Rehan was more excited than usual to reach school and talk to his gang (Mehul, Ria, Shanaya, Nitin, Adya) at the canteen about a movie he saw last night. Rehan’s gang had a ritual of discussing movies and series they watch and dissecting them bit by bit, discussing what they like, what they hate, and diving deep into their themes. This time it was a movie about a girl who visits a therapist regularly. Can you guess the movie as you read this edition of Canteen Talk? 

The mind-boggling discussion about the mind

Rehan – I liked the movie overall. Especially Alia’s performance and my beloved SRK’s presence! Also, the whole concept of the movie!

Shanaya – Yeah… I really liked all the tips and talks given by Jahangir, the therapist. But I didn’t really understand what problem she had that she was visiting the therapist!

Ria – We don’t just visit a therapist when we are at our extremes! We visit when we feel something is wrong.

Rehan – I get nervous talking to new people. Is that a mental health problem?

Nitin – I feel anxious about exams. Does that mean I have a mental health issue?

At this point, their psychology teacher and school councellor, Ms. Kapoor, who overhears the group talking animatedly in the canteen and approaches them with a stern expression.

Ms. Kapoor – (With a serious tone) What is this? A movie club discussion during school hours? You know you’re here to study, right? 

(The group falls silent, looking nervous.)

Rehan – Uh, sorry, Ms. Kapoor. We were just…

Ms. Kapoor – (Suddenly smiling) Just having an absolutely fascinating discussion about mental health! I’m actually thrilled to see you all thinking deeply about such an important topic.

(The group sighs in relief.)

Exploring signs of mental health issues

Ms. Kapoor – Mental health is like a complex jigsaw puzzle, and it’s fantastic that you’re piecing it together. Feeling anxious or nervous sometimes is as normal as sneezing. But when those feelings start crashing your daily party, it might be time to chat with a professional. Remember, mental health issues are just as important as physical ones. Just like you’d see a doctor for a pesky cough that won’t quit, seeing a therapist for your mind’s hiccups is equally crucial. 

Adya – I’ve been feeling really sleepy and low on energy. Could that be related to my mental health?

Ms. Kapoor – Absolutely, Adya. Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels can all be indicators of mental health issues. It’s important to pay attention to these signs and seek help if needed.

Shanaya – So, how do we know when it’s time to see a therapist?

Ms. Kapoor – If you notice persistent changes in your mood, behavior, or daily functioning, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional like me, your school counsellor. Therapy is not just for when things are really bad. It’s a tool to help you understand yourself better and cope with life’s challenges. Also it doesn’t have to be a counsellor as the first step. You can talk to any trusted adult, who you feel will be able to give you patient hearing and a perspective that might help. 

Mehul – I feel neutral! Like nothing bothers me. Does that mean I’m mentally healthy?

Ms. Kapoor – Feeling neutral can be part of mental health, but it’s also important to experience a range of emotions. Being in touch with your feelings and having the ability to manage them is a sign of good mental health.

Nitin – Like yesterday, I had a fight with Bhaiya! And trust me, the eerie feeling I get when I pass by him! I hate it! It makes me angry that it was not even my fault! I think family affects mental health a lot!

Ms. Kapoor – Oh, absolutely! Family dynamics can be like a daily episode of Saas Bahu serials for our mental health. It’s crucial to communicate and resolve conflicts—varna ghar ka mahaul Bigg Boss ban jaata hai! Holding onto anger can affect your mental well-being. Sometimes, talking to a counselor can help you navigate these emotions better.

Nitin – Haha, Ms. Kapoor, you’re right! Mere ghar pe to roz ka drama hota hai! Maybe talking to someone could help me understand my own reactions better. Thanks for the advice!

Rehan – Yeah! Sometimes, I can’t understand my own reactions and behaviors! I think I will come along with Adya to go to the counselor.

Shanaya – Wow! So we are really taking this discussion seriously?!! Like we don’t have all the answers yet, but we will find them! In Dear Zindagi, Dr. Jahangir said, “Genius woh nahi hota jiske paas har sawaal ka jawab ho, genius woh hota hai jiske paas har jawab tak pahunchne ka patience ho!” Feels like we all are geniuses and we are growing up!

Mehul – Wow Shanaya! This is your light bulb moment! You guessed that already!

Back to reality

(Ms. Kapoor glancing at her watch and raising an eyebrow)

Ms. Kapoor – (With a playful smirk) Well, look at you all, quoting Bollywood and getting philosophical! But remember, geniuses also attend their math classes on time. Now, off you go before Mr. Verma thinks you’ve all become permanent residents of the canteen! Trust me, no amount of mental health will save you from Mr. Verma’s wrath if you miss it. So, off you go, before your mental health takes a hit from an angry math teacher!

And remember, keep this brilliant conversation going—just not during my class!

(Everyone laughs!)

Rehan – Haha, true. But seriously,  thanks, Ms. Kapoor! This helps a lot. I think we’ll all try to be more mindful of our mental health.

Nitin – Yeah, maybe we can even have regular check-ins with each other, just like we do with movies!

(The group laughs and heads off to their next class, feeling more informed and supported.)