Tag: anxiety

  • Iqra Aziz wants new moms to remember it’s okay to prioritise themselves

    Iqra Aziz wants new moms to remember it’s okay to prioritise themselves

    Actress Iqra Aziz is back on our screens, starring as the main lead in the rom-com ‘Mannat Murad’, ending the break she took from work after the birth of her and Yasir Hussain’s son, Kabir. During an interview with BBC Urdu, Iqra shared an important message about the pressure new moms face in balancing their home life and their careers.

    The actress recalled the time when an actor visited her house, and was aghast with how she was sitting at home while her husband was the one who was working and finding new projects. Reflecting on this encounter, Iqra said she was working on social media, if not on the field as an actress, and was enjoying her time home while taking care of her son.

    “I can’t pressurise myself to break out of a relaxing phase because of ambition. It was my personal choice to sit back and take some time to reflect on myself. I began working from a really young age, and I have been working every day. Before meeting Yasir, I was even working on Sundays. It’s my choice that after working so much, I have reached a phase where I would like to relax and enjoy my life. This was my first son and I wanted to make every moment memorable.”

    We will completely endorse this message and applaud the actress for stressing on this incredibly important factor because so many new moms suffer from mental health problems because of the pressure to juggle their social commitments, while also learning to be there for their newborns. We’re so happy Iqra isn’t letting others dictate her choices. Giving birth isn’t easy and every mom should do what suits her mental health.

  • ‘Reach out’: on Mental Health Day, celebrities are opening up about prioritising mental health

    ‘Reach out’: on Mental Health Day, celebrities are opening up about prioritising mental health

    International Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10, when people are encouraged to take steps to take care of their mental well-being. Celebrities like Mawra Hocane and Bollywood director Karan Johar are opening up about their mental health issues and encouraged other people to destroy the stigma that it’s a sign of weakness.

    Actress Mawra Hocane shared a video clip on her Instagram of pictures from her childhood to present, and spoke candidly about how she spent three years trying to take care of her mental health.

    “I have spent the last three years of my life focusing on this little girl.. she needed to heal.. to rest.. to be with herself.. to walk away from the noise & the lights.. find that light within instead.. to work just enough for joy & not find validation in exhaustion… most importantly she wanted to be ‘home’ & home she was after many many many years..”

    The ‘Nauroz’ actress urged her followers to never be afraid to reach out for help, and remember to listen to their body to know when it’s time for them to take a break.

    “Don’t shy away for making yourself a priority, if 2020 taught me anything, it was to not ignore my inner voice, to listen to my body, to chase happiness & nothing else because at the end of the day it’s all that matters..
    Sending love & strength to those who still suffer in silence.”

    ‘Rocky and Rani’ director Karan Johar also took time out to speak about the anxiety attacks he suffered in 2016. In March, the director wrote that his anxiety attacks came back and he knew immediately how to address them.

    “In 2015-2016 I felt the first burst of anxiety and knew within that something was wrong… my friend guided me to a psychologist and after a series of conversations I knew what I was dealing with and adressed it medically and with a change of lifestyle…. Things got better and I weaned off the meds … This year in March this year ( I knew the trigger ) it returned and I knew I had to address it immediately….”

    The K3G director urged followers to take time out to address their mental health the same way they would respond to a physical ailment, and never be afraid to take a break from life and seek professional help if they’re suffering from depression or anxiety.

    “For someone who does battle anxiety or depression “simple solutions like “ … go for a drive !!! Meet friends !! Go for a holiday …. Get a massage … these are red flag conversations to have and you must be educated enough in this zone to even offer advice…
    To family members my advice is simply to make sure that the person going through it seeks professional help…
    We tend to address blood pressure , diabetes , etc with so much instant ease then why neglect mental health….
    More power to those brave ones who acknowledge the issue and address it head on…”

  • Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    Introverts who grapple with anxiety often seek job opportunities that minimise social interaction and reduce stress. In today’s digital age, there’s a vast array of high-paying online careers available worldwide that cater to introverts’ inclinations.

    By thoughtfully examining job descriptions and selecting roles that align with personal needs, introverts can discover fulfilling and lucrative career options. 

    Here are 10 career options introverts dealing with anxiety or depression can consider:

    1. Copywriter 

    Description: If you possess creativity and a way with words, pursuing a career as a copywriter might be the ideal choice for you. 

    Responsibilities: Writing for blogs, creating eBooks, and crafting marketing materials. 

    Skills required: Strong written language skills and knowledge of basic digital marketing. 

    Average salary: $36 (PKR 10,670) per hour 

    2. Web developer 

    Description: Web developers design and construct websites, making them a perfect fit for introverts who prefer working independently. 

    Skills required: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. 

    Average salary: $70,000 (PKR 20.74 million) per year 

    3. Data scientist 

    Description: Data scientists analyze large data sets, providing valuable insights and actionable plans for organisations. 

    Skills required: Strong mathematical, analytical, and organisational skills. 

    Average salary: $50,000 (PKR 14.82 million)-$70,000 (PKR 20.74 million) per year 

    4. Transcriptionist 

    Description: Transcriptionists listen to audio and convert it into text, offering flexibility and good earning potential. 

    Skills required: Proficiency in written and spoken English and fast typing. 

    Average salary: $18 (PKR 5,335) per hour 

    5. Photographer 

    Description: The demand for stock photos provides introverted photographers with opportunities to work with minimal interaction. 

    Skills required: Photography and photo editing. 

    Average salary: $15 (PKR 4,446)-$40 (PKR 11,856) per hour 

    6. Bookkeeping 

    Description: Detail-oriented introverts can excel as bookkeepers, managing financial records for individuals or businesses. 

    Skills required: Strong math skills and proficiency in spreadsheets. 

    Average salary: $40,000 (PKR 11.8 million) per year 

    7. Virtual assistant 

    Description: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to individuals or businesses, often on a flexible schedule. 

    Skills required: Time management, IT skills, and effective communication. 

    Average salary: $20 (PKR 5,928) per hour 

    8. Graphic designer 

    Description: Introverts with design skills can create visually appealing graphics for various purposes. 

    Skills required: Graphic design expertise and knowledge of Adobe Photoshop/InDesign or similar tools. 

    Average salary: $20 (PKR 5,928) per hour 

    9. Dropshipping 

    Description: Dropshipping allows introverts to select and market products while others handle fulfillment. 

    Skills required: Organization and trend-spotting abilities. 

    Average salary: $45,000 (PKR 13.3 million) per year 

    10. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialist 

    Description: SEO specialists optimize websites for search engine visibility, offering a flexible and fulfilling career. 

    Skills required: Knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, and basic HTML/CSS (for technical SEO). 

    Average salary: $55,000 (PKR 16.3 million) per year 

    Introverts dealing with anxiety can discover rewarding and well-paying online careers tailored to their preferences for minimal social interaction. By methodically assessing their skills and interests, introverts can embark on a successful and fulfilling career path in the digital landscape. 

    How to choose?

    Introverts can find and get online jobs through a variety of channels, including: 

    • Job boards: General job boards like Indeed and Monster often have a wide range of online jobs listed, including many that are well-suited for introverts. There are also specialized job boards that focus on remote work and freelance jobs, such as FlexJobs and Remote.co. 
    • Freelance marketplaces: Freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr allow freelancers to create profiles and bid on projects from clients all over the world. This is a great way for introverts to find online jobs that match their skills and interests, and to set their own hours and work independently. 
    • Company websites: Many companies now have dedicated career pages on their websites where they list their open positions. Some companies even have specific sections for remote jobs. 
    • Social media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also be a good place to find online jobs. Many companies use social media to announce job openings and recruit new employees. You can also follow relevant hashtags and keywords to stay up-to-date on the latest job postings. 
    • Networking: Networking is another great way to find online jobs. Talk to your friends, family, and former colleagues to see if they know of any online job openings. You can also attend virtual networking events and join online communities for professionals in your field. 

    Once you’ve found some online jobs that you’re interested in, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job. Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, and explain why you’re a good fit for the company. 

    Here are some additional tips for introverts who are looking for online jobs: 

    • Focus on your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of your skills and interests, and then use that list to identify online jobs that would be a good fit for you. 
    • Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. When you’re applying for online jobs, it’s important to market yourself and your skills effectively. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and explain how you can add value to the company. 
    • Be patient. It may take some time to find the right online job for you. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the first job you apply for. Keep applying and networking, and eventually you’ll find the perfect job for you. 

    Remember, there are many online jobs that are well-suited for introverts. By focusing on your strengths and marketing yourself effectively, you can find an online job that allows you to work independently and succeed in your career. 

  • A Twitter user asked 26 y/o’s about the advice they would give to those in early twenties, and people had the best responses

    A Twitter user asked 26 y/o’s about the advice they would give to those in early twenties, and people had the best responses

    What advice would you give to someone in their early twenties? This was the question posed by twitter user @1ov1bri when she asked her followers about all the things they had learned too late- whether it was about life, career or love. And Twitter users had some amazing replies.

    A user said that the best lesson to learn is on how to be alone so that later in life you don’t invite people in who don’t deserve it.

    Another user said it’s never shameful to feel like you’re behind in life, because everyone works on their own progress.

    On careers, some users said it is better to question misbehavior at the workplace rather than stay silent and endure it.

    Another woman said its better to be absolutely certain about following a hard career like medicine.

    https://twitter.com/aishahbg/status/1691867199214866927?s=20
  • Aamir Khan’s daughter says he was trigger for her depression

    Aamir Khan’s daughter says he was trigger for her depression

    Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira spoke to ET Times about how she came to recognize her bad mental health, stating that it was her parents’ divorce that triggered the episode. The actor and his first wife, Reena Dutta, divorced amicably in 2002, however, Ira revealed that both Aamir and Reena made her feel that it “was not a big deal”.

    The mental health activist went on to say that because of Aamir and Reena’s divorce, she had mental misunderstandings but never found the courage to discuss them with anyone. Hence, she “blames herself’ for suffering from depression, believing erroneously that one had to be sad to get love from others. On a positive note, she said that now she is working on making herself happy, and has a better relationship with her parents.

    Ira revealed she is in a group chat with her parents and reaches out to them every time she is in need, while her fiance Nupur Shikhare is one of her strongest supporters.

    READ MORE: ‘Mental disorders run in the family’: Aamir Khan’s daughter opens up about dealing with depression, handling parents divorce

    Ira recently made national headlines when she revealed to a publication that mental health disorders run in her family:

    “Every 8-10 months I will have a big crash. It’s partly genetic, partly psychological, and partly social. It took me a while to figure it out. But I have mental health disorders in my family. I also did not make healthy choices and I systematically walked into depression.”

  • ‘Mental disorders run in the family’: Aamir Khan’s daughter opens up about dealing with depression, handling parents divorce

    ‘Mental disorders run in the family’: Aamir Khan’s daughter opens up about dealing with depression, handling parents divorce

    Speaking to The Times Of India, Aamir Khan’s second daughter Ira opened up about mental health struggles, especially with clinical depression which she was diagnosed with five years ago. It was through the help of her father, film star Aamir, that she began seeking help for her mental illness, and learned that her family has a history of mental health disorders.

    Khan revealed that altough her parents divorce had not impacted her much, there were still signs that led her to believe something was wrong and led her to come back to India from the Netherlands:

    “My mom pointed out that I didn’t want to be alive so I would just sleep my day away so that I would have fewer hours to live in a day.”

    Ira said she was on medication now, but still experiences bouts of anxiety, which is taking some time for her to understand how mental health issues are common in her family.

    “Every 8-10 months I will have a big crash. It’s partly genetic, partly psychological, and partly social. It took me a while to figure it out. But I have mental health disorders in my family. I also did not make healthy choices and I systematically walked into depression.”

    Khan spoke about the organisation she had set up Agastu Foundation, which aimed at education people about mental health support and providing them with resources to get better. Her parents, Aamir and Reena Dutta, are both members of the advisory board, and her dad had helped in setting up until Ira was able to recieve funding.

  • ‘Social media poses risk to mental health of teenagers’: expert

    US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on Tuesday, warning about the consequences social media usage has for women and children. He said that it is imperative now more than ever that tech companies, policymakers and parents take immediate action to ensure that children are protected.

    “For every family, it may not be feasible to stop your child from using social media or there may be benefits,” he told the Associated Press, “But drawing boundaries around the use of social media in your child’s life so there are times and spaces that are protected, that are tech-free, that can be really helpful.”

    According to The Guardian, Murthy revealed that it was terrifying that not enough research has been done to understand the harm social media has over children:

    “The bottom line is we do not have enough evidence to conclude that social media is, in fact, sufficiently safe for our kids. And that’s really important for parents to know.”

    The advisory is a part of Dr Murthy’s ongoing investigation in to the mental health crisis of American youth. The report pointed out that more than 95% of American teenagers between the ages of 13 to 17 years old are active on social media platforms, while a third said they use these apps constantly. The report also pointed out that there has been a noticeable rise of children and adults dealing with anxiety and depression due to social media usage.

    This report has arrived in the wake of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen revealing in 2021 that according to research conducted by Facebook, 13.5% of teen girls say Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse, and 17% of teen girls say Instagram makes eating disorders worse.

    “And what’s super tragic is Facebook’s own research says as these young women begin to consume this eating disorder content, they get more and more depressed. It actually makes them use the app more,” Haugen revealed. “They end up in this feedback cycle where they hate their bodies more and more.”

  • Suicide is not a crime in Pakistan anymore

    Suicide is not a crime in Pakistan anymore

    The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2022, which eliminates penalty for attempted suicide, was passed by President Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday.

    According to a statement made by the President House, Section 325 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, which deals with punishing suicide attempts, will be repealed.

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-introduced the legislation (JUI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam opposed the bill.

    Suicide or attempted suicide was a crime in Pakistan under Section 325 of the Penal Code, and it was sanctioned by a year in prison, a fine, or both.

    According to public health experts, approximately 75 per cent of Pakistanis suffer from various mental health problems. The majority of Pakistanis, according to Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy (HSA) Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan, are either sad or under stress.

  • 75% of Pakistanis suffer from depression: Public health experts

    75% of Pakistanis suffer from depression: Public health experts

    According to public health experts, approximately 75 per cent of Pakistanis suffer from various mental health problems. The majority of Pakistanis, according to Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy (HSA) Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan, are either sad or under stress.
    Public health experts and intellectuals have portrayed a bleak picture of Pakistanis’ mental state.

    Prof Shahzad Ali Khan, while addressing the launch of the 24th Thematic Calendar by Jahan-i-Maseeha Adbi Forum (JMAF), said that the majority of the population is suffering from different mental health disorders including depression and anxiety.
    He continued by adding that the majority of young people in Pakistan, view everyone as corrupt and incompetent, despite the fact that similar problems, such as inflation, unemployment, and recession, affect young people everywhere.

    “Initially, teachers and academia of our society were targeted and they were defamed. Later, character assassination of physicians and healthcare professionals was carried out and the same treatment was meted out to politicians,” he added.

  • World Mental Health Day: Phrases we should avoid using

    World Mental Health Day: Phrases we should avoid using

    World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is, “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority”.

    In 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health began observing the day. Raising awareness of mental health concerns and mobilising support for mental health are the goals of World Mental Health Day.

    Here is a list of five things you should not say casually about mental health:

    “Pagal ho?” (Are you crazy)

    Calling someone Pagal or crazy is not right. They might be going through a tough period that we do not know is affecting them and to what extent. Calling them crazy can further aggravate their mental health.

    “Mujhe OCD ho rahi hai” (This is triggering my OCD)

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is real, and the condition can hinder the life of the patient. Casually self-diagnosing yourself with OCD and equating personal obsession of cleanliness with OCD is not funny. If anything, it’s nothing less than insulting and dismissive to those who are actually plagued by the real-life symptoms of the disorder.

    “It’s all in your head”.

    Contrary to popular belief, depression is not the same as sadness. It is, in fact, a very serious mental illness. Telling someone that their mental health is not a genuine disease and it’s all in their head reinforces the misconception — that a person with a mental illness is somehow being dramatic and would feel better if only they could stop thinking about it.

    “I have gone through the same thing“

    If someone is going through something, saying that you have gone through the same thing is not helpful. Even if our intention is to help them, this phrase can be perceived wrongly and it can make them feel that they are not being heard.