Cyberbullying has emerged as a widespread concern in the contemporary digital era, as harassment across diverse online platforms has become increasingly frequent. This type of bullying poses significant threats to the mental health and overall well-being of individuals. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.  What is Cyberbullying or Cyber Harassment? Cyberbullying, also known as cyber harassment, refers to the use of digital communication tools such as social media platforms, messaging apps, or online forums to intimidate, threaten, or harass individuals. This form of bullying encompasses various actions, including sending hurtful messages, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent, and creating fake accounts to impersonate and harass someone.  Cyberbullying can occur anonymously, making it difficult to identify perpetrators. Also, it can have profound and lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of victims. Read more: '80% of cyberbullying victims are women' Types of Cyberbullying Harassment Harassment entails sending mean or threatening messages to someone online. It can be done through text messages, emails, social media posts, or online chat rooms. Exclusion  Exclusion involves intentionally leaving someone out of an online group or activity. For instance, a cyberbully might create a social media group and exclude their target. Outing and Doxxing  Doxxing includes sharing someone's private information online without their consent. For example, their home address, phone number, or embarrassing photos. Read more: Online bullying serious problem for 85% of Bangladesh youths: Survey Impersonation  Impersonation means creating a fake online profile and pretending to be someone else. The cyberbully can then use this fake profile to send mean messages or damage the victim's reputation. Trickery  Trickery mainly is deceiving someone into sharing personal information or embarrassing photos. For example, a cyberbully might create a fake survey to obtain personal details. Cyberstalking  This involves using technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. This includes sending threatening messages or tracking the victim's online activity. Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men? Flaming  Flaming is described as posting angry or insulting messages on someone's social media page or online forum. Trolling  Trolling entails posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online forum to upset other users. Fraping  A frape happens when someone changes another person’s information on social media without them knowing or giving permission.  Read more: How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse? Impacts of Cyber Harassment Emotional Distress  Cyberbullying can lead to profound emotional turmoil, including feelings of sadness, humiliation, and anger. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, constantly anticipating the next hurtful encounter, which undermines their sense of safety and well-being. Psychological Effects Research shows a significant correlation between cyberbullying and psychological challenges. Victims of cyberbullying frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.  The relentless influx of derogatory messages and harassment often fosters sentiments of powerlessness and diminished self-worth. Also, the incessant negativity and pressure can prove overwhelming for those targeted. Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators Social Isolation and Self-Esteem Damage  Cyberbullying can cause individuals to retreat from both online and offline social interactions, fearing additional harassment or scrutiny from their peers. This can foster feelings of isolation and solitude. Additionally, cyberbullying can profoundly impact an individual's self-esteem, as the recurrent attacks can engender feelings of worthlessness and insecurity.  Academic Consequences  The emotional distress caused by cyberbullying can impact victims' ability to concentrate on their studies and perform academically. Consequently, this can lead to a decline in grades and overall academic performance of the bullied person. Physical Health Issues  The prolonged stress and anxiety caused by cyberbullying can manifest in physical health problems such as headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Victims may also experience changes in appetite and energy levels. Read more: Digital Detox: Unplugging for Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing Long-term Effects  The effects of cyberbullying can extend beyond the immediate harassment, affecting victims' long-term mental health and well-being. Some individuals may carry the trauma of cyberbullying into adulthood, impacting their relationships and overall quality of life. Bystander Effects  Observing cyberbullying can exacerbate mental health issues and foster an atmosphere of apprehension and vulnerability. It can instil fear of becoming a target, erode trust in online interactions and impact individuals' well-being.  What to do If You Experience Cyberbullying in Bangladesh Stay Calm It is essential to maintain composure and refrain from impulsive reactions to harassment. Responding to the bully may exacerbate the situation, as it gratifies their desire for a reaction. So, try to resist the temptation to engage with their messages or posts. Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change Document Evidence It is important to document instances of cyberbullying, whether through screenshots of messages or posts or by noting down dates and times. This evidence will prove invaluable should you need to report the bullying at a later stage. Reach Out for Support It is highly recommended to discuss your experiences with a reliable friend, family member, another trusted adult, or mental health professional. They can provide valuable support and advice on navigating through the situation effectively. Block the Bully You may utilise privacy settings to block the person responsible for the harassment from reaching out to you further. Most social media platforms and messaging apps offer the option to block individuals. It can effectively prevent any further contact with them. Read more: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention Report the Abuse to the Platform Utilising the available reporting tools to report instances of cyberbullying is crucial. Most social media platforms and online forums provide mechanisms for reporting abusive behaviour. Report the cyberbullying to the relevant website or platform, as they typically have anti-bullying policies and may take disciplinary action against the perpetrator, such as suspending their account. Seek Legal Advice In instances of severe cyberbullying, it is advisable to seek advice from a legal professional. The available remedies for cyberbullying may vary depending on individual circumstances. Victims are advised to seek legal counsel from a lawyer knowledgeable about cyberbullying and relevant laws for guidance. File a Report Victims of cyberbullying have the option to file a criminal complaint with the police under the Cyber Security Act of 2023. This act criminalises cyberbullying and imposes imprisonment and/or fines on offenders found guilty. Read more: Parliament passes Cyber Security Bill 2023 Cyber Crime Help Desk Bangladesh Police operates a Cyber Crime Help Desk for women (https://www.police.gov.bd/en/police_cyber_support_for_women) where victims can report incidents of cyberbullying and seek assistance. Evidence and proof (links, screenshots, etc) of cyberbullying can be forwarded via email to [email protected]  Also, victims can lodge complaints through multiple channels, including the dedicated hotlines at the Police Headquarters, the nearest police station or the official Facebook page of "Cyber Police Centre, CID, Bangladesh Police." Alternative Reporting Cybercrime victims also have the option to file complaints with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) by calling their hotlines or emailing [email protected].  Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention BTRC pledges to take action within 24 hours, with perpetrators brought to justice within 3 days of filing the complaint. The government has also introduced a cyber-crime helpline at +88-02-55007183 for victims to report their complaints. Consider Civil Suit Victims can pursue a civil suit for damages against the perpetrator, seeking compensation for emotional distress and reputation damage caused by cyberbullying. In cases of criminal intimidation, the perpetrator may be liable under the Penal Code 1860. Seek Restraining Orders Although the term "restraining order" is not specifically defined in Bangladesh’s law, victims can apply under relevant sections before a competent executive magistrate to prohibit a perpetrator from making unlawful contact. Read more: Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help Take Care of Yourself The emotional strain of cyberbullying can impact your mental well-being. You should prioritise self-care by reaching out to loved ones, participating in activities that bring you joy, and seeking professional assistance if necessary. Concentrate on self-nurturing activities to alleviate stress during this demanding period.  Verdict  Cyber harassment is a serious issue that can have profound consequences on individuals' lives. It is crucial to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, take proactive measures to protect oneself and seek support if victimised. By working together to combat cyberbullying, we can create safer and more inclusive online communities. Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue

Suicide is a tragic and complex phenomenon that affects individuals and communities worldwide. Mental health negligence, particularly concerning men, has become a pressing concern. Despite increasing awareness of mental health issues, men often face unique challenges that make them more vulnerable to suicide. This article delves into the various factors contributing to this troubling trend. Global and Local Statistics of Suicide: Male vs Female Females, especially those under 25, exhibit higher rates of non-fatal suicidal behaviour and suicidal ideation, and attempt suicide more frequently. But, in reality, males have a significantly higher rate of completing suicide than females. This phenomenon is commonly known as the gender paradox in suicide. Around the world, more men than women die by suicide. According to Wikipedia, in 2008 and 2015, the number of male suicides was about 1.8 to 1.7 times higher than female suicides globally. In Western countries, men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. In 2015,  around two-thirds of global suicide deaths (representing about 1.5% of total deaths) were among men. Data from The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) in the USA for 2016 revealed that for every female suicide, there were about 3.5 male suicides. However, in China, the rates of suicide between men and women were almost the same. The male vs female suicide ratio is 9.1:10.3. Read more: Good Stress: What Are the Benefits of Eustress? In 2019, the rate of suicide deaths among males was over 3.5 times higher than that among females. By 2021, this disproportionate rate increased to over 3.9 times higher.  According to the CDC, in the USA, men experienced a suicide rate four times higher than that of women in 2021-2022.  In Bangladesh, the scenario is quite the same – more men than women commit suicide here. In 2017, there were over 11,000 recorded suicides. The average age for male suicide victims was about 28.86 years, while for females, it was about 25.31 years old. In 2019, 3.70 people took their own lives out of every 100,000 people in Bangladesh. The male suicide rate was 5.70 while the number is 1.70 for females. Also, the police records indicate a rising trend in suicides over the years. At the same time, psychologists estimate that around 11,000 people end their lives annually in Bangladesh. Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators

Nowadays everyone is talking about the goal to get a stress-free life. Stress is a familiar term in today's busy world. We often associate it with negative effects on our mental and physical health. But actually, not all stress is detrimental. There is a positive side to moderate stress. This is known as good stress and this can be beneficial for us. What is Positive Stress or Eustress? Good stress, known as eustress, is the kind of stress that makes people feel excited and motivated. It is like a little challenge that helps one do one’s best.  Eustress can encourage an individual to try a new hobby, learn a new language or skill, and even step outside one’s comfort zone. For instance, a school student, Mina, had to participate in a spelling competition. She felt a bit nervous but also eager to do her best. The stress motivated her to study hard and concentrate. During the competition, her heart was racing, but she remembered the words and won! The good stress she felt had pushed her to succeed. Another example, giving a speech at a seminar might make an individual nervous, but it is also exciting for him or her.  This mix of feelings is good stress or eustress. It pushes people to prepare and focus. Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators Difference between Good Stress and Bad Stress Good stress, like starting a new job or preparing for a race, is like a little push that makes you excited. It helps you to focus and do your best. It is like a friend cheering you on! Bad stress, on the other hand, is like a big heavy weight on one’s shoulders. It is when things feel tough and overwhelming, like money troubles, anxiety regarding academic performance or worrying about career issues, etc. Such stresses are also called negative stress or distress. Distress can make one feel tired and worried all the time. Therefore, the difference between good stress and bad stress is obvious. Eustress is like a friendly nudge that helps you, while distress is like a big rock that's hard to carry. It is important to manage bad stress, maybe by talking to someone, getting counselling, finding ways to relax, doing yoga, or similar stress-relieving activities. It should be ensured that negative stress does not weigh anyone down too much. Read more: 10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy

Depression among students is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. The gravity of this problem magnifies the alarming rise in dropouts from colleges, study breaks, drug addictions, even suicidal attempts among students. As parents and educators, it is essential to be proactive in addressing this crisis through understanding, support, and guidance. Let’s take a look into how to prevent depression in students. Common Reasons for Depression among Students  Depression among students can be attributed to various factors, and understanding these reasons is the first step in prevention. Here are some common causes: - High expectations and academic stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness - Loneliness and a lack of social support can make students vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts - Bullying, whether in person or online, can devastate a student's mental health - Drug or alcohol abuse can exacerbate depression and increase the risk of suicide - Relationship problems can be a major source of stress and anxiety for students - Conflict with their parents, siblings, or friends can make them isolated and alone - Economic constraints and worries about the future can take a toll on a student's mental health - Traumatic events during childhood, like physical or emotional abuse or loss of a parent increase the risk of depression - Mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder can trigger depression - Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic is a reason for depression.  Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents

Bullying is a major concern that spans age and settings, sparing no space from its reach. Usually, bullying is connected with school and online spaces. We often forget other bullying behaviors like sibling bullying and abuse. In this article, we will explore the causes behind sibling bullying, its diverse forms, red flags to pay attention to, and most importantly, effective strategies for parents to both avert and tackle such conduct. Common Reasons for Sibling Bullying and Abuse - Jealousy and competition - Power imbalance - Modeling behavior - Lack of communication skills - Copying parental behavior - Seeking attention - Personal insecurities - Unresolved conflicts - External stressors. Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue Types of Sibling Bullying and Abuse Physical Bullying  Physical bullying entails employing force or aggression to intimidate or cause harm to a sibling. This can include hitting, pushing, kicking, or any other physical actions intended to exert control or cause physical pain. Psychological Bullying  Psychological bullying is a subtle yet damaging form of abuse where one sibling manipulates another's emotions, self-esteem, and perceptions. This can involve tactics like spreading rumors, exclusion, and using psychological pressure to gain control or dominance. Sexual Bullying  Sexual bullying involves inappropriate and coercive behaviors of a sexual nature between siblings. This can encompass unwanted advances, comments, or actions that create a hostile environment, causing emotional distress and violating personal boundaries. Read more: How to Raise a Caring, Empathetic and Compassionate Child Symptoms of Sibling Bullying and Abuse - Unexplained marks or bruises - Frequent feelings of unease - Marks from self-harm or expressing thoughts of self-harm - Decline in school performance - Fear or anxiety around a particular sibling - Rapid fluctuations due to stress - Refusal to be alone with the sibling - Low self-esteem - Running away from home - Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns - Inappropriate sexual behavior. Read more: Common Sleep Problems in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Ways to Help Effects of Sibling Bullying and Abuse on Children’s Mental Health - Diminished confidence and self-worth - Triggering depression - Anxiety due to fear - Social isolation - Trust issues - Internalized aggression  - Decline in concentration and grades - Potential engagement in self-destructive behavior - Eating disorders - Effects can extend into adulthood. Read more: 15 Gift Ideas for a Newborn Baby  How Parents can Protect Children from Sibling Bullying and Abuse Set Clear Boundaries  Try to establish firm rules that unequivocally condemn any form of aggressive behavior or bullying between siblings. Communicate consequences for crossing these boundaries, reinforcing the importance of respect and kindness. Positive Reinforcement  Parents should acknowledge and reward instances of respectful interactions and cooperation between siblings. This encourages a culture of kindness and reinforces the benefits of treating each other with respect. Model Respectful Behavior  It is important to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respectful communication in parents' interactions with others, including their children. Children often learn by example, and seeing respectful behavior from adults sets a powerful precedent for sibling interactions. Read more: How physical punishment affects children and alternative ways to discipline them Individual Attention Parents should spend quality time with each child. This helps build strong bonds and reduces feelings of rivalry. It also fosters a sense of belonging, decreasing the likelihood of resorting to bullying for attention. 

In today's hectic urban life, stress has become a constant companion, affecting our mental wellbeing. Research suggests that information overload, constant digital connectivity, unlimited screen time and heavy use of tech devices can lead to issues such as sleep problems, depression, and increased stress levels. Amidst such situation, digital detox can help to refresh the mind and help find moments of tranquility.  A digital detox is a personal choice to temporarily disconnect from digital devices and social media. Taking a break from screens and unplugging from the online world can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming digital noise. Let's explore the ways of embracing a digital detox for a rejuvenated mind. 11 Ways to Unplug Temporarily from the Digital World  Set Screen-free Zones Consider setting up designated screen-free zones in your home. Like the dining table or bedroom, as peaceful havens for unwinding and enjoying precious moments with your close ones. By creating these spaces, you can foster relaxation, encourage meaningful connections, and cherish quality time without the distractions of screens. Let these areas become sanctuaries of togetherness and tranquility in your home. Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents Prioritize Real-world Connections You can schedule frequent face-to-face meetings and outings with your loved ones. These moments hold immense value in nurturing deep connections and decreasing our dependence on virtual interactions. Engaging in real-life interactions allows us to have authentic conversations, shared experiences, and a sense of closeness that cannot be replicated online.  Set Tech-free Hours You can try to set aside specific hours each day for complete disconnection from digital devices. During this time, give yourself the opportunity to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, exercising, or pursuing your favorite hobbies. You can create a space for personal growth, and the fulfillment that comes from offline experiences. You can embrace this valuable time to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Following a successful six-month probationary period, a mental health center in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, has officially welcomed two dogs to carry out psychological assistance therapy through animals. The dogs are part of the animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in the treatment process for emotionally disturbed patients carried out by the Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu. This marks the first time that AAT has been implemented in southwest China, and highlights the hospital's innovative approach to mental health treatment. According to Chen Jiajia, who works with the hospital, the two dogs, "Lidabao" and "Xuegao," were previously employed in nursing homes for seniors and orphanages before joining the hospital. The dogs used in the treatment have been carefully selected from among family pets that have undergone specialized training to develop strong bonds with humans. Given that they reside with their owners, the therapy dogs are expected to introduce a welcoming and serene ambiance to the treatment process and the dog owners are also allowed on the site. Having passed rigorous evaluations, both dogs were granted official working certificates and currently provide treatment twice a week. "AAT has proven to be a successful method for treating depression and autism, and has been extensively employed in treatment programs overseas, aiding in the recovery of patients," Chen said. Chen went on to share that earlier in January, a severely depressed boy, who didn't talk to anyone and even left a death note, took part in the trial treatment. During their initial encounter, the dog seemed to sense his depression as it instinctively nestled into his arms. The boy who never showed his emotions couldn't hide his surprise, and later shared his story about himself and his pet, Chen explained. The profound experience with the dog had a transformative effect on the boy's emotional state, leading him to open up to the psychologists and engage wholeheartedly in his treatment. As a result, he made remarkable progress and was eventually discharged from the hospital with a newfound sense of hope and optimism. According to Chen, the interaction between patients and dogs can be instrumental in helping patients open up emotionally, and this process is further facilitated by the participation of psychologists who provide timely counseling and treatment. During treatment, psychologists will give careful attention to what the patient is saying in order to identify any topics of interest. By establishing a genuine and trusting relationship with each patient, the psychologists can eventually create a supportive environment that is conducive to follow-up psychotherapy. The hospital said treatment frequency will be adjusted according to each patient's needs and response to therapy, with the goal of providing more effective care for a greater number of patients

The pandemic took a harsh toll on U.S. teen girls’ mental health, with almost 60% reporting feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness, according to a government survey released Monday that bolsters earlier data. Sexual violence, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior and other mental health woes affected many teens regardless of race or ethnicity, but girls and LGBTQ youth fared the worst on most measures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. More than 17,000 U.S. high school students were surveyed in class in the fall of 2021. In 30 years of collecting similar data, “we’ve never seen this kind of devastating, consistent findings," said Kathleen Ethier, director of CDC’s adolescent and school health division. “There’s no question young people are telling us they are in crisis. The data really call on us to act." The research found: — Among girls, 30% said they seriously considered attempting suicide, double the rate among boys and up almost 60% from a decade ago. — Almost 20% of girls reported experiencing rape or other sexual violence in the previous year, also an increase over previous years. — Almost half of LGBTQ students said they had seriously considered a suicide attempt. Also Read: National Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030: Towards ensuring quality mental healthcare — More than a quarter of American Indians and Alaska Natives said they had seriously considered a suicide attempt — higher than other races and ethnicities. — Feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness affected more than one-third of kids of all races and ethnicities and increased over previous years. — Recent poor mental health was reported by half of LGBTQ kids and almost one-third of American Indian and Alaska Native youth. The results echo previous surveys and reports and many of the trends began before the pandemic. But isolation, online schooling and increased reliance on social media during the pandemic made things worse for many kids, mental health experts say. The results “reflect so many decades of neglect towards mental health, for kids in particular," said Mitch Prinstein, the American Psychological Association’s chief science officer. “Suicide has been the second- or third-leading cause of death for young people between 10 and 24 years for decades now," and attempts are typically more common in girls, he said. Prinstein noted that anxiety and depression tend to be more common in teen girls than boys, and pandemic isolation may have exacerbated that. Comprehensive reform in how society manages mental health is needed, Prinstein said. In schools, kids should be taught ways to manage stress and strife, just as they are taught about exercise for physical disease prevention, he said. In low-income areas, where adverse childhood experiences were high before the pandemic, the crisis has been compounded by a shortage of school staff and mental health professionals, experts say. School districts around the country have used federal pandemic money to hire more mental health specialists, if they can find them, but say they are stretched thin and that students who need expert care outside of school often can’t get it because therapists are overburdened and have long waitlists. ___ AP writer Jocelyn Gecker contributed in San Francisco contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at @LindseyTanner. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

A new report by the Qatar Foundation, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) finds that at least a quarter of health and care workers surveyed reported anxiety, depression and burnout symptoms.   Our duty of care: A global call to action to protect the mental health of health and care workers examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the health and care workforce and offers 10 policy actions as a framework for immediate follow-up by employers, organizations and policy-makers. The report found that 23 to 46 percent of health and care workers reported symptoms of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and 20 to 37 percent experienced depressive symptoms. Burnout among health and care workers during the pandemic ranged from 41 to 52 percent in pooled estimates.  Women, young people and parents of dependent children were found to be at greater risk of psychological distress -- significant considering that women make up 67 percent of the global health workforce and are subject to inequalities in the sector, such as unequal pay.  The higher risk of negative mental health outcomes among younger health workers is also a concern. Read: Non-communicable diseases kill a person under 70 every two seconds: WHO “Well into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, this report confirms that the levels of anxiety, stress and depression among health and care workers has become a ‘pandemic within a pandemic,’” said Jim Campbell, WHO Director of Health Workforce. This report follows landmark decisions at the World Health Assembly and International Labour Conference in 2022 that reaffirmed the obligations of governments and employers to protect the workforce, ensure their rights and provide them with decent work in a safe and enabling practice environment that upholds their mental health and wellbeing. Protecting and safeguarding this workforce is also an investment in the continuity of essential public health services to make progress towards universal health coverage and global health security. "The increased pressure experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly had a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of health and care workers," said Sultana Afdhal, Chief Executive Officer of WISH.  “The pressure isn’t new, but COVID-19 has brought into sharp focus the need for better care for those who care for us. This new report sets out policy actions that promote strengthening health systems and calls for global collaboration across governments and healthcare employers to invest in safeguarding the most valuable asset that our health systems possess, which is the people working within them.” The report highlights 10 policy actions as a framework for immediate uptake, such as investing in workplace environments and culture that prevent burnout, promote staff wellbeing, and support quality care. This includes the obligations and roles of governments and employers for occupational safety and health. Read: Covid deaths lowest since pandemic began: WHO WHO recently published recommendations for the effective interventions and approaches to support mental health at work, including those specifically for the health and care workforce, which call for organizational level changes that address working conditions and ensure confidential mental health care and support as a priority. Relevant to this framework, the WHO Global health and care worker compact provides technical guidance on how to protect health and care workers and safeguard their rights; it highlights that duty of care is a shared responsibility in every country.

The fundamental duty of a social therapist is to analyse patterns of human interaction in order to come up with workable answers to issues that crop up in everyday life. In simple words, it is the job of social counsellors to investigate how people and groups interact with one another, how they affect one another, and how they view one another. Social therapists often find employment in corporate or educational environments, where they mediate conflicts and provide advisory services. Stay with us to know the career path of becoming a social counsellor or therapist. Necessary Skills to Be a Social Counsellor People who are going through challenges or life-changing events, such as the loss of a family member, or patients whose chronic diseases interfere with their general quality of life may benefit from the services provided by psychologists.  Therefore, it is essential to display a variety of talents relevant to the subject of social therapy if one wants to be successful in the profession of social therapy. The following are examples of some of these skills: Effective communication  For social therapists to be successful, they need to have strong communication skills in order to comprehend their patients and communicate effectively with them as well as their families. Read Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help Observation and documentation  The exceptional ability to observe and documentation is necessary on the following matters - ability to identify patterns in clients, such as body language of people, especially the client’s body language - ability to watch interactions among clients and others - ability to record interactions throughout sessions, are all necessary skills for social therapists. Capability for analysis  Social therapists need strong analytical abilities in order to collect the information obtained during sessions. Moreover, the counsellor should have the ability to assess what conclusions can be reached from the research that has been undertaken and the feedback that has been received from clients. Read Discomfort Anxiety v Depression: Differences, Ways of Prevention Relationship-building abilities  Social therapists are able to deal with a wide variety of clients, patients, family members, and other health professionals because of their relationships and people abilities. Steps to become a Therapist or Social Counsellor  The central emphasis of all psychologists is on the brain, behaviour, and the connections that exist between the three. Those who decide to major in psychology have a wide variety of career options to select from including social counselling or therapist. These are the steps to develop a career as a social counsellor or therapist. Education Education for social therapists starts with a four-year bachelor's degree program. In addition to basic courses, psychology, sociology, counselling, and other comparable electives are emphasised. Highly suggested is a bachelor's degree in psychology or counselling. The individual must enrol in a master's degree program in order to receive a master's degree in counselling. Many places of employment recognize both a master's degree in social work and a social work licence for social therapists. Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts? Child development, the process of ageing, social behaviour, and cognitive psychology are some of the areas in which the students with psychology-majors could choose to specialise. Employment opportunities are available for them at educational institutions such as colleges and universities, as well as research institutes, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations. Post Graduate Training Because the prerequisites for clinical experience might differ from state to state, it is essential to familiarise oneself with the regulations of the state in which one wishes to engage in professional practice and to adhere to those regulations. According to the American Counseling Association, however, you will normally be needed to complete around 3,000 hours of supervised counselling experience before you can become a licensed professional counsellor. After completing a program leading to a master's degree and prior to obtaining a licence to practise as a therapist, you may use this external link. Read How to Overcome Depression Without Medication? Take a Licensure Exam In order to get a licence to practise therapy in any country or state, applicants must first demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary by passing a thorough test. The process of exam and certification may vary from country to country. In the United States, there are several of these examinations, but the one that is taken the most often is the National Counselor Examination, which is carried out by the National Board for Certified Counsellors (NBCC). On the website of the NBCC, you will discover a directory of state boards that contains appropriate contact information, available licences, needed tests that vary from state to state, and information on how to register for exams and when they will be given. Apply for the Government Sector or Open a Private Firm Government sectors often call for experienced social counsellors for different posts. Just keep an eye on the regular job circulars. Apply for the post which matches your expertise and education. In Bangladesh, you might have to have 3 to 7 years of experience to get a Govt. role. Another good option is to open your own private firm. Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents Bottom Line With the advancement of technology the pace of our life has increased. Now people have no or less time for sharing problems with others. Due to stress in career, family and business, many people are falling into chronic depression. As a result, the necessity of social counselling or therapy is increasing day by day. So far, we have discussed how to start a career as a social counsellor or therapist. However, the steps of certification may vary depending upon countries, states and regions. Hope it helps!