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Himaja Boinapalli
Therapist & Mental Health Professional, MA, MSc, EdM, MHC-LP
Hello, I’m Himaja
I am a psychotherapist, and mental health advocate based in New York.
Born in India and raised in Hyderabad, I have lived and worked across Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and New York.
I help individuals and communities improve psychological awareness and well-being by integrating therapy, culture, and policy. My mission is to transform the way we speak about and approach mental health, making it accessible, relevant, and culturally sensitive, thus creating a world where psychological well-being is truly realized.
![Do you often imagine the worst possible outcomes of a situation, even when they’re not necessarily that bad? It is a cognitive bias/thought bias called catastrophizing. Something maybe bad, but the thoughts will make you believe that something far worse is going to happen/ happening.
🌸Preparing yourself to face the worst case can be wise. However, imagining a bad situation to be catastrophic or the end of the world, jumping to worst conclusions with very limited, biased information or reasoning is catastrophizing.
Ex:
💁What if I fail, I’ll become a failure. I’ll never succeed in this.
💁If we break up, I’ll always be alone.
💁What if my mom gets Covid & dies?
🌸Anxious people tend to catastrophize a lot more, & in-turn catastrophizing increases their anxiety and stress. People may or may not have control over such catastrophizing thoughts. (For example, people with anxiety disorders can have uncontrollable worry & thoughts)
🌸Other tips to handle such thoughts:
💁Accepting that both good & bad things happen to all of us. When something really bad happens, one can bounce back & move on positively in life.
💁Scheduling worry time: Think of the possible worries, fears and catastrophizing thoughts. Then, think of other possible scenarios & other perspectives. Ask yourself what your best friends would say about this..
💁Self care: Undoubtedly, regular exercise, good diet, pursuing a hobby or a creative passion, prioritising sleep, staying connected to dear ones, journaling, meditation, or any self care practices you like to indulge in can work wonders to prevent catastrophizing thoughts.
[Source: How to stop catastrophising – an expert’s guide. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/29/stop-catastrophising-expert-guide-psychologist. Inspired from @juliesmith ]
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#catastrophising
#overthinkingquotes
#mentalhealthtips
#anxietyhelp #cognitivebias
#negativity #Hyderabadi
#Indianstudents #humansofDelhi
#Hyderabaddiaries #Hyderabadinsta
#HimajaBoinapall #psychologywithhimaja
#psychologyandus
#Mentalhealthawarenessmonth
#Mentalhealthadvocate
#Psychologystudent #psychologymajor](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/497181454_1577618446268923_1497346144904066043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=o60B30zVcyAQ7kNvwGvKy-T&_nc_oc=AdmC0lg4TSdHCozn3WLlJs8oZ18t8_s4seK5yJoa5q0tLotemKHzriLq5VotMk6326I&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_AfjwaiUNOtw59kFdpKgzrJL21W8OBtIOOG6wPBklQHrR7Q&oe=69326125)
![The world doesn’t rest completely on our shoulders. There is only so much we can do. Don't forget to relax, block out time for meditation, exercise & stay socially connected (yet physically distanced). The love you give to others is the same love you can give to yourself. ❣ #menthealthcheckin
Share this with whoever needs to hear this today..
Tell me what's on your mind, comment below or DM me.. 🧡
[Disclaimer: I've only included a few groups in the post that are affected due to this pandemic. There are numerous other people & groups who have been vulnerable & affected deeply].
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#selfcaresaturday #breathedeeply
#checkin #stressmanagement #selfcompassion
#covidindia #coronavirusindia
#indiafightscorona #covidrelief
#staystrongindia #indianbloggers
#mentalhealthadvocate #Psychologymajor
#Stopthestigma #Mentalhealthcommunity
#Mentalhealthindia #Selfawarenessjourney
#Mentalhealthtips #Psychologystudent
#Psychoeducation #vulnerable
#hyderabaddiaries #humansofdelhi
#delhilifestyle #delhibloggers
#psychologyandus #psychologywithhimaja
#himajaboinapalli](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/180207980_274692151033275_155510208920706770_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=iWZ5LC3TMK8Q7kNvwGaa4zV&_nc_oc=Adl9m4uGjhz2zr_-H8R1o__mhA0nb2pYnHqDwJi30X1hHVqRqkqRLpyjrBhnpAZkH28&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_AfgxYlQFGppS-xWTgtrGsjUo-An6jJ54rS_NUKi62FVq3A&oe=69325FED)
![I tried y'all 😆 :P What say?
[Translation: "Taggede le" (Telugu) : Never backing down/settling]
#alluarjunonline
#pushparaj
#alluarjunofficial
#pushpa
#mentalhealthadvocate
#psychologyandus
#himajaboinapalli
#psychologywithhimaja
#delhibloggers
#delhilifestyle
#humansofdelhi
#indianbloggers
#hyderabaddiaries
#Psychologymajor
#Psychologystudent
#Mentalhealthtips
#Selfawarenessjourney
#Mentalhealthindia
#Mentalhealthcommunity
#Psychoeducation
#Mentalillnesses
#Mentalillnessrecovery
#Mentalhealthstigma
#mentalhealthtips
#wellbeingtips
#rashmika
#mentalhealthmeme](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/173575949_753301792224359_3863040054776272257_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=1iJIrVI-YakQ7kNvwGMoAo5&_nc_oc=AdkDrfpxLnQO8OTTpNG-LFZagXbPWv8rHAQs0zsmSoGAiOby6BWGPI6lWGL2-VcinBI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_AfgebxmyklWDQrADoF1VJX91nHmhbkUoWVehOUOS6izFVQ&oe=693250F0)
![Swipe left 👈
🌺While the society stresses on the external appearance & being attractive, fostering a positive body image is much deeper than focusing on the outer shell.
🌺A positive body image is associated with psychological wellbeing (positive emotions, resilience) while body dissatisfaction can lead to anxiety, stress & mental illnesses.
Body dissatisfaction can negatively impact educational & work related aspirations, achievements & restricts one's expression in the society & social groups.
🌺It takes a lot of learning & unlearning to demolish the false beauty standards & expectations, stereotypes & prejudices.
🌺What are your thoughts? Is it very difficult to unlearn the societal conditioning & external pressures?
[Source: Science focus podcast: Is body positivity the answer to body image issues? – Phillippa Diedrichs]
#mensbodypositivty
#bodydysmorphicdisorder
#bodyimageissues #bodyshaming
#positivebodyimage #selfloveclub
#mentalhealthadvocate
#psychologyandus
#himajaboinapalli
#psychologywithhimaja#delhibloggers
#delhilifestyle #humansofdelhi
#indianbloggers #hyderabaddiaries
#Stopthestigma #Psychologymajor
#Psychologystudent #Mentalhealthtips
#Selfawarenessjourney #Mentalhealthindia
#Mentalhealthcommunity
#Psychoeducation #Mentalillnessisreal
#Mentalillnesses #Stopthestigma
#Mentalillnessrecovery #Mentalhealthstigma](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/170569219_472454890647826_4876260778601698797_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=O_-Q_oubwwIQ7kNvwERuJoW&_nc_oc=AdlFl-AKl5DYyCe3DknLLA3EALbDtyQNsF-ZQdkvwEPvFYSmulqNjF3JiIpN6bVeqzw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_AfiQ6kCvxAUqzCCwpKVcp6ACWeYS3MtEI-vkn5XCeH9zUA&oe=693241C1)
![TW
Facts:
1. First step in preventing suicide can come from starting a conversation with them, communicating, & talking to them about their feelings & fears. However, one should be mindful regarding the choice of words.
2. There can be warning signs, if recognised. Recent death/suicide, previous suicide attempts, expression of suicidal thoughts, depression or mental illnesses, major changes in lifestyle, withdrawal from friends & family, personality changes, lack of interest in future etc. are some.
3. Suicide can be provoked due to a breakup/ loss of a relationship, with an elevated risk in men.
4. There is no need to be fatalistic about suicides. Suicides can be prevented. Immediate professional help at the time of crisis & the support of friends & family is crucial (staying with them, encouraging them to talk etc)
👉26 Indians die by suicide every hour.
👉Being aware of the myths & facts, warning signs must be a priority to prevent suicides.
Would you agree with me? 🙋
[Suice helpline:(India) 9152987821 ]
[ Source: The Myths & Facts of Youth Suicide. (2021). Retrieved from http://suicideprevention.nv.gov/Youth/Myths/]
#suicidepreventionawareness
#suicidesurvivor #suicideaawareness
#myths #preventsuicide
#mentalhealthadvocate
#psychologyandus #himajaboinapalli
#psychologywithhimaja
#delhibloggers #delhilifestyle
#humansofdelhi #indianbloggers
#hyderabaddiaries #Stopthestigma
#Psychologymajor #Psychologystudent
#Mentalhealthtips #Selfawarenessjourney
#Mentalhealthindia
#Mentalhealthcommunity
#Psychoeducation
#Mentalillnessisreal #Mentalillnesses
#Stopthestigma #Mentalillnessrecovery
#Mentalhealthstigma](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/170197657_4809960789079499_2614175506551583712_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=EuJ3u2UKgrYQ7kNvwG88cSP&_nc_oc=Adnr_U8xnE77ibBpeRrztwE6WAZqwEgTW9hPCuUMdrhOJfIXY302S1-WoIBqTTr3sqA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_AfgXo8x2meDo_pXhfahTGP46ENQmhRmrTZP1U0kLTb2Vwg&oe=69324D34)
![We often fail to acknowledge the massive spike in men's body dysmorphic disorders & body image issues.
👉Men are increasingly struggling with body-image, & this is being compounded by the internalisation of social-cultural pressures from the family, peers, and media (particularly social media).
As a consequence of body shaming, a constant pursuit of achieving unrealistic & unsustainable body types negatively affects physical/mental health, shatters self-esteem, confidence, creates self-doubt, anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts about self-image, body dysmorphic disorder & eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
🙋 It's the need of the hour for more conversations & paradigm shifts, don't you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below?
#Menstruggletoo #StopBodyShaming
[ Glossary🤓:
1. What exactly is body image? It is a complex mental image of one’s own body. (Perceptions of their body- attitudes, feelings about their shape and weight, beliefs & sensations experienced such as how one feels in their body and not merely the feelings about their body)
2. Body Image Dissatisfaction (BID) : Negative perception of the weight and shape of one's body]
[Source:
Soohinda G, Sampath H, Mishra D, Dutta S. Body image dissatisfaction in young Indian Men: Prevalence, psychosocial correlates, and the impact of sociocultural pressure. Indian J Soc Psychiatry [serial online] 2020 [cited 2021 Apr 6];36:130-5. Available from: https://www.indjsp.org/text.asp?2020/36/2/130/288108]
#mensbodypositivty #menmentalhealth
#bodydysmorphicdisorder #bodyimageissues
#bodyshaming #mentalhealthadvocate
#psychologyandus #socialactivism
#delhibloggers #delhilifestyle
#humansofdelhi #indianbloggers
#southasianblogger #Stopthestigma
#himajaboinapalli #psychologywithhimaja
#Psychologymajor #Psychologystudent
#Mentalhealthtips #Selfawarenessjourney
#Mentalhealthindia #Mentalhealthcommunity
#Wellbeingtips #Psychoeducation
#Mentalillnessisreal #Counselingpsychology](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/169266691_3771869522932843_5109695164085575323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=dshzu6o2FJAQ7kNvwFXRGWw&_nc_oc=AdnhVszxPO0iwHvnE5jdjtuc5eEzcUfofxn-r3-ONnFCnmyaYK_S9TolBZ8jCs6GZP0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_AfhqWuvhoH2zfVInphaQI_uZA9Je2oJWGoRVVF0xAHEKHg&oe=69325CDB)
![Reiterating & reminding that one of our biggest challenges is listening to understand & not listening to reply.
How many of us immediately tend to bring up relatable story about ourselves when someone is telling us about themselves, rather than just listen to them? Make them feel heard, seen & understood first?
💁A good listener lets go of what's on their mind long enough to hear what's on the speaker's mind.
💁They suspend their own agenda, judgement, desire & memory, restrain from giving advice or sharing their own experience immediately.
💁 They are not preoccupied with their own self.
💁 They pay attention to the speaker's perspective & appreciate it.
💁 They resist the impulse to react emotionally or furiously & do not put down the speaker's perspective or bring a power equation into the conversation.
Empathetic, non-judgemental listening is a skill, an art that comes with only practice.
Would love to know your experience & thoughts about a good or bad listener? Do mention in the comments.
Share this post with your circle. 💛
[Source: Quote from one of the most loved & popular shows -
Sex Education (Netflix) : S1, E2.
Charecteristics of a good listener -
Nicholas M.P's book: How to let go of your own needs and listen. In the lost art of listening. (2009)]
#listeningskills #howtolisten #listenup #selfcaretips
#mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthstigma #psychologyandus #psychologywithhimaja #hyderabadi
#southasianblogger #indianbloggers #hyderabadtimes #chennaibloggers
#mentalhealthtips #psychologymajor #psychologystudent #selfawarenessjourney #mentalhealthblogger #wellbeingtips
#psychoeducation #psychologygraduate #mentalhealthindia #mentalillnessrecovery #stopthestigma
#counselor](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/145024103_277204820435696_5398900816773836142_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=cA5OqemhnlkQ7kNvwEDWV3v&_nc_oc=AdkQYaCBTILodPAH-I3Rgjgl5UzWa5hrbrgXDHKYr7qzzVBgfobTUCJijkxQPg86398&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_orFjLkjRzk4HDuqV0ROpA&oh=00_Afj_M5xV3e2UI9wqsWeURBnTwgoA39cgGzVImwrg0fmo8g&oe=69323A5B)
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