The suicide of a 42-year-old man, following a social media controversy, highlights a painful truth that mental-health professionals have long warned about: online exposure and public judgement can have severe psychological consequences. A short video recorded in a public setting and later shared on social media triggered intense online attention, speculation, and moral commentary. What…
The unrest that followed Lionel Messi’s brief appearance at the Bengal stadium cannot be explained as either pure mismanagement or uncontrollable crowd behaviour. Psychologically, it emerged from intense emotional investment colliding with poor expectation management, with responsibility shared equally between organisers and sections of the crowd. For many Indian fans, Messi is far more than…
A young college student from Kochi loved posting pictures online, enjoying the appreciation that followed every posting. But slowly, posting became a silent hunt for recognition. One evening, after uploading a picture and watching others get more likes, self-doubt crept in. The post was deleted, not because it wasn’t good, but rather because it wasn’t…
While Kerala’s performance in education, healthcare, and social indices is sound, domestic violence remains a burning and increasing issue in the state. According to Mathrubhumi, Mithra 181 women’s helpline received 10,898 calls on domestic abuse during the year 2021, almost two times more than in 2019. In Ernakulam, The Hindu reported that Snehitha gender help…
Migration has been an integral part of Kerala’s culture for a long time, but for young people today, the motives extend far beyond economic security. For many, migration is an escape to freedom, enjoyment, and self-expression. Freedom from parental control, seeking independence, and being exposed to the vibrant Instagram tales of friends elsewhere tend to…
Festivities of Onam in college campuses within Kerala tend to be characterized by intense excitement, creativeness, and cultural pride, but alongside the festive cheer, there is also a recurring pattern of violence and risk-taking behaviour among students. Psychologically, the actions are traced to a combination of developmental, societal, and cultural reasons. College-going students are an…
When Kerala’s streets fall silent at night, a different energy brews—the aroma of boiling tea leaves, the clink of glass tumblers, and the hum of friendly chatter. The late-night chai culture has grown into more than a beverage habit; it is a social ritual that connects people across backgrounds under one glowing bulb. For night…
Parenting a child has been used to describe as a path filled with happiness, exploration, and sacrifice. However, for parents of children with autism living in India, the path is more often desolate, costly, and psychologically demanding. Even as awareness increases, the struggles of such families are more often masked by social stigma, inadequate infrastructure,…
Over the past few years, short videos—colloquially referred to as “reels” on websites such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts—have gained massive popularity as a primary source of entertainment. Bite-sized videos, usually under one minute in duration, are tailored to grab attention in no time and sustain it. Although they provide entertainment and artistic expression,…
A recent study conducted by Thanal, a suicide prevention center based in Kozhikode, has drawn attention to a deeply concerning issue: the rising rate of suicides among men in Kerala. By analyzing data from the State Crime Records Bureau between 2012 and 2023, the study reveals several psychological and social factors that contribute to this…