It was my own life experience which has inspired me to choose psychology which recognized mental health and it’s important to acknowledge. It’s just not a feeling, mental health is real.
Trauma and PTSD
With ongoing global conflicts, natural disasters, and the increasing recognition of systemic violence (like domestic abuse, racism, and sexual assault), more people are confronting trauma-related disorders.
Digital mental health
The rise of digital platforms presents both benefits and risks, from online therapy options to the mental health impact of excessive screen time and social media use, phone screen time addiction, lack of child lock for children in platforms like Facebook, Instagram. Low self esteem comparing their life with others on what they see in reels/ videos.
Depression and anxiety are other mental health issues which are rising among every age group, even in children. High suicide rates among men compared to women. Suicide rates of young married women are highest.
Q. You were a contestant on Bigg Boss, one of India's most popular reality TV shows. What was your experience like, and did it have any impact on your personal or professional life?
Thank you. Well that was in 2020. 3 months in one word, a reality show which became a real show in my life. I can proudly say I went as me, I came back as me.
Like I mentioned about me, I am someone who will finish the race, I did. In my personal life I received so much love I had not imagined. I knew some people would like me. I was overwhelmed seeing their love, they played a role even after the show, they showed love and care.
In my professional life, if you ask me, I would say yes. Children and young adults reach out to me and share their mental health queries. By just talking and telling them they are important ,and providing guidance on how to break the cycle of mental health issues, I could save some lives from suicides. So yes, I feel I am able to use my profession to help others. That's all I wanted; to provide a space where young ones can talk freely, not to judge them but to help them to come out of it.
Q. As a styling consultant, what advice would you give to someone looking to develop their personal style, and how do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends?
If you are looking forward to developing your personal style, first and foremost build your self esteem high, which gives you high self confidence, and with high self confidence you can wear and try any style. That's what a glimpse of fashion psychology is, building your inner confidence with outer physical touch.
Q. How do you prioritize self-care and personal growth, and what practices or habits do you find most beneficial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
For self care and personal growth and to maintain a work balance, one word, travel. I know my body and I know when it’s needed to be rested, and my self care is travelling, not to explore the place but to explore myself and life, learning from observations. I cannot travel around the world so I meet beautiful people who have travelled around the world. Also trekking and walking is helping to decrease anxiety. Taking time for self, having gratitude for your own life is self care.
Q. Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. How do you think individuals can use social media in a way that promotes healthy self-esteem and body image?
It’s just simple. They should just know and acknowledge the difference between reel and real. Comparing yourself with an edited version. Using Korean skin products to have skin like Korean skin? Use products suitable for Indian north - south - east - west skin according to the geographical conditions. Take motivations and inspirations not to be like them, but to be the best version of oneself.
Q. If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and what do you think you would learn?
Currently I would say my mother at the age of 65 years. I want to feel how she keeps doing it, from where she gets so much strength and energy. I never heard her saying “I gave up”. When I told her I gave up , she lifted me with energy. I would learn no matter what, keep going, don’t give up.
Q. What message would you like to share with your followers, particularly those who may be struggling with mental health issues or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life?
As few would know, those who are reaching out to me, you don’t have to mention your name, just talk freely, I am somebody to listen without judgement. It's voluntary, no fee. Do not suffer in silence, you are humans not machines. Let’s talk. Reach out for help is self care. Before depending on medications try alternative methods and therapies.
Do not run after the demands of modern life, just live your life. You cannot satisfy the needs and expectations, but can choose and be precise on how you want your life to be. Do not see yourself how others want you to be, be your own self.
BIO
Dimpal Bhal is a psychologist with an MPhil and over a decade of experience, specialised with children and women, provides voluntary sessions offline for them.
From working as a model to teaching models to build self image ,it has been a journey since 2011. She believes the true beauty is the high self esteem, cultivating self-love and building self confidence is what any human requires in life. Her expertise in psychology and fashion has led her into fashion psychology which allows her to guide individuals in expressing their authentic selves through positive self image.
She has been working as styling consultant, assisted and individually groomed and prepared for pageant completions and fashion shows since 2011.
She is the daughter of Satyavir Singh Bhal and Mini Bhal and hails from North and South India.
Interviewed by Irene Elina Eldhose
){kind=link}
0 Comments