mental health Archives - National Times

17 Sep

Punjab Government Reconstitutes State Mental Health Authority to Bolster Patient Rights and Healthcare Services

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann, Healthcare Reform, mental health, Punjab, Satish Thapar, Satyen Sharma, SMHA

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has nominated 11 non-official members to the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA), giving fresh impetus to mental healthcare services in the state. This is a significant step towards protecting the rights of persons with mental illness in Punjab and a more accountable mental healthcare system in Punjab. The strengthened SMHA will oversee the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and monitor, regulate, and improve mental health services in accordance with the Act. The move also assumes importance as the state expands its mental health and de-addiction services under its flagship, Yudh…

17 Aug

Over 75 Per Cent of Mental Health Beneficiaries Under Punjab’s Health Scheme Aged 18 to 45, Data Shows

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabDr Balbir Singh, mental health, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, Public Health, Punjab Healthcare

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A serious health condition does not only affect a person's wellbeing; it can place an enormous emotional and financial burden on an entire family. When the illness is related to mental health, stigma, lack of awareness and concerns over treatment costs can create additional barriers, often delaying the decision to seek professional help. Punjab's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) is helping address one part of that challenge by making covered mental-health treatment financially accessible. Data from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, as of August 11, 2026, shows that in the available seven-month period, 709 beneficiaries received…

30 Jul

Punjab to Open Applications for Second Cohort of Mental Health Fellows to Combat Substance Abuse

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAddiction, Fellowship, Healthcare, mental health, Public Health, Punjab, rehabilitation

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Reinforcing its commitment to tackling drug addiction through a comprehensive approach, the Punjab government launched India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) in February 2026. Thirteen fellows from the first cohort of the programme are now working across Punjab to strengthen mental healthcare services. LMHP fellows work across the state under the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative, supporting healthcare services and integrating a health- and community-first perspective in the state’s fight against drugs. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s mental healthcare system and ensuring…

20 Aug

Why More People Are Choosing “Digital Detox Sundays” to Recharge

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestyledigital detox, Lifestyle, mental health, screen time, slow living, wellness

National Times Bureau, August 20, 2025: Scrolling endlessly, checking notifications, and juggling constant online updates have quietly become part of daily life. But lately, a growing number of people are embracing what they call “Digital Detox Sundays” a day to step away from screens and reconnect with themselves and the world around them.The idea is simple: pick one day a week, usually Sunday, to stay offline as much as possible. No mindless scrolling, no late-night doomscrolling, and no buzzing notifications pulling attention in ten different directions. Instead, people use that time for activities often sidelined during the week cooking a…

02 Aug

Pet Cafés Are Booming as Young Adults Seek Furry Therapy Over Coffee

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestylecat café, dog café, mental health, millennial trends, pet cafés, urban lifestyle

National Times Bureau, Aug 2, 2025: Forget crowded bars or noisy brunch spots. The coolest new hangouts in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are places where your latte comes with a wagging tail or a curious whisker. Pet cafés, once niche, are now the go-to weekend plan for young adults looking to unwind with furry friends and maybe snap the perfect Instagram reel.In these cafés, visitors can sip coffee, nibble on pastries, and spend hours cuddling dogs or cats. Many of the animals are rescues waiting for adoption, giving the cafés a social cause beyond the cute aesthetic. It’s…

03 Jul

Chronic Stress Takes Toll on Brain and Mental Health, Experts Warn

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsLifestylebrain health, chronic stress, cognitive decline, cortisol, mental health, stress management

New Delhi, July 3: Living under constant stress can severely harm overall health, impacting the heart, brain, and mental well-being. Experts caution that prolonged stress keeps the body in a state of high alert, flooding it with stress hormones like cortisol. While cortisol serves a useful purpose in short bursts, continuous exposure can weaken the hippocampus—the brain region crucial for memory and learning. Over time, this may lead to difficulties with focus, decision-making, and an increased risk of cognitive decline.Chronic stress also fuels inflammation and disrupts communication between brain cells. Research has linked it to psychiatric conditions such as anxiety,…