In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do lists, deadlines, and the constant pursuit of our goals. However, taking a moment to pause and reflect on the things we're thankful for can be a powerful exercise in cultivating gratitude. Gratitude, the simple act of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives, has the potential to bring about profound changes in our overall well-being.                   The Power of Gratitude - Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it's a mindset that can be developed and nurtured over time. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to a multitude of benefits, both physical and psychological. From improved mental health to enhanced relationships and even better sleep, the effects of gratitude are far-reaching.Health and Well-being- One of the most compelling reasons to embrace gratitude is its positive impact on our health. When we take the time to recognize and express thanks for the good things in our lives, our stress levels tend to decrease. Lower stress, in turn, has been linked to a stronger immune system, better cardiovascular health, and improved overall well-being.Relationships and Connection- Gratitude also plays a pivotal role in strengthening our relationships. Expressing thanks to the people around us fosters a sense of connection and builds a positive atmosphere. Whether it's a heartfelt "thank you" to a friend who offered a listening ear or a note of appreciation to a family member, these small gestures can deepen our connections with others.Personal Growth and Resilience- Acknowledging what we're thankful for can be a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience. In challenging times, focusing on the positive aspects of our lives can help shift our perspective. It's not about denying the difficulties we face but rather about finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity.What Am I Thankful For?As I take a moment to reflect on what I'm thankful for, a myriad of thoughts and emotions flood my mind. At the top of my list is the unwavering support of my family. Their love and encouragement have been the bedrock of my journey, providing me with the strength to navigate life's ups and downs.I'm thankful for the friendships that have stood the test of time and distance. These relationships have been a source of joy, laughter, and shared experiences. In a world that often feels chaotic, having a network of supportive friends is a treasure beyond measure. Career milestones and achievements also find a place on my gratitude list. The opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute in my professional life have not only shaped my identity but have also allowed me to make a positive impact on others. The challenges I've faced in my career have been instrumental in my personal development, teaching me resilience and perseverance.Nature's wonders are another source of gratitude in my life. The breathtaking beauty of a sunrise, the calming presence of a forest, or the rhythmic sound of ocean waves – these natural wonders remind me of the magnificence of the world we live in. They offer moments of solace and reflection in a fast-paced world. Health, often taken for granted, is a gift that I am profoundly thankful for. The ability to wake up each day, to move, to breathe, and to experience life in all its richness is a blessing that deserves acknowledgment. It's a reminder to cherish and take care of the vessel that carries us through our life's journey.Cultivating Gratitude in Daily LifeWhile reflecting on what I'm thankful for is a valuable exercise, incorporating gratitude into my daily life is equally important. Here are a few practices that have helped me cultivate gratitude:1. Keeping a daily or weekly gratitude journal allows me to jot down the things I'm thankful for. It serves as a tangible reminder of the positive aspects of my life.2.  Taking the time to express my gratitude to others has become a regular part of my routine. Whether through a simple "thank you" text or a heartfelt note, expressing appreciation strengthens my relationships.3.  Incorporating mindfulness into my daily life has been transformative. Taking a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and reflect on the present helps me appreciate the small joys that often go unnoticed.4.  Engaging in acts of kindness, whether big or small, not only benefits others but also brings a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. It's a reminder of the positive impact we can have on the world around us.In a world that often emphasizes the pursuit of more, taking a step back to recognize and appreciate what we already have can be a game-changer. Gratitude is not just a one-time reflection but a continuous journey of acknowledging the richness of our lives.As I delve into the depths of what I'm thankful for, I am reminded that gratitude is a dynamic force. It has the power to transform our perspective, enhance our well-being, and foster connections with the world and those around us. So, what am I thankful for? The answer is a tapestry woven with the threads of love, connection, opportunity, and the beauty that surround us everyday.                                                                                              Contributed by Avinash Naik, who is currently pursuing Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Krea University. His interests include writing poetry and theatre.Carpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by Johnhain on Pixabay

When we talk about mental health an area that generally does not get enough coverage and importance is mental health in Men. They are often expected to be strong, unwavering pillars of support for others, which might deter them from getting the mental health care they need. If males confess to having depression or other mental health problems, they could worry about being stigmatized or viewed as less manly. Through time and history we have seen many great men who despite suffering from mental health issues have also achieved success in their respective fields . some while they were alive and some after their time. Van Gogh is a classic example of a great creative mind and artist whose work sells for millions now. His art came out of great mental turbulence and poor mental health. There have been many creative and brilliant minds among men who have, despite their mental health issues, been pioneers of great work. John Nash is also another great example who made contributions in Mathematics and was also awarded the Nobel Memorial prize, John von Neumann theory prize etc. His struggles with schizophrenia and his recovery was made into an Oscar winning movie named Beautiful Minds.Now let us take a deeper look into living with schizophrenia and it’s gender based stigma to have a better understanding:Understanding the various elements that impact stigma in schizophrenia is crucial for effective treatment of the condition. Men with schizophrenia said they were single, that they concealed their condition from others and on job applications, and that they felt ashamed and ridiculed. They stated that the worst venues for them to suffer stigma were their places of employment. Women talked about how stigma affected their marriages, pregnancies, and deliveries. Both sexes disclosed certain cultural misconceptions regarding their illnesses and the detrimental effects they had on their lives.Men are more likely than women to develop schizophrenia, and they also tend to do so at a younger age—men typically get schizophrenia five years younger than women. Recent evidence suggests that genetic and biochemical factors associated with psychoses may also provide an increased propensity to think creatively.For as long as people have been writing things down, psychoses and creativity have been associated. Using mostly biographical and historical documents together with interviews, has shown more recently that there is a connection between mood problems and artistic creativity. These studies have a few drawbacks while providing strong data and an intriguing look into the family history of creative people. Firstly, while historical studies offer valuable motivation to explore the relationship between psychoses and creativity, they only focus on prominent figures from history, leaving out those who managed to elude the scrutiny of mainstream written records.  Though there has long been a theory linking creativity with psychopathology, empirical research on this relationship did not start until the last century. Another example is Franz Kafka who wrote in a completely original style exploring existential ideas about life. The Trial and Metamorphosis are two of his better known stories. Kafka was a loner, a genius, who suffered from social anxiety and depression. In the honour of Franz Kafka, the Franz Kafka price was presented as an international literary award. To conclude he proves to be another classic example of how men who faced mental illness have worked through their challenges and societal stigma to still go ahead and carve a niche for themselves in their respective fields.  This gives us some perspective on how men have dealt with the issue of mental illness through history and time.Contributed by Pavitra V.S, Grade 11 - EuroSchool HSRShe actively engages in animal rescuing and her interests include reading, crochet and kickboxing.Carpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by msandersmusic on Pixabay

Mental well being continues to be a taboo subject for many men and also regarding the mental well being of men particularly. Although mental health issues affect both genders, men’s mental health has generally received less attention and support. Men who express feelings of despair are labeled weak and unmanly by society causing their mental problems to be overlooked and go undiagnosed. The stigma associated with mental illness in men persists despite efforts to increase awareness of mental health issues in general. For a more insightful look into why the mental well-being regarding men is overlooked, we encroach upon this vital reason : Gender norms and the stigma attached Gender norms profoundly shape how we perceive mental health. These norms are what claim to determine expected and “normal” behavior for each gender that eventually influences mental well-being and mental health concerns. They tend to intensify the stigma attached to mental health regarding men. For example, a boy displaying vulnerability or crying will be encouraged to behave stronger and avoid showing such emotions. Women being relegated to a secondary role influences their outlook on mental well-being as well, generally terming them as irrational and sensitive as well as making them more prone to being prescribed medication. Our society tends to perpetuate gender conformity that leads to individuals having heightened levels of stress regarding their gender rigidness. Acknowledging the gender bias and gender norms that are prevalent in our society, will help ease their harmful effects on individuals and create a more supportive environment for all genders. Expectations of men that result in mental health problems                      Men have been told to be less emotional, act stronger and never show any weakness while simultaneously being expected to be the breadwinner of their family. Over working generally leads to heightened stress levels which can lead to other mental health conditions. Due to the society expectations that have been pushed on them men are less likely to seek out help for their mental health struggles. Instead, they choose to rely on unhealthy support systems like substance abuse and alcohol. This makes it crucial to encourage men to ditch the traditional gender roles so that they don’t develop an addiction to self medication and alcohol. Self stigma      Men are generally conditioned to think they are less worthy or strong if they show signs of mental illness. They tend to devalue themselves which as a result is very harmful to their mental well-being. Due to this many men facing the stigma tied to their mental health result in simply ignoring or rejecting their mental health condition and hope it will go away without mention. Ways to support men’s mental well-being are : 1. Encourage men to talk openly about mental health- Social media has become a great medium to express oneself as well as a great space for positivity and inclusivity. It is a great source for stigma-busting support. 2.  Finding a healthy support system- A community of people or an individual who allows you to express yourself comfortably is crucial.   3. Spread awareness- Choosing empowerment over shame is a vital step toward achieving our goal of minimizing and ending the stigma attached to men’s mental health. To conclude there is an undeniable correlation between mental health and gender roles revealing that men are less susceptible to mental health disorders yet when they are mentally ill, they are less likely to recover. Most of the reasoning can be linked to hegemonic masculinity, stereotypes, and stigma. In order to support men who are experiencing greater feelings of loneliness and despair and to remove the obstacles that prevent men from getting the treatment they need when they do, it is essential to improve the mental health of males through providing a supportive environment.Contributed by Pavitra V.S, Grade 11 - EuroSchool HSRShe actively engages in animal rescuing and her interests include reading, crochet and kickboxing.Carpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by Johnhain on Pixabay

Published in: Science Daily

Adolescents who snore frequently were more likely to exhibit behavior problems such as inattention, rule-breaking, and aggression, but they do not have any decline in their cognitive abilities, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM).(Picture credit - Freepik)

Published in: Naturementalhealth

People with advanced dementia are at increased risk of institutionalization and experiencing distress. Research suggests that music therapy could reduce distress, but less is known about the causal mechanisms. Here we conducted a realist review to develop a program theory for how music therapy may reduce distress and improve well-being for people with advanced dementia in institutional settings.(Image credit : Freepik)

Published in: NIH

Uma Chatterjee stood in the kitchen, fighting the knots in her stomach. Her husband, Zac, had left the lights on. It was a trivial act, but one that sent Chatterjee’s mind racing.A cascade of “what ifs” followed.What if we can’t pay the power bill?What if we’re thrown out on the street?What if we die?And what if it’s all my fault?She broke down and started to cry.(Image Designed by Freepik)