mental health Archives - National Times

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,…