Importance of Teaching Boundaries to Children

In a groundbreaking seminar focused on mental health advancements, experts have underscored the importance of teaching parents to say "NO" to their children. Dr. Prajakta Kaduskar, a prominent pediatric and adolescent health specialist, shared her insights at the "Advancing Mental Health: Innovations, Challenges & AI Integration in Psychiatry" conference held at Dr. Paithankar Hall, IMA in Nagpur.

Dr. Kaduskar highlighted the critical rise in mental health disorders among children, attributing some of this growth to the culture of instant gratification created by the abundance of material possessions. She emphasized that when children receive everything they want at a moment's notice, they miss out on developing essential life skills such as patience, resilience, and the ability to cope with disappointment.

“Children today struggle with the concept of ‘NO’. If parents always satisfy their demands, children will not learn the necessary boundaries and will find it hard to manage their emotions later in life. Teaching them the distinction between ‘want’ and ‘need’ is essential for nurturing a healthier, more responsible generation," said Dr. Kaduskar.

Innovative Approaches to Mental Health Care

Dr. Sudhir Bhave, a respected psychiatrist, discussed the need for integrating innovative therapies with traditional methods to enhance mental health care delivery. He remarked that advancements in technology, specifically telepsychiatry, have increased in adoption by 60% since 2020, making mental health services more reachable to those in need. Furthermore, mobile apps offering mood tracking and stress management tips have benefited countless individuals globally.

Emphasizing the importance of modern approaches, Dr. Bhave noted the potential of wearable technology that can accurately measure anxiety symptoms through physiological indicators such as heart rate and sleep patterns.

Cognitive Health Insights for Adults

In addition to child psychology, the seminar shed light on cognitive health for adults. Dr. Sanjay Ramteke, a renowned neurologist, pointed out that mental decline is not a foregone conclusion, suggesting that proactive measures such as early detection and lifestyle adjustments can mitigate cognitive issues in later life.

AI's Role in Mental Health

Moreover, Aditya Khaparde, founder and CEO of Swasth Mind, explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming mental health care. AI technology is enhancing diagnostic accuracy and optimizing therapeutic processes, bridging significant gaps in patient care.

Promising Emerging Therapies

The event was inaugurated by Dr. P.P. Joshi, director of AIIMS Nagpur, and attended by noteworthy figures including Dr. Uday Bhodankar and Dr. Sunil Khaparde. Their collective presence highlighted the fusion of expertise and innovative thinking that defines today's mental health dialogue.

As we look to the future of mental health treatment, various emerging therapies hold promise: - **Transcranial Nerve Stimulation (TNS)**: A non-invasive method using electrical pulses to alleviate anxiety and depression. - **Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)**: Involves implanting electrodes in the brain to treat severe mood disorders. - **Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)**: A therapy that stimulates the vagus nerve to help manage treatment-resistant depression. - **Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy**: Utilizes controlled substances like psilocybin to address PTSD and severe depression under professional guidance. - **Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)**: Encourages mindfulness and value-driven actions to foster psychological flexibility. - **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)**: Combines cognitive and behavioral strategies to assist individuals with intense emotional experiences. - **Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)**: Uses mindfulness practices in conjunction with cognitive therapy to prevent relapse of depression.

With the continuous evolution in understanding mental health and the importance of nurturing emotional resilience in children, these insights pave the way for more effective parenting strategies and innovative treatments for the future generation. Stay tuned as we further explore these developments in mental health awareness and therapy.