consider abnormal, namely those who fall outside this middle range. Attention to typical patterns of behaviour also promotes cultural sensitivity.

Cultural sensitivity in this regard consists of recognising that 'normal' for a person depends in part on the attitudes and behaviour patterns that are valued in the groups to which the person belongs. Being aware of normality in terms of customs, traditions, and expectations, an abnormal behaviour in a person may be even considered normal (e.g. possession syndrome) in that person's sociocultural context. Such behaviours in another culture may be considered abnormal and may require treatment.

Normality as an ideal is difficult concept to apply.

○ Level of adjustment as normality : Level of adjustment as a criterion for normality refers to whether people can cope reasonably well with experiences in life, particularly with respect to being able to establish enjoyable interpersonal relationships and work constructively towards self fulfilment goals.

○ Reality testing as normality : Normal persons are able to perceive, interpret and react to what is going on in the world around them in a realistic manner. They appraise themselves in a realistic manner, neither overestimate nor underestimate themselves. They do not misunderstand what others say and do and are able to analyse situations critically.

○ Behaviour control as normality : Normal persons feel in control and are confident in themselves regarding controlling and directing their behaviour. They are able to control their aggressive and sexual impulses.

○ Self worth as normality : Normal individuals are able to appreciate their own self worth and feel accepted by society. They are comfortable in their social relationships and are able to accept and listen to differences of opinion and if they are convinced ready to change their own views also.

○ Self awareness as normality : Even if normal persons do not fully understand their feelings and behaviour yet they do have some awareness of their feelings and motives. Important motives and feelings may be suppressed or hidden from oneself and normal persons would be aware of their feelings and emotions and know the motivation behind their behaviour.

○ Social relationships as normality : Normal individuals are able to form and maintain close, long term and healthy relationships with other people. They do not manipulate or use relationships to their own advantage and are also sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. They are able to reciprocate and provide comfort and affection to people close to them.

○ Effective functioning : Normal people are enthusiastic about life and use their skills and abilities in productive and creative manner. They are able to meet demands of daily life without any need for external force or pressure.

☆  ABNORMALITY  ☆

If we define normality by the above said perspectives, then the opposite of these should mean abnormality. However such statement could be only partly true. Absence of these certainly leads to maladjustment with self and society and also to certain psychological problems.

○ Statistical Infrequency : Under this definition, a person's trait, thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it is rare or statistically unusual.

○ Violation of Social Norms : Under this, a person's thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group. Their behaviour may be confusing to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable.

○ Maladaptive Behaviour : Maladaptive Behaviours may be thought of as those that cause difficulties, or are counterproductive, for the individual or for others. The repetitive hand washing in obsessive compulsive disorder could be regarded as maladaptive, particularly if it leads to sores or other skin damage. The self-starvation of a patient with severe anorexia nervosa, which sometimes leads to death, would be second example.

○ Personal Distress : Many patients with mental illness experience pronounced personal suffering. For example, patients with severe depression often describe feelings of anguish in addition to misery. Others express their distress in terms of physical complaints and may even visit their doctor believing that they are physically unwell. However, the subjective experience of the patient is not always a reliable indicator of illness, as some do not themselves acknowledge that they are ill.

○ Failure to Function Adequately : Under this definition, a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may be unable to perform routine activities of daily living e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact meaningfully with others, make themselves understood etc.

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The Hinduism(Article)

The Hinduism

Culture is the dignity of a nation. The term 'culture' covers all the aspects of people of a certain country or a nation, e.g. religion, tradition, art, wearing, rituals, social practices, food habits and so on. Culture of each nation is distinct from another in this world. Indian sub-continental culture is also unique by it's aspects as well.

Indian culture has flourished at the dawn of mankind. It is older than eight thousand years. Various hindrances came to obstruct it's flow in times, but they failed to do so, rather they joined with the main stream. People from every part of the world came here, live here and adapted the sub-continental culture, just like different streams join together to the ocean. They live together, observe their own rituals with other people who belong to different cultures and religions. It is true that they do fight  among themselves for some religious(provoked by mean politics) issues, but there is also a string of unity, that holds them together and never let them apart. It is an Important side of Indian culture. Thus the main flow continues it's journey from past to present and present to future.

But, what is the source of this string of unity?

The meaning of the term "religion" is different here than other parts of the world. The term "dharma" is derived from a Sanskrit verb "dhṛ" which means "to hold". In Indian context, dharma or religion is not apart from the society. Etymological meaning of the term "dharma" is "duties of an individual towards the society". Each and every member of the society has distinct duties towards the society according his competence. When he keeps it up, it means he is obeying his "dharma". In some classical texts like Vedas, Puranas, Manusmriti, different duties are included as dharma. But all of them admitted some common duties, everybody must have to obey. They are : ☆ Abstain from injury to all living creatures(non-violence), ☆ abstain from falsehood, ☆Abstain from unauthorised appropriation of things-of-value from another, ☆Abstain from coveting or sexually cheating on your partner, ☆ Abstain from expecting or accepting gifts from others, ☆ Compassion and faith in others, ☆ Charity to the helpless, ☆ Rendering service to others, ☆ Succour of the distressed, ☆ gather knowledge, etc.. So, dharma here is not controlled by God, rather it is a way to reach to God.

I am not going to use a common pronoun "He" or "Him" to mention "God". Because this notion is different here too.

In general Hinduism is known as polytheism. But it is not true properly. There are 33 types (Koti) of Deities, but they are not "God". From the Rig-Vedic age people worshiped several natural powers for well being. These natural powers like Indra (the king), Chandra (moon), Surya (sun), Varun (water), Vayu (air), Agni (fire) etc. are directly related to our earthly life. But they are not God. God is one and unique. So Hinduism is monotheist.

There are four Vedas, they are Rig, Sham, Yaju(Sukla and Krishna) and Atharva. They have four sections -- Samhita/Mantra, Brahmana, Aranyaka and Upanisada. Rig-Veda Samhita is the oldest text in the world. Among these four sections, Upanisadas described about the ultimate reality of the world. This reality is one and unique. It is pure existence. They named it as "Brahman". Everything, which exist in the world is manifestation of Brahman.

Each and every object of the perceptual world has two faces. One is appearance and other is existence. Appearance is subject of change. The appearance of this world is not stable. Whatever we perceive at present time, were not same in past and will be changed in future. But the existence is stable. The same entity remains in past, present and future. This eternal entity is Brahman. This Brahman is not something apart from us as well as the other objects of world.

To illustrate it simply just think about yourself. We all have two faces --- one is appearance and another is existence. At present we have a distinct appearance which was not same in the childhood and it will be changed in future. But we can feel that our existence has not changed. From origin to decay every object changes entirely by it's appearance, but nothing loses the existence. Same object reveals in another form. So, over all existence is eternal and unique. Upanisadas have mentioned this unique entity as "Brahman". Brahman covers all the objects of universe, including us.

According to Upanisadas, we are nothing but Brahman. Brahman is not apart from us. But we don't feel so. Why? Upanisadas answered it too. Ignorance blocks our thoughts. When ever we look at the world, we think, "it is the creation of God. God is perfect being, almighty and is superior. God is apart from us."

There is a question. If God is a perfect being, then how could be apart from us? If my existence is not included to God, then how we can tell it a "perfect being"?

Ignorance diverts our reasoning and intuition. We assume that pure existence 'Brahman' as 'God' and impose some imaginary powers on that. But Upanisadas said, "You Are That"(tat-tvam-asi). So everything in this world is Brahman (or God). The Upanisadas teach us to serve all the creatures. The Upanisadas teach us to love all and everything as our soul is unique. This is the culture and heritage of India. All the Indians born in this culture, grow up with it and sow it into the thoughts of the next generation.

Here is the main source of the string of unity.

"Hindu" is not a name of a religion. It is the name of a nation. People who live and follow the culture of Hindustan is known as "Hindu". "Dharma" is not mere specific rituals here, but it is other name of "faith", "integrity", "morality" and "devotion". It is a point of view. If you accept the meaning of "Hinduism" in narrow sense, you can find out several domestic walls among the separate religious rituals. But when you accept it in wider sense, you can find out, the people of  separate religious views are performing their duties (dharma) differently with the help of other people of different religious views to maintain the general well being of the nation.
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The Nature and The Human Mind (Article)

The term 'Nature' is well acquainted to all of us. But we have distinct notions about it. I am not saying that we have no proper idea about nature, but the idea is abstract one. So we understand separate meanings of this term as per our thought which varies culture to culture or man to man.

We often say 'Mother Nature' when we perceive one side of it. Everything in this world have born into the lap of nature including us -- I mean the Human being. each and every species of animated world as well as the  material things of inanimate world begin their journey and reach at their final destination inside the nature. Nature gives birth to us, gives us food to survive, and at the end of a certain period ends us to create a new space for newcomers. That is why generally we think nature as 'mother'.

But when we face the natural evils like disasters, plagues etc. we don't consider it as 'mother' anymore. We then use a term 'Evil Nature' instead of it.

Sometimes we consider mountains, rivers, oceans, forests, birds, beasts, insects, reptiles etc. as nature. When we become pleased after enjoying a pleasant view, we say it 'beauty of the nature'. But when we perceive a bare truth of food-chain, we may not think in same way.

In some cultures people think nature as God, while others think it as creation of God. According to theist interpretation, God has created nature to nurture the animal kingdom and He maintains the balance of it. But atheists are not eager to accept this view. They deny the existence of God and admit the rules of nature which  work by themselves.

Some people think that, man is the best creation of nature and nature is the reign of Great Human Race. No need to mention that this point of view is called as 'anthropocentric ecology' or 'shallow ecology'. On the other hand, the view point of 'non-anthropocentric ecology' or 'deep ecology' is quite opposite.

From prehistoric period men have started to think about nature. Obviously not to satisfy their 'thirst for knowledge'. When wildfires used to burn their habitation, when the storm or the rain ailed them, when dreadful thunders terrorized them, they worshipped those horrible powers of the nature. Because they were helpless like other animals. But human being is not just like other species. We have not any natural weapons like sharp horns or claws or canines or physical strength or velocity or so on, to protect ourselves in the food-chain. We don't need those. Because we have 'human brain', nature's most valuable gift to us. Though it was not much evaluated in prehistoric period, it was even so, the 'human brain'. They did not escape the problems, instead became curious about those and tried to understand them in their own way. As the consequence of that curiosity the Great Human Race became superior in this planet. Along with the evolution of human mind, this curiosity towards the nature has increased and 'most probably' we have solved a few mysteries of this mysterious nature.

I think, still now we don't know the nature properly as we don't know much about the human mind. We do experience our surroundings with the help of five sense organs. But these sense organs are not helpful to attain proper knowledge about the mysterious nature. Just like, we have set out in an endless ocean which is an 'extreme jeopardy' with the help of five broken compasses. Whatever we know today as 'true' tomorrow it will be proved as 'untrue'. Nothing in nature is 'ultimate truth'.

There is an interesting illustration in Jain School of Indian Philosophy about 'truth'. According to Jain epistemology, general people (who have not achieved liberation) perceive the world partly. They never have entire knowledge or the 'truth' about world. So their knowledge is partly true. For example, when four blind men are describing an elephant after feeling it with their hands, one of them says, "The elephant is just like a pillar" ---- he only could feel just one leg of that elephant, while the another says, "The elephant is just like a radish" ---- he could feel only one tusk of that creature. They are not completely wrong but partly true. When we try to know the nature, we only can know a side of it. When we go to the another side, it appears in a different way to us.

Neither I am a scientist nor a philosopher. I don't know who is right and who is wrong. I have a notion of nature in my mind. I like to observe everything, try to understand all the events with my pure intuition. I don't accept any hypothesis until it is not clear to my reason, to my logic. I have keen interest about Nature as well as Human Mind. I think there is a connection between two.

I am going to share my thoughts with you.

If you don't like the way of my thinking, then you can scold me in comment (if I deserve your time and attention)

If you do like it, please encourage me.

Thank You.

                         

The Human Mind (Article)

When we try to observe the nature, we only can find out different types of food-chain or eco-system. An eco-system is a mere balance of nature. Physics says that in the universe, actual quantity of mass and energy is fixed, neither it increases nor decreases. It only changes it's appearance. This change is eternal.

A typical eco-system starts with a plant. A plant survives with particular necessary materials which it sucks from the soil and sunlight. Those materials are necessary for any living body. A herbivore animal eats that plant and absorbs those necessary materials in it's body. Thus it survives. A carnivore animal gets those materials for it's survival eating that herbivore. When it dies and it's body rotten, some microorganisms eat the remain and get those materials. Those microorganisms are necessary elements of soil. Thus same quantity of those elements return to the soil for the next cycle of life.

For survival, each and every unite of the eco-system struggles every moment. But this struggle is not conscious one. It is basic instinct. You can live only if you have the ability to snatch up the necessary materials from others. It may be harsh to hear, but it is true. There are a lot of evidences into the nature.

Cuckoo does not built a nest. They lay eggs into other bird's nest. When the baby comes out from the eggshell, it pushes other eggs of the babysitter bird, out of the nest. Some birds like eagles bring food which is not enough for all of it's babies. So the elder one tries and often kills the own younger siblings to get all the foods and be healthy enough to survive when it's parents will stop feeding it after a certain time in short future. Nobody teach them to do so. They even don't know what are they doing. Some of these incidents happen when their parents are present in the nest. They don't interfere in this cruel activities. Because they do know very well that it is the first lesson of survival. Nature is not merciful to the weak.

There are another faces of this struggle. In their mating season dominant males of any species don't tolerate other males in their territory. Separate species have distinct ways to do so, but the core behaviour is same to all, no matter it is mammal or bird or reptile or insect. They fight to repulse the opponent either individually or in group(social creatures), but the intention is unique. Male cats (both domestic and wild) use to kill other male's infants to mate their mother so that they can carry forward their own gene with his own children. Thus they will be able to survive in their next generation.

Mothers try to save their own babies at any cost. Most horrible machine of death in this planet is a crocodile's jaw. Nothing can escape from it(don't count hippos and elephants, because they are giant to them). But when their babies come out of the eggshells, those evil jaws become tender. Mother picks up all her new-born babies softly by the same jaws which is the another name of death. Tigress fights to save her cubs with a stranger tiger, who is physically more powerful than her. Gentle domestic pussy attacks dogs to save her kitties. Self defence and protection of the children is an another face of survival.

These all are basic instincts. Each and every unite of the life cycle of nature born with these basic instincts and dies with them. Sigmund Freud used a term for it "libido". Libido is the powerful  equipment to all the living species. Libido is the strength of nature. Human being is not out of nature. We also are possessed by that primitive instinct.

Former philosophers and psychologists used to think that consciousness is coextensive with human mind. When ever we say 'mind' we definitely mean it consciousness. According to them, human mind has two dimensions one is conscious and the other is subconscious. Consciousness is just like a flashlight. In a dark place flashlight makes a light circle, and the things in that circle appears to us. Consciousness dose same job to us. Whatever in this world we can know belongs within the light circle of consciousness. But everything is not same in dimension. Just like the centre of the light circle of the flashlight is more vivid than the girth, the subject o our present attention is more clear and vivid than others in our consciousness. For example, I am now writing this article sitting on the bed in my room, a ceiling fan is doing its job, a lamp is brightening the room, some papers are scattered around me, my family members are talking among themselves outside my room, the vehicles are making annoying noises in the road etc. whatever I can remember are in my consciousness. But they all are not as clear to my present consciousness as the subject matter of this article. Because My concentration is focused on this. So it is the centre of my consciousness. It is called 'conscious mind'. Other objects of my consciousness is less vivid than it's. It is subconscious. What is at present in my subconscious level of mind, next moment it may come into the centre of conscious mind.

Those former philosophers and psychologists used to think that, 'Unconscious mind' is a self-contradictory use of language. It is not possible in the real world. Only inanimate things are unconscious. Mind is not a inanimate one. Therefore mind cannot be unconscious.

Sigmund Freud opposed that view. He told that, we often face such incidents which we cannot explain without a hypothesis of unconscious level of mind. He compared human mind with an iceberg. Only 10% of an iceberg reveals above the sea surface and 90% of it is concealed into the sea water. Just like an iceberg, a small part of our mind reveals itself in the light circle of consciousness and a large portion of it remains into the darkness of unconscious. He cited some evidences which occur in our everyday life, e.g., dreams, day-dreaming, errors, sleep walking, hypnosis, mental diseases............ etc. He told that human mind has three levels --- conscious,  preconscious and unconscious. These three levels of mind belong to the domain of Id, Ego and Super-Ego. These three dimensions control human behaviour. They build the personality of an individual.

Id is the domain of the nature's basic instincts (libido), Super-Ego is the domain of human society (morality and social value). They are bipolar. At the same time Id is pulling you to the bare nature and Super-Ego is pulling you just opposite to the social morality of common life. They both are very strong. None of them want to give up. Now Ego plays a role of mediator. Ego makes a balance between them.

Suppose that, you are walking on the footpath. A sweet smell of delicious food from a roadside house attracts your attention. Id provokes you to go and have that food to satisfy your gustatory organ. But you can't do so. Super-Ego will stop you. Because, it is not a social custom to go into a Stanger’s house and snatch their food. It is immoral. Now Ego stops their fighting. Ego satisfies Id's urge in Super-Ego's way. You then have that food into a restaurant spending your pocket money.

Human being is not just like other units of nature. Yet the Great Human Race is not anything out of the nature. What we show us, we are not that. What are we, we don't show that. We have to use different types of masks in a civilised society. So many masks that we even can't recognise what is the original face! So the tension between our basic instincts and social control is obvious.
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