Blog
Insights and resources to support your mental health journey.
Understanding “Mata Agayi” and “Hanuman Agaye”: A Psychoanalytic View of Culture-Bound Syndromes in India
What Are “Mata Agayi” and “Hanuman Agaye”? In many parts of India, especially rural and semi-urban communities, people sometimes report conditions like “Mata agayi” (The Goddess has entered) or “Hanuman agaye” (Possessed by Hanuman). These are examples of culture-bound syndromes—mental and emotional distress that is shaped by the cultural and religious beliefs of a community. Someone with “Mata agayi” might shout, dance, fall unconscious, speak in a different voice, or claim to channel a goddess. With “Hanuman agaye,” the person might show sudden strength, chant religious verses, or become hyperactive and disinhibited. To the community, these are often seen not as mental illness, but as spiritual experiences or possessions—sometimes sacred, sometimes frightening.
Read More →Performance Anxiety at the Workplace: Why It Happens and How to Deal With It
Performance anxiety at work is a common experience marked by self-doubt, fear of failure, and physical symptoms like racing heart or tension. It often stems from high expectations, imposter syndrome, or lack of feedback. Left unaddressed, it can lead to burnout. This guide explores practical strategies—from mindset shifts to breathing exercises—to help you manage anxiety, improve confidence, and feel more grounded at work.
Read More →Feeling Like a 'Child' in Your Family
Many adults find themselves reverting to childlike behaviors when interacting with their family. This article explores the psychodynamic reasons behind this common phenomenon, offering insights into why we might feel powerless, dependent, or emotionally reactive around our parents, even as adults.
Read More →Searles and the Unconscious Attempt to Drive the Other Person Crazy
Harold Searles introduced the unsettling idea that individuals, especially those with psychotic structures, may unconsciously attempt to 'drive the other person crazy.' This isn't driven by conscious malice, but rather an attempt to externalize inner fragmentation
Read More →The Emotional Challenges of Living Abroad: Why Moving Away Doesn't Always Mean Freedom
Moving abroad is often seen as the ultimate leap toward independence. But for many immigrants and international students, this journey comes with an emotional weight that's rarely discussed — one shaped by cultural differences, family expectations, and deep-seated inner conflicts
Read More →Navigating Cultural Shifts: The Silent Inner World of Indian-Origin Individuals Living Abroad
For many individuals of Indian origin living abroad, navigating daily life can feel like standing at the crossroads of two worlds. There is the culture you were raised in, and then there's the culture you now live in
Read More →The Subtle Pressure to 'Fit In': Assimilation vs. Accommodation
When people move to a new country or grow up in a bicultural household, they unconsciously begin to adopt ways of functioning that help them survive or succeed in that environment
Read More →Why Do I Feel This Way? Hidden Feelings Beneath the Surface
You may look like you're doing just fine — adjusting at work, managing relationships, building a life in a new country. But underneath, there might be a growing sense of being torn between traditional values and modern desires
Read More →The Power of Mindfulness in Stress Reduction
Discover how incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being
Read More →Building Healthy Relationships
Learn essential communication skills and strategies for maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships in your life
Read More →The Impact of Cultural Identity on Mental Health
Exploring how cultural identity shapes our mental health and well-being, and strategies for navigating cultural challenges
Read More →Coping with Grief and Loss
Understanding the grieving process and learning healthy ways to cope with loss and bereavement.
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