STILL - Counselling

STILL - Counselling "Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man.”
- Louis Nizer

11/02/2026

In 2024, the first-ever study demonstrating the efficacy of the Tom and Jerry cartoon in alleviating anxiety among cance...
01/02/2026

In 2024, the first-ever study demonstrating the efficacy of the Tom and Jerry cartoon in alleviating anxiety among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, suggested broad clinical applicability.

Research : Effectiveness of Tom and Jerry Cartoon in reducing Anxiety in Cancer patients undergoing Chemotherapy

Authors : Baliga, Prasad, Rao, Shetty, D’souza, George and Suresh

Anxiety is a significant psychological challenge for patients newly diagnosed with cancer and scheduled for chemotherapy, potentially affecting their treatment adherence.

In 2024, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of watching the Tom and Jerry cartoon on reducing anxiety in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for the first time.

They are filled with fear, having heard of it's harsh effects and because they have never gone through it before, they don't know what to expect.

But then there was this age-old children's cartoon which was found to bring down that fear and anxiety. And researchers did a pilot study to confirm if this was so.

The pilot study employed a prospective, non-randomized, observational, two-arm, pre-and post-test design involving literate English-speaking patients (test group) and non-literate patients (control group) who were about to receive cytotoxic chemotherapy for their cancer.

The test group viewed Tom and Jerry cartoons via video systems, whereas the control group was exposed to Kannada movies.

An 11-point Likert scale featuring facial expressions assessed patients' anxiety levels three times: 20 minutes before, 30 minutes after, and following the chemotherapy session.

Data analysis included frequency, percentage, chi-square tests for patient and treatment data, and repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction for anxiety scores at three-time intervals. A P-value of

01/02/2026

14/01/2026

If you continue to fight in front of young children, these are some potential impacts

- Stress and anxiety: Kids might feel scared, worried, or overwhelmed.

- Emotional regulation: They might struggle to manage their own emotions.

- Relationship modeling: Kids learn how to handle conflicts and relationships from what they see. You are setting the blue print for how children view relationships as adults.

- Behavioral issues: Some kids might act out or become more aggressive when they are at school, releasing the pent up tension and stress, through bullying other innocent children.

- Sense of security: Frequent fighting can make kids feel unstable or insecure, damaging their self-concept whilst lowering their self esteem and contributing to diminished mental health.

14/01/2026

Listen to a few seconds of the complete Episode on how to handle kids when going through Divorce

A new study suggests that people overly invested in celebrity gossip, lives, or achievements tend to score lower on cogn...
09/10/2025

A new study suggests that people overly invested in celebrity gossip, lives, or achievements tend to score lower on cognitive ability tests.

Researchers in Hungary surveyed over 1,700 adults and found a small but consistent link between celebrity worship and lower performance in areas like vocabulary and logical thinking.

Before you cancel your fan accounts, loving pop culture isn't the problem. The obsession part is.

Scientists think the constant focus on celeb drama might distract the brain from developing deeper thinking skills.

So yes, knowing Kylie's entire dating history might come at a mental cost…

02/09/2025

Recent scientific studies show that isolation has a profound effect on our brain, literally causing it to shrink. The MRI scans of isolated individuals reveal a significant reduction in brain activity and volume.

This emphasizes the profound impact that social connection has on our mental well-being. Humans are social creatures, and our brains thrive on interaction and communication with others.

As we experience more isolation, especially in modern times, our brains are left with fewer stimuli, which leads to cognitive decline.

Social connections not only keep our minds sharp but also provide emotional support, which is essential for mental health. The data suggests that long-term isolation can lead to long-term mental and emotional struggles. It’s an urgent reminder to prioritize our relationships and engage with the world around us.

Given these findings, it's clear that our mental health is deeply connected to our ability to socialize and share experiences.

Whether it's spending time with loved ones or engaging in community, each connection helps to protect our brain’s integrity and functioning.

Connection is key to both mental and physical well-being, reminding us how important it is to foster relationships in our increasingly connected yet disconnected world.

01/09/2025

Criticism can shape more than behavior; it can shape a child’s heart. When parents constantly point out flaws, children don’t stop loving their parents. They stop believing in their own worth.

Every word we speak to our kids leaves an imprint. While gentle guidance builds confidence, relentless criticism chips away at self-esteem. Children internalize repeated negativity, thinking that love is conditional, only earned through perfection. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure.

It’s easy to focus on mistakes, especially when we want our kids to succeed. But constant judgment teaches them to see themselves through a lens of inadequacy. They learn to prioritize avoiding mistakes over exploring, experimenting, and embracing curiosity. They may still hug, smile, and obey, but inside, a quiet voice starts whispering, “I am not enough.”

Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about fostering confidence, resilience, and self-love. Encouraging words, praise for effort, and celebrating small victories help children grow into adults who believe in themselves. It’s not always easy to resist snapping or pointing out every flaw, but pausing and reframing criticism into guidance can transform the impact of our words.

Love should teach them to lift themselves, not doubt themselves. When children feel safe to fail and explore, they develop emotional strength, empathy, and creativity. Our goal should be to raise kids who trust themselves, knowing mistakes don’t diminish their worth.

Let’s remember that children mirror what they see. Kindness, patience, and encouragement nurture their inner world far more than constant correction ever could. The love they have for themselves begins with the love we model every day.

Your words can build their confidence or quietly break their spirit. Choose wisely.

Life Online - Daily Mirror - All About STILL - Counselling
01/09/2025

Life Online - Daily Mirror - All About STILL - Counselling

Counselling is important as it offers a safe space to discuss difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences, leading to improved mental health and emotional well-being. It helps people develop coping strategies for stress, manage relationships, increase self-awareness, and build resilience. We has a...

Ever felt guilty for saying no? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to say no because we don’t want to hurt others, ca...
06/08/2025

Ever felt guilty for saying no? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to say no because we don’t want to hurt others, cause conflict, or seem selfish. But here’s the truth: Protecting your peace is not selfish–it’s necessary.

This gentle reminder is for anyone who needs permission to set boundaries without guilt. You can say no and still be kind. You can honor others while honoring yourself, too.

Take a moment to read this guide, reflect, and remind yourself:
You are allowed to say no
You are allowed to rest
You are allowed to choose you.




References

MenningerClinic, M. (2023, June 19). How to say “no” and increase your self-esteem and overall mental health. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters-from-menninger/202111/the-power-of-saying-no
Deborah Byrne Psychology Services. (n.d.). Why we struggle to say no. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://deborahbyrnepsychologyservices.com/why-we-struggle-to-say-no/
World Therapy Center. (n.d.). The importance of saying no. https://worldtherapycenter.com/en/blog/the-importance-of-saying-no/

Prepared by:
[Janina Camille S. Lampa and Keith Cristobal]
Courtesy :

28/07/2025

"I don't want to and I won't" suddenly became "then again, why should I", converting a vengeful reaction, to a response based on what was right. This is what we call "cognitive adaptability".

While it can be challenging, it's often a sign of intelligence and adaptability. Several factors can influence this process, including emotional responses, cognitive biases, and the way information is presented.

Cognitive Flexibility by Definition: The ability to adjust one's thinking and behavior in response to new information or changing circumstances.

Benefits: It's crucial for effective decision-making, learning, adapting to change, and even creative expression.

Why it's important: Holding onto outdated beliefs or refusing to consider new evidence can lead to errors in judgment and hinder personal growth.

05/07/2025

Some politicians resort to thuggish behaviour. This is often stemming from a need to exert control, express frustration, or manipulate others. These motivations can range from insecurity and feelings of powerlessness to more deliberate attempts to dominate or inflict harm.

Here's a breakdown of why people might use threats:

☘️1. Need for Control and Power:

🌿Reactance Theory:

When individuals feel their freedom or autonomy is threatened, they may react by asserting control, sometimes through threats. This can be a way to push back against perceived restrictions or attempts to influence their behavior.

🌿Compensatory Control:

If someone feels a loss of control in one area, they might try to regain it by exerting control over others, even through threats.

🌿Narcissistic Traits:

Individuals with narcissistic traits may use threats to maintain a sense of superiority and control over others, especially if they feel their ego is threatened.

☘️2. Emotional and Psychological Factors:

🌿Insecurity and Jealousy:

People may make threats out of insecurity, jealousy, or a fear that someone else's success will diminish their own standing.

🌿Anger and Frustration:

Threats can be a way to express anger or frustration, especially when someone feels unheard or disrespected.

🌿Low Self-Esteem:

Individuals with low self-esteem may make threats as a way to feel powerful or dominant, even if it's a superficial and ultimately self-defeating tactic.

🌿Desire for Attention:

Some people might use threats as a way to get attention or to elicit a reaction from others, even if it's negative.

☘️3. Coercion and Manipulation:

🌿Extortion and Blackmail:

Threats are a common tool in extortion and blackmail, where the goal is to force someone to comply with demands by threatening negative consequences.

🌿Intimidation and Bullying:

Threats can be used to intimidate and bully others into submission, creating a power imbalance.

🌿Manipulative Behavior:

Threats can be a way to manipulate others into doing something they wouldn't otherwise do.

☘️4. Psychological Dysfunction:

🌿Mental Health Conditions:

In some cases, threatening behavior can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions, such as antisocial personality disorder or severe anxiety.

🌿Verbal Skill Deficits:

Some individuals who make threats may have difficulty communicating effectively and rely on threats as a way to express themselves.

☘️5. Evolutionary and Biological Factors:

🌿Threat Response System:

The human brain has evolved to detect and respond to threats, triggering physiological and emotional responses that prepare the body for action.

🌿Amygdala Activation:

The amygdala, a part of the brain involved in processing emotions, plays a key role in detecting and responding to threats.

When facing a threat, prioritize your safety by getting to a secure location and informing the appropriate authorities. If the threat is not imminent, document the details and consider seeking advice from a professional or legal expert. Stay calm, assess the situation, and avoid escalating the threat with emotional responses.
For immediate threats or physical danger:

🌿Prioritize Safety:

If you feel your life is in danger, seek a safe location and call emergency services (119).

🌿Stay Calm:

While it's natural to feel fear, try to remain calm and composed. This will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.

🌿Assess the Situation:

Determine the nature and severity of the threat. Is it a physical threat, a verbal threat, or a threat of property damage?

🌿Seek Help:

If possible, ask for help from people around you. If you are in a public place, alert security or staff if they are present.

🌿Document Everything:

If possible, document the details of the threat, including the time, date, location, and the person or situation involved.

🌿Do Not Engage:

Avoid eye contact, gestures, or verbal responses that could escalate the situation. If the threat is from a phone call, remain silent or end the call. If it's a message, save it but do not respond.

☘️For non-immediate threats or threats of a legal nature:
🌿Consider the Motivation:

Try to understand the reason behind the threat. What is the person trying to achieve?

🌿Express Understanding:

Acknowledge the other person's feelings and grievances. This can help de-escalate the situation.

🌿Communicate Clearly:

If appropriate, calmly explain your perspective and state your boundaries. Make sure your communication is clear and concise.

🌿Seek Professional Advice:

Consult with a threat assessment team or a legal professional to understand your options and develop a plan.

🌿Implement Safety Measures:

Take steps to protect yourself, such as changing your routine or increasing security measures.

🌿Document the Threat:

Save any evidence of the threat, such as emails, messages, or social media posts, and keep a record of any interactions.

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