Supriya Ramesh • 19 Dec 2024
Is Modern Life Pushing Us to Find New Ways to Heal? Experts Weigh In
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Modernisation has undoubtedly made our lives more convenient, introducing technological advancements and streamlined processes that save time and effort. However, this rapid pace of life comes with a heavy toll on mental health. The constant pressure to perform, stay connected, and keep up with an ever-evolving world has led to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Social media overexposure, lack of downtime, and the erosion of work-life balance only compound these challenges. While progress has its perks, it has also highlighted the need for effective mental health strategies, reminding us that true well-being requires a balance between advancement and inner peace.
Innovative Therapies in Modern Mental Health Care
Emerging Techniques in Mental Wellness: Dr. Ashish Bansal, MD, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of House of Aesthetics in New Delhi, says that there is an urgent need to address mental health challenges, combining traditional therapies with new-age technologies.
- Neurofeedback Therapy: Dr. Bansal describes this technique as a way to regulate brainwave patterns using EEG monitoring. “It's a great therapy to get relief from anxiety, PTSD etc. and enhances the focus of the individuals,” he says.
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: For deep healing and overcoming end-of-life anxiety, depression etc., this therapy is quite an emerging way. Psychiatrists are trying to use this technique to help dealing with individuals to recover in a better way, says Dr. Bansal.
- Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Dr. Bansal explains how VRET helps individuals confront fears and overcome phobias or anxiety. “When exposed with their fears that trigger anxiety, a psychiatrist helps his clients to help them overcome their challenges,” he says.
- Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate Variability: Dr. Bansal says, “Research has proven a direct association between mental health and heart rate variability (HRV) as well as respiratory rate variability (RRV). These signify the status of the body’s autonomic nervous system which is responsible for regulating the mood and achieving emotional balance. HRV biofeedback therapy is useful for the management of anxiety and depressive symptoms.”
Holistic Practices for Everyday Mental Well-Being
- Mindfulness: Aamish Dhingra, ICF-PCC Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of Cocoweave Coaching International, explains that mindfulness is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies to ease life’s complexities. It involves living in the present moment, leaving behind the distress of the past and worries about the future. He recommends starting with 5–10 minutes and gradually increasing the duration.
- Healing with Sound: Dhingra highlights sound therapy as an effective way to align the mind with the body. Using instruments like gongs and tuning forks, this technique employs vibrations and frequencies to calm a chaotic mind. These sounds mimic brainwaves, helping individuals enter a meditative, deeply healing state.
- Visualisation Technique: Dhingra also promotes visualisation, which encourages individuals to imagine the reality they want to manifest. By focusing on a goal in detail and envisioning the emotions tied to its achievement, this method helps foster positivity and clarity.
- Digital Detox: Dhingra stresses the importance of taking breaks from social media. He advises establishing screen-free hours and replacing mindless scrolling with informative reading to reduce digital dependency.
- Mapping Goals with a Life Coach: A life coach, according to Dhingra, not only motivates individuals but also helps resolve personal, professional, and internal conflicts. Acting as a supportive guide, they help broaden perspectives and navigate challenges.
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