What’s on your Mind? (2 Mins read)

October 10^th has been marked as World Mental Health Day. The theme line for World Mental Health Day 2024 goes like this: "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace". It highlights the need for mental health support in the workplace, schools, universities, etc. creating a mentally robust environment.

How about our school be a safe and healthy environment to study and work in? Can the students and staff testify that it is a conducive place to learn and grow?

No doubt 21^st-century minds are constantly buffeted with cynical, depressive thoughts. Thoughts are quite complex & challenging to most of us. Some of you reading these lines could be depressed, neglected by family & friends, outcasts from the community, and emotionally down. “Life consists mainly of the storm of thoughts that is forever through one’s head”- Mark Twain

Our mindset makes the difference and determines our mental well-being. Our minds are too busy and complex for us to comprehend. Mind is also critical and does not let us make the right decisions. Most of us are at the crossroads of our lives victimized by our emotions thinking about which direction to go. Our minds are often clouded with uncertainty and confusion.  

Conversely, our mind seldom looks like a rainbow, radiating its rays, shining and creative. It's in our hands to keep our minds alive. Let's set our minds to ponder worthy thoughts to celebrate minds radiating light.

How can we protect ourselves from falling into this pit of self-destruction and the onslaught of toxic, harmful thoughts that come from within and around us? God can protect and renew our minds, making them creative, and powered with positive thoughts. All that we need to do is to make Him known. Let positivity push us forward. "Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." — Albert Einstein

Let us be determined to challenge ourselves to keep our minds healthier and stronger.

Our Mind Matters!

Why Death when there is Life to live? (3 min Read)

 (September being World suicide prevention month. I dedicate this article to all the youths of our Nation)

The statistics concerning suicide rates in our country are alarming. Around 7 lakh people die committing suicide every year in our country. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15–19-year-olds. 77% of global suicides occur in low-and middle-income countries.

The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044. (Source: IC3 Institute)

Life in this 21^st century is not an easy cakewalk for most of us. Young minds are constantly assaulted with negative thoughts and mixed ideologies affect their Mental Health. Utter chaos and busyness is the state of their mind. Where can one get help and find solace in such troubled moments?

As human beings, we are made with intrinsic worth. No doubt we are wonderfully created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26). We are not just an accident on this planet, without any purpose. We are specially crafted by God and our lives are in His hands. We have no right to take our lives. God is the sole owner of our lives. The clay learns submission only in the hands of the potter. Are we like the clay submitting in His hands?

Suicide is surely a cowardly, devilish act when we don’t dare to face life’s challenges. “Winners never quit; those who quit never win”. we are called to soar high like an eagle. Never look down and walk without hope. There is a ray of hope and light for you in the following lines.

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

As you read these lines (whoever you may be) allow these words to speak to you and take a grip on your life. Make a simple prayer in the place where you are right away and place your life into the hands of God.  You will be a changed person with renewed strength to face life’s challenges.

Rest is assured from God as you read and reflect on these comforting words of Jesus in Mat 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Respond to this invitation. Ask for immediate help if you have any suicidal thoughts. Seek the help of your friend, family member, or a trusted counselor without any delay. Talk to anyone whom you are comfortable with and get help. There is so much to live in this present life. You’re not alone in this fight. 

NEVER EVER GIVE UP!