Bibliotherapy is also quite effective in positively preventing mental stress: Dr. (Col.) Rajinder Singh

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the book "Rewiring the Brain for Wellness" written by senior psychiatrist and social worker Dr. (Col.) Rajinder Singh was released 

Chandigarh 11 October ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh, a veteran psychiatrist, social worker and ardent humanitarian has urged the individuals struggling with the stresses and anxiety to adapt natural techniques and practices to foster mental health. Speaking on the occasion of World Mental Health Day commemoration today, he spelled out and elaborated on various practices that contribute to our emotional, psychological and social well-being by handling stress in a positive way. Poor mental health not only disturbs one's thinking but also affects the mood and behaviour of a person. Dr Rajinder Singh said although psychological, biological and social factors, substance use and genetics can make people more vulnerable to mental health problems, yet a person can enhance mental health and strengthen resilience by practicing a number of relaxation techniques to decrease stress. Mindful meditation, physical exercise, yoga, box breathing, listening to good music can lessen the psychological impact of stress which causes many psychosomatic problems such as increased heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal disturbances. A book "Rewiring The Brain For Wellness" authored by Dr Rajinder Singh was also released on the occasion which offers healthy practices and lifestyle changes that can positively affect mental health.  Dr Rajinder Singh said books have been used for treating people through centuries and there is a great medical evidence to suggest that there are proven benefits of reading for treating a variety of mental health and lifestyle issues. In technical term, it is known as bibliotherapy which can help people manage their emotional problems without any interference from an expert. By reading books and biographies, which cover the experience of others who have gone through similar problems, an individual can minimise or stop the problem he or she is facing from degenerating into a more complex problem. Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Dr B.N.S. Walia, a former Director of the PGIMER Chandigarh, lauded the efforts of The Kalgidhar Trust in reformation of society through value-based education, social welfare activities and addressing the burning problem of drugs. He said for the past couple of decades, the world has been witnessing high degree of climate change which is expected to affect not only physical health but is also likely to affect mental health due to various reasons. Dr Walia praised the efforts of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib for fanning out its volunteers in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation work carried out at various places in Punjab for the flood affected people. Dr Davinder Singh, president of The Kalgidhar Trust and Dr Neelam Kaur, adviser health and education Baru Sahib, proposed the vote of thanks and dwelt on how their non-profit charitable organisation has been globally acknowledged for imparting value-based education, healthcare, social welfare and drug de-addiction services as part of their humanitarian mission, without any discrimination of caste, religion, sex or social status, as part of their spiritual mission guided by the founding fathers of Baru Sahib. Dr H. K. Bedi, senior psychiatrist, Dr Ranjit Powar, renowned psychologist spoke on the psychological issues that affect mental health, and offered remedies to overcome them. Hardial Singh, a former chief secretary of Punjab government and Harpal Singh, founder of Bhai Jaita Ji Foundation were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. A wellness studio "Chardikala" was also set up at the venue, and a dedicated helpline - 9805098716 was launched to contact for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation services for the flood affected people of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.