DEV Community: swara bhanage

Beyond Symptoms: Rethinking Mental Wellness

swara bhanage — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:15:35 +0000

I recently read the first chapter of the book: "Misunderstood: A Guide To Mental Wellness: Insights to Help You Understand Yourself and those You Love".

I began reading the chapter as part of an assignment, but my curiosity and strong interest in the topic compelled me to read the whole book.

Health is characterised as 'a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being,' and not just the absence of disease.

Reading this chapter felt like experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. The author, Sree Krishna Seelam, starts the book by illustrating the helplessness his daughter experienced when she couldn't express her discomfort. Many people face similar situations, living their lives aware that something is wrong, feeling uneasy, wanting to improve, but unable to articulate it or seek help, feeling isolated and increasingly lonely as time passes. Two men. Two different lives. One silent struggle.

Experiencing a mental illness often brings along numerous challenges. These can include a lack of empathy, mood swings, social withdrawal, reduced functioning, heightened sensitivity, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, low energy, and more. Unfortunately, during such times, you might inadvertently hurt others while you are in pain. The mood swings, lack of empathy, and increased sensitivity arise from one issue but can lead to many others.

The scary thing about mental health issues is that one can never fully express the pain, and one can never completely understand it, yet it is all very real. In the world of science, things that can be seen, heard, and tasted are often considered to exist. Psychology stands as the only science lacking a clear definition and a definitive rulebook. The only science which is not universal, which brings us to the major problem regarding mental health being discussed in the book: misdiagnosis. It is important to note that not everything is a symptom, and hence not every symptom needs to be diagnosed, not everyone who goes to a psychiatrist is mentally ill. Each individual is unique, each mind is distinct. No two stories are alike, everyone has a different past; therefore, each diagnosis must be unique.

The "Rosenhan Experiment" exposed a fundamental risk in the field of psychology. It was carried out by a Stanford University professor, David Rosenhan, in 1972. The study involved 8 pseudo-patients, including Rosenhan himself, who pretended to experience auditory hallucinations to gain entry into psychiatric hospitals. The results were astonishing. All the pseudo-patients were admitted and diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, mainly schizophrenia. Even after behaving normally post-admission, they were still regarded as mentally ill. Their normal behaviours were interpreted as those of a mentally ill person. The treatment they received was different. In a subsequent study, Rosenhan informed a hospital staff that he would send pseudo-patients in the upcoming months. Expecting them, the staff mistakenly identified a significant number of real patients as pseudo-patients. It questioned the validity of psychiatric diagnoses. Once a person was wrongly diagnosed as mentally ill, they remained labeled as such. Their usual behavior was seen as a symptom of mental illness, sometimes leading to mistreatment and a lack of necessary compassion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 8 people globally (around 970 million) are affected by a mental disorder, making it one of the leading causes of health problems worldwide. However, it remains one of the most neglected. Mental illness is often dismissed, with individuals being labeled as overly sensitive, when in reality, it is a plea for help, similar to how a child cries when unable to sleep. Those with mental illnesses are not treated the same as those with physical illnesses, primarily due to a lack of awareness, highlighting the need for mental health education from an early age.

An intriguing idea presented in this book is the mind's spectrum, similar to an odometer. Our position on this spectrum at any given moment is temporary and ever-changing, which is important to acknowledge. Some days, we might find ourselves obsessing over something, while on others, we might not care about it at all. This fluctuation doesn't necessarily indicate a mental disorder; it's simply part of being human. The spectrum can be adjusted back to "normal" through methods like therapy or meditation. The author encourages us to ask, "Where are you right now? And most importantly, where do you want to be?" This approach helps us understand our current state, calm down, and manage the situation.

Mental and physical health are interconnected. Our brain regulates all bodily functions, making mental health equally vital. Therefore, a comprehensive approach, kindness and awareness are necessary for maintaining a good health.

ACCESS THE FREE EBOOK HERE: https://amzn.in/d/abTt7t0

Redefining Rebellion

swara bhanage — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:26:58 +0000

With the rapidly growing world and the vast spread of AI, MiddleMen Asia aims to make justice ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE AND TRANSPARENT by simplifying legal processes using AI tools, ensuring in lawyer-client interactions, and advocates for fair practices.

Access to justice should never be complicated or intimidating, yet for many individuals in India, approaching the legal system feels overwhelming. From not knowing how to file a First Information Report (FIR), to wondering whether a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is the right path, to worrying about hidden legal costs—these hurdles keep people away from the very system meant to protect them. MiddleMen Asia is a non profit initiative dedicated completely to making legal systems simpler, and more efficient to understand.

AI Meets Legal Support
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the world—and the legal field is no exception. Instead of replacing lawyers, AI tools can act as powerful assistants, simplifying the process for individuals who may be unfamiliar with legal procedures.

At MiddleMen Asia, AI is used to:

Simplify documentation

Provide upfront estimates

Match the right lawyer

The result? A smoother, more transparent journey where people feel informed and confident in taking their next step.

But legal empowerment goes beyond technology—it is also about giving people the courage to act when their rights are at stake. One of the most common moments where hesitation occurs is at the very first step of justice: filing an FIR.

Filing an FIR with Confidence
"What details do I need to include? Can I file it online? What happens after it is filed?"

These are some of the frequently asked questions asked by individuals while filing an FIR. An FIR (First Information Report) is one of the most crucial documents in the legal process. It is the first step to initiating action in criminal matters, yet many individuals hesitate because they don’t know how to proceed.

MiddleMen Asia offers Rapid FIR assistance—a guided service where complaints can be drafted quickly, verified for accuracy, and filed with the appropriate authorities, often within an hour. By reducing delays and confusion, individuals can ensure their rights are protected from the very beginning.

This service is not just about speed; it’s about empowering people to take action without being slowed down by legal uncertainty.

And while FIRs handle immediate personal grievances, some situations call for a broader, collective response. That is where Public Interest Litigations come in.

Understanding Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Public Interest Litigations, or PILs, are a unique tool in Indian law. Unlike regular cases, which address personal grievances, PILs are filed in the interest of the public at large. For example, cases concerning environmental protection, access to education, or safeguarding human rights often fall under PILs.

Filing a PIL, however, is not always straightforward. It requires drafting petitions, identifying the correct jurisdiction, and ensuring the matter truly qualifies as a public interest issue.

At MiddleMen Asia, this process is simplified by

Helping individuals understand whether their cause qualifies as a PIL.

Assisting with drafting petitions that are both clear and legally sound.

Connecting people with experts who can guide them through the court procedure.

In this way, we empower citizens not only to protect themselves but also to advocate for their communities and society at large. And to strengthen this culture of awareness, MiddleMen Asia also believes in spreading legal literacy far beyond courtrooms and filings—through the power of books.

HERE IS AN INTERESTING PARTNERSHIP: MiddleMen Asia x WeDidItEvery 3 minutes, someone in India dies by suicide. That’s over 468 lives lost every day, and 1.71 lakh lives every year. Medium+1

India has around 150 million people in need of mental health care—but only 30 million receive it. That leaves the vast majority to struggle in silence. Medium+1

Mental health education is seen as a game-changer—early awareness can build resilience, reduce stigma, and help people seek support before crises escalate. wediditimpact.blogspot.com+1

Knowledge Through Books
Legal literacy is the first step toward empowerment, and MiddleMen Asia contributes actively through published books designed for everyday readers. These books break down complex legal concepts into easy-to-understand language, offering guidance on practical matters like:

How to protect consumer rights.

What to do in case of workplace disputes.

How to navigate basic contracts.

Understanding rights and responsibilities as citizens.

These resources allow individuals to prepare themselves with knowledge before problems even arise, creating a foundation of confidence and awareness that supports all the services we provide.

The Bigger Picture
Legal help is not just about solving problems once they arise—it’s about creating a society where people feel safe, informed, and empowered to take action. MiddleMen Asia ensures that no individual is left in the dark.

The use of AI ensures transparency and affordability, our services simplify legal processes, and our publications spread knowledge. Together, these efforts move us closer to a vision where justice is not a privilege but a right accessible to everyone.

MiddleMen Asia doesn't just offer legal services—they offer clarity, empowerment, and a way forward.

Redefining Rebellion

swara bhanage — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:56:45 +0000

Ever wondered what it really means to be a rebel? I just finished a book that completely flipped the way I think about life, habits, and curiosity—and at the end of the blog, there’s a fun little challenge that helped me stay accountable for my everyday choices. Stick around till the end, and I’ll even share a link for the free ebook—because starting your own rebel journey has never been easier!

Recently, I read a book called "5 KILLER Habits - BE A REBEL". Although I don't usually consider myself an enthusiastic reader, I found it impossible to put this book down once I started. This book felt like a journey for me, especially with the five habits it highlights that can truly make life better. Each one made me pause, think about my own experiences, and take away little lessons I could actually use in my everyday life.

The book discusses the 5 essential habits for every rebel. Initially, I was also puzzled by what the author, Sree Krishna Seelam, meant by the term 'rebel'. According to the internet, a rebel is "a person who refuses to obey people in authority or to accept rules. " However this book redefined the word 'rebel' for me.

“I’ve always been a morning person. Growing up, I’d watch my dad wake up at 5am and leave for work by 6:30, and somehow that routine rubbed off on me. There’s something about mornings I can’t get over—the quiet streets, the rare chirping of birds in the city, the smell of dad’s tea, mom doing her yoga, and the comfort of a hot shower before school. Even now, mornings feel like the calmest part of my day.

The book says our minds are at their sharpest in the morning, and I’ve seen that play out in my own life. Back when I was preparing for my entrance exams, the afternoon mock tests always felt heavier. But when I tried them in the mornings, I scored so much better. It only strengthened what I’ve always felt—that mornings carry a magic nothing else can match

The book mentions a study by Shai Danziger, who found that judges are more likely to be compassionate first thing in the morning and right after lunch—definitely something I plan to remember the next time I need my mom’s permission to go out.

We all know sleep is vital, and there’s nothing quite like waking up refreshed after a good night’s rest. I’ve come to realize that sleep is basically my go-to solution for almost any problem—but, of course, my teachers and friends don’t quite agree!

When I was six, the word hero meant someone in a cape—someone who could fly, do magic, and save the day. Growing up, I realised gravity doesn’t really allow that (yet!), but who knows what science might bring in the future? Today, my idea of a hero feels so much more real and grounded. For me, a hero is someone who helps, who chooses kindness, who volunteers their time and energy, who recognises that every living thing has value, and who is passionate about making the world better, even if only in small ways.

I am passionate about Biology, the science of life and everything living around us, and hence the path that I chose to study revolves around the study of even the tiniest of organisms, ranging from a virus (considered to be a partially alive microorganism) to a bacteria, to animals and various plants. In one of our recent microbiology lectures, we touched on the basics, and it amazed me to realise how every organism, no matter how tiny, contributes in its own way to the wellbeing of our planet. And yet, despite being one of the most evolved species, we humans often give so little back. That thought still stays with me.

It can always begin on a small scale, something as simple as truly seeing those around us as fellow humans, and choosing, whenever we can, to step a little out of our way to be kinder and better.

We can learn a lot about life not just through volunteering, but through travelling as well. Travel is often seen as a luxury. Even in my house, travel is often thought of as living in a 5-star luxury hotel with splendid service and indoor pools at times. Money is often used as a currency to buy materialistic things, not as a means of creating memories and gaining experience. At the end of the day however, we came empty-handed and we will leave empty-handed. It is only the bundle of memories that we will carry along with us, a feeling of solitude and gratitude which will lead to the liberation of our soul. A few days ago, after being inspired yet again by Albert Einstein, I decided to go for a walk alone at my university. I didn’t allow myself to listen to songs, nor did I call up a friend. I walked in utter silence. It was raining, and I could hear the raindrops hitting the ground, the splash of the puddle every time I accidentally stepped in one. Solo travel doesn't necessarily have to be a long vacation away from life. It can also be a short span of time spent alone, not to escape life but rather to experience it. His writing made me feel his emotions and understand what he sought to convey to fellow readers: To be an explorer, to be fearless and to measure life based on our experiences and the wisdom we gain. To be a fellow solo traveller, unattached to material possessions, to aspire to improve the world, to deepen our understanding of our surroundings, and to create everlasting memories.

As kids, we are often refrained from asking "why". It can be extremely annoying trying to explain to a toddler why the colour brown is called as the colour brown, or why the sky is blue without including complex physics, but it makes us realise that curiosity is the reason for who we are right now. Curiosity is why we learnt to walk, talk, learnt different words, expanded our vocabulary.

The book brings us back to the question: ‘What is rebel?’ For me, it redefined rebellion. A rebel isn’t someone loud or violent—it’s someone who questions the rules and norms that don’t make sense, the expectations that fail to resonate with their conscience. It’s about asking the hard questions, like why discrimination still exists, or why a person’s worth is measured by labels like caste, class, or gender instead of who they truly are.

To me, being a rebel means choosing kindness over hatred, curiosity over blind acceptance, and open-mindedness over prejudice. True rebellion, as the book shows, is quiet, gentle, and deliberate—it’s about refusing to let the world dull our spirit and our ability to wonder.

All in all, this book is a gentle invitation to anyone curious about living a fuller, more meaningful life. It’s short, easy to read, and full of insights that linger long after you’ve turned the last page. You don’t need hours—just a little time, an open mind, and a willingness to see the world differently.

Here’s a fun way to dive in: pick just one habit and try it for 21 days. Make it a challenge, share your journey on social media with #beingarebel and #onehabitonerebel, and tag the author, Sree Krishna Seelam by mentioning the book "5 KILLER Habits - BE A REBEL" . Start the journey now!

Access the free ebook by clicking here