MentalMania

When I was in class 5, my school offered two special classes called extracurricular classes. Their purpose was to engage students in various new activities, as focusing only on studies was considered insufficient. These classes began from class 4 onwards. At that time, my father forced me to pursue karate, which I hated. I had no interest in karate, but he didn’t allow me to make my own decisions. However, things were different in class 5. My friend was in the chess class, so I convinced my parents to let me join chess instead. I loved the class taught by my chess master, Sathish Kumar (name changed). The way he introduced chess was amazing, and I was curious to play my first match. But for months, he focused only on lessons, which started feeling slightly boring. Eventually, the real matches began, and I was thrilled. In my first chess match, I lost to my friend, the very one who had influenced me to play the game. Despite the loss, I never missed a single chess class because of the c...

 After finishing class 12, I moved into the hostel for college. I felt homesick and had trouble adjusting at first. I like wearing formal clothes and spending time improving myself, which made me feel different from others. I wasn’t very good at talking to people and often spoke in a funny way, not realizing it could be taken the wrong way. At first, I met a senior who seemed like someone I could learn from. His advice made me feel more confident and helped me feel like I was on the right path. But over time, his guidance started to feel less like support and more like he was trying to shape me into someone else. It began to feel less like advice and more like an expectation to change. I worked on improving myself—changing my tone, becoming more aware of my emotions, and trying to adapt. But even with all my efforts, some seniors still criticized me for things like my clothes, my learning style, and even my hairstyle. No matter what I did, it felt like I couldn’t escape their judgm...

 Have you ever found yourself in a room with a close friend, yet both of you are lost in the glow of your phone screens? I recently experienced this with a dear friend. We spent hours sitting together, physically present but emotionally distant, scrolling through reels and videos without exchanging more than a few words. It struck me—how did we reach this point? When did the joy of deep, heartfelt conversations fade away, replaced by fleeting digital entertainment? The moments that once belonged to shared laughter, thoughtful debates, and mutual understanding now seem claimed by endless swiping. Even when we finally start talking, it feels different. People today, including myself at times, seem more eager to prove their point than to truly listen. Conversations are no longer about understanding each other but about winning an unspoken argument. It’s as if we've forgotten the beauty of listening—the empathy, the connection, the respect it fosters. Are we missing out on something es...

Graduation day is such a mix of emotions—joy, pride, and a bittersweet sadness. At my college’s 26th graduation day, I volunteered to serve food for four hours, and in that short time, I saw so much. Seniors were celebrating in their own ways—some laughing loudly, sitting on their friends’ laps, others playing games, and, of course, taking endless photos to freeze the moment forever. But amidst all the fun, there was a quieter side too. I noticed a few seniors sitting in a corner, tears in their eyes, probably thinking about leaving behind this place and the people they love. Watching it all unfold, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in their shoes. It hit me that one day, I’ll also have to leave this place, say goodbye to my friends, my mentors, and everything that’s been a part of this chapter of my life. In that moment, a thought popped into my head: How will I handle this when my turn comes? Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll bear the feeling of missing it all. It’s tough, but I real...

Hi, I’m Shivakumar, and welcome to MentalMania! This blog is a space where I share the importance of mental wellness and provide insights on how to manage it effectively. While I'm not a professional in this field, my deep curiosity about psychological well-being has inspired me to start this journey. Here, I’ll explore various aspects of mental health, from understanding emotional triggers to practicing mindfulness. I'll share stories, tips, and resources that I find helpful and inspiring. My goal is to create a supportive community where we can learn and grow together. Mental wellness is a crucial part of our lives, yet it's often overlooked. By sharing my thoughts and discoveries, I hope to raise awareness and help others navigate their emotional landscapes. Whether you're looking for practical advice or simply want to read some heartfelt stories, I hope you find something valuable here.