mental health
'National Conference on Mental Health Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking' held
The "National Conference on Mental Health Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking" was held in Dhaka Wednesday.
Winrock International organised the conference in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Psychology of the University of Dhaka.
Representatives from the National Trauma Counselling Center, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka, mental health professionals, UN bodies, INGOs, and NGOs, and mental health caregivers, supported by the Ashshash project, were present.
Ashshash works in partnership with public and private-sector service providers to deliver counselling, legal services and economic empowerment support to men and women who have escaped trafficking. The four-year project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by Winrock International.
Mental health caregivers shared their experiences on capacity-development initiatives that created increased access to mental health services at grassroots levels.
The importance of psychosocial support in improving the quality of life of the survivors, ensuring their overall wellbeing, and enabling self-reliance, was also highlighted throughout the session.
Ashshash's beneficiaries – the survivors, exhibited the direct result of the project's psychosocial counselling support; towards forging mental resilience and enabling their successful journeys toward reintegration.
Kamal UA Chowdhury, professor of the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Dhaka, highlighted the overall context of provisioning psychosocial counselling support at grassroots levels, the associated challenges, and potential scopes of intervention through collaborative efforts, moderation of existing resources, and capacity development of mental health caregivers at grassroots levels.
Read: Government increased its efforts to prevent trafficking
Mohammad Shaheen, joint secretary at the Ministry of Social Welfare, endorsed the ongoing work of the project and stated that in the future, he envisions institutionalising mental healthcare service provision.
Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, director of NIMH, said: "We operate institutionally and projects such as Ashshash works at grassroots levels. This gap must be bridged to ensure the effective provision of counselling services."
Suzanne Mueller, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Switzerland, said several ministries, governmental agencies, NGOs, and INGOs are working to deliver the care and support needed by the victims.
"However, we need to come up with a comprehensive referral structure by integrating all the service providers under a singular standard operating procedure," she added.
Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help
Mental health is a sophisticated issue that doesn’t get talked about as often as other, more visible health issues. However, it still affects a person and the consequences can be far more aggravating. Mental health issues may arise from several underlying factors. Whether it’s the inability to cope with something, stress, or even PTSD, the signs are almost always there. Yet it's often dismissed as something that will heal over time. But the fact of the matter is, time doesn’t heal, therapy does. Let’s discuss when to see a therapist.
8 Sure Signs You Need To See a Therapist
Getting overwhelmed the Surrounding
Do you often get overwhelmed by your surroundings? If yes, this is one of the earliest signs of declining mental health. The sense of overwhelming stress arises from stress. Say you are a student or a professional. The exam or the workplace activities might feel increasingly overwhelming. A crippling fear of consequences sets and you feel the constant urge to run away from everything.
The sense of detachment is created from the extreme stress or less than your brain is coping with. This specific problem not only has a short-term consequence but also tends to reduce cognitive emotions in the long run. Therapy can help overcome the stress or trauma by the means of dealing with a single issue at a time.
Read: How to Stay Physically Active during Pregnancy
Disrupted sleep cycle
A disrupted sleep cycle can also prompt mental health issues. Too much sleep or lack of it is a clear sign that the body and the mind aren’t in sync.
A study conducted in 2018 shows that sleeplessness or oversleeping tendencies induce mood swings and depression among the participants. A continuous sleepless habit may be a sign of anxiety, ADHD, or even bipolar disorder which might lead to other complications.
Many people opt for sleeping pills as a cure. But that isn’t the right approach. A proper therapy will help to identify the underlying cause behind the sleeplessness and work to find a solution without medical interventions.
Read Discomfort Anxiety v Depression: Differences, Ways of Prevention
Reduced social interactions
Do you feel like shutting yourself out from everyone? One of the clear signs of mental health problems is the tendency to shy away from social interaction, friends,p and even relationships. If you feel like distancing yourself from stuff, chances are you are going through the mental issue of social isolation. And like a lot of other symptoms, it also poses a serious threat in the long run, not just mentally, but physically too.
Social isolation mainly crops from anxiety and depression. But instead of curing any of the issues, social isolation only aggravates the problem. Therapy can help in the process of social reintegration.
Perpetual anxiety
The thing about anxiety attacks is that you can tell when it's happening. But the worst part is, that you cannot control when it happens or why it happens. People suffering from anxiety can get triggered by anything.
Read: Eating Disorders in Children, Adolescents, Adults: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Ways to Help
The lack of control over the situation is why it's important to get therapy. As the situation with anxiety aggravates, you will see that you are consumed more and more with bad thoughts with seemingly no way out. This is when you know that you must seek therapy. Therapy will steadily divert your mind from negative thoughts and usher new and positive horizons.
Careless attitude
This is one of the most prominent symptoms of clinical depression. As human beings, we are driven by a higher purpose in life. There is constant social pressure and even personal goals to achieve or do something with this life.
This notion of achievement may often become stringent on many. The social and family pressure may often become unbearable leading to clinical depression. An aggravated form of depression may also lead to self-harm.
Read: Dyslexia: How to help kids with this learning disability
The best way to identify the issue is by looking at the pattern of behavior. If you yourself find to be disinterested in everyday things. Trying to run away from responsibilities and an overall sense of detachment is also a sign of clinical depression. Taking regular counsel and therapy is useful against clinical depression in different studies.
Feeling of hopeless
Feeling hopeless is also a sign of clinical depression. Except it leads to a far more severe consequence compared to a careless attitude.
The sense of hopelessness is an advanced form of clinical depression. Here a person loses interest in everything and finds themselves feeling hollow from within. Many a time, the sense of hopelessness leads to self-harm and even suicidal tendencies.
Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
Problem concentrating
If you think you’re having trouble concentrating on something, chances are you might be showing early signs of mental health problems. It’s not uncommon to feel inattentive for a day or two at work.
But when it lasts for days or weeks at a stretch, it’s a sign that something is off. The lack of concentration not only hurts the professional life but also takes a toll on the personal and social life. It all encircles on the similar problem of feeling reclusive and disjointed over and over again.
Irregular eating habit
This is also an early indicator of clinical depression. Irregular eating habits advance to become an eating disorder in the long run.
Read How to Overcome Depression Without Medication?
Due to an eating disorder, a person may either gain or lose weight significantly. In addition to the health risks, it also makes a person emotionally vulnerable and people go through it as a coping mechanism.
The only way out of an eating disorder is through therapy. Since the situation is conducive to a coping mechanism, the mind needs to be diverted away from the anxiety as a possible cure.
Final Words
Therefore, in our regular life, mental health issues and clinical depressions should not be overlooked. It makes a person emotionally and socially vulnerable. The inability to address or share the problem only advances the symptoms. That in turn pushes a person more towards self-harm and reclusive behavior. So far, we have discussed 8 sure-fire signs that you or your loved one should seek therapy immediately.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Numerous studies have concluded that psychotherapy is a proven way to address physical and mental ailments since most mental issues tend to reflect on physical well-being as well. That said, do not sit on the symptoms. Get help for your own sake and the sake of your loved ones.
1 billion people have mental disorders: WHO
Nearly one billion people, including around one in seven teenagers, worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder, according to the UN.
To make matters worse, in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, rates of common conditions such as depression and anxiety went up by more than 25 percent, the UN health agency said Friday.
In its largest review of mental health since the turn of the century, the World Health Organization urged more countries to get to grips with worsening conditions.
It offered examples of good practices that should be implemented as quickly as possible, in recognition of the important role that mental health plays in positive and sustainable development, at all levels.
Even before Covid hit, only a small fraction of people in need of help had access to effective, affordable and quality mental health treatment, the WHO said, citing the latest available global data from 2019.
More than 70 percent of those suffering from psychosis worldwide do not get the help they need, the UN agency said.
Read: Mental Health: Types of Mental Illness and supporting someone with a mental health problem
The gap between rich and poor nations highlights unequal access to healthcare, as seven in 10 people with psychosis receive treatment in high-income countries, compared to only 12 percent in low-income countries.
The situation is more dramatic for cases of depression, the WHO said, pointing to gaps in assistance across all countries – including high-income ones – where only one-third of people who suffer from depression receive formal mental health care.
And although high-income countries offer "minimally adequate" treatment for depression in 23 percent of cases, this drops to just three percent in low and lower-middle-income countries.
WHO for making mental health support part of climate action plans
Mental health support must be included in national responses to climate change, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday at the Stockholm+50 environmental summit.
Climate change poses serious risks to people's mental health and well-being, the UN agency said in a new policy brief, which concurs with a report published in February by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The IPCC study revealed that rapidly increasing climate change is a rising threat to mental health and psychosocial well-being, from emotional distress to anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behaviour.
"The impacts of climate change are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives, and there is very little dedicated mental health support available for people and communities dealing with climate-related hazards and long-term risk," said Dr Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.
The mental health impacts of climate change are unequally distributed, with certain groups disproportionately affected depending on factors such as socioeconomic status, gender and age, according to the WHO brief.
Read: WHO believes COVID getting worse, not better in North Korea
However, the UN agency said it was clear that climate change affects many of the social determinants that already are leading to massive mental health burdens globally.
Out of 95 countries surveyed last year, only nine included mental health and psychosocial support in their national health and climate change plans.
"The impact of climate change is compounding the already extremely challenging situation for mental health and mental health services globally. Nearly one billion people are living with mental health conditions. In low and middle-income countries, three out four do not have access to needed services," said Dévora Kestel, director of the WHO's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
"By ramping up mental health and psychosocial support within disaster risk reduction and climate action, countries can do more to help protect those most at risk," she added.
Read: WHO: Monkeypox won’t turn into pandemic, but many unknowns
The WHO urged the governments to integrate climate considerations with mental health programmes, merge mental health support with climate action, and build upon their global commitments.
Authorities should also develop community-based approaches to reduce vulnerabilities, and close the large funding gap that currently exists for mental health and psychosocial support, it said.
Among the pioneering countries cited in the WHO report is The Philippines, which rebuilt and improved its mental health services after super typhoon Haiyan in 2013, reportedly one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded.
India also scaled up disaster risk reduction while at the same time preparing cities to respond to climate risks and address mental health and psychosocial needs.
Increased awareness biggest success in dealing with autism: Saima Wazed
Awareness has been raised regarding Autism by involving the highest policy making level of the state, said Saima Wazed Hossain, a member of the World Health Organization's 25-member Expert Advisory Panel on mental health.
She made the observation during a 90-minute online discussion event, titled 'Pracheer Periye: Saima Wazed's Conversation with Stephen Shore on his Autobiography and Autism' on Sunday organized by Shuchona Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Research & Information (CRI).
During the virtual meeting, 'Pracheer Periye' Bengali edition of acclaimed autism writer and US Professor Dr. Stephan Mark Shore’s book 'Beyond the Wall' was unveiled. He reflected on his experiences with autism during the event.
The book was translated under the initiative of the Suchona Foundation.
Also read: 'Pracheer Periye': Saima Wazed's conversation with Stephen Shore
Saima Wazed, also the daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, remarked that the biggest achievement Bangladesh had made in handling the autism issue is that the country's highest policy making level, especially the PM and other ministers getting involved in raising awareness about autism.
“There is also much progress in transitioning out of the stigma that people, in general, had about autism in the past”, she said.
“We have many limitations and those limitations have emerged as a kind of strength, which is also a big achievement in the autism awareness movement,” she added.
Expressing her optimism about the change in people's attitude towards autism, she said, "In Bangladesh, one of the core things we have achieved is national awareness and awakening to the fact that those on the autism spectrum are supposed to be part and parcel of society. There is the belief system that there should be more acceptance, there should be more assistance and there should be more opportunities."
Referring to the initiatives undertaken by the government, she said, "We have a strategic plan that's not just limited to one sector, not just the education sector or health sector, but across 20 different ministries and divisions. The government has adopted the multi-sectoral approach."
Having accomplished her higher education in psychology and mental health in the US, Saima Wazed set off on raising awareness about children with autism in Bangladesh by establishing the voluntary organization Suchona Foundation. She is also the president of the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh.
Also read: Autism: Saima shares Bangladesh's good practices with global community
Dr. Stephen Shore was diagnosed with “atypical development with strong autistic tendencies” and nonverbal at the age of four. He completed his doctorate in special education at Boston University. Stephen now works as a clinical assistant professor at the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education at Adelphi University, teaching courses in special education and autism as part of his work on empowering people on the autism spectrum to develop their capacities to the fullest.
Owing to his experience of cross-country tours, he shared his observation during the event, talking about striking similarities in the behaviors of children with autism across the world. He, however, also referred to the uniqueness of every such child, stressing the need for assistance to help them thrive through skills.
Honorable Speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, also spoke at the meeting, saying that a workshop on Neurodevelopment Disorder in 2015 at the national parliament. Saima Wazed presented the keynote at the workshop.
She appreciated an array of initiatives undertaken by the Suchona Foundation under the leadership of Saima for people with special needs. She also showered her praise on Saima for pioneering the awareness-raising campaign on ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh.
Discomfort Anxiety v Depression: Differences, Ways of Prevention
While anxiety is often regarded to be a high-energy condition, depression is supposed to be a low-energy state. Discomfort anxiety and depression are more connected than most people realize. Individuals who have anxious distress in addition to depression may be at an increased risk of suicide or need more intense therapy, making it critical to recognize these symptoms in addition to the sadness. Above all, it is critical to remember to refer a patient to a doctor or mental health expert to see if his or her symptoms match the criteria for a depressive or anxiety illness.
What is Discomfort Anxiety?
Each human being is affected by this bad energy, which is continually whimpering within our heads and preventing us from living a successful, responsible life. Anxiety about discomfort is not even near to depression. It is just a bee buzzing around within our heads, seeking immediate satisfaction in order to prevent delayed gratification. Refusing immediate reward from alleviating our pain worry does not imply that we are denying ourselves pleasure.
We must manage our priorities while also being far-sighted about what will genuinely make us successful in the long term. Being successful is not a certain outcome; rather, it is a way of life that promotes satisfaction.
Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
How to Prevent Discomfort Anxiety
Confronting Every Fear
You cannot overcome the dread of doing something by refusing to do it. Oftentimes, those who struggle to get out of their comfort zone do not acquire communication skills. They are always attempting to avoid awkward, uncomfortable contact with strangers.
Turning down significant possibilities only due to your concern has immobilized every good energy inside you. Therefore, it is critical that you push yourself to the limit and face your concerns.
Keeping Persistent Attitude
Man can’t conquer his phobias in a single day or with a single try. You should bear in mind that little droplets of water that continue to fall create a hole in the rock. Join a small circle to explore your creativity, become involved in groups, work with teams, and eventually lead any team. Eliminate each of your unresponsiveness.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
On eve of SA tour, clouds gather again over Shakib; now 'mental health'
Once again at the doorstep of an important away series for the Bangladesh cricket team, uncertainty reigns over the participation of its most accomplished player, and days are spent in limbo rather than the planning that can prepare the team to execute better once the competitive cricket resumes.
Bangladesh are all set to fly to South Africa on March 11 to play a three-match ODI and a two-match Test series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already announced the both ODI and Test squad for this tour, and Shakib is included in both squads. But Shakib has now said he doesn’t know if he is going to play in South Africa.
A similar uncertainty about Shakib’s participation ahead of an away series took place prior to Bangladesh’s last New Zealand tour when BCB included Shakib in the squad, and the all-rounder eventually pulled out of the team after that.
Before flying to the UAE due to a personal commitment, of which there are increasingly more these days, on Sunday Shakib intimated that he is not in a good mental and physical state to take part in the South Africa tour.
Also read: Shakib faces row over Covid protocol breach
He also said if he skips the ODIs, he might get his interest back and subsequently participate in the Tests. It was a shocking
It’s not clear what exactly happened to the all-rounder that has damaged his interest to play cricket. But it’s clear that his recent performances don’t meet the standard he set over the years.
In the home series against Afghanistan, Shakib scored 74 runs in five matches and bagged seven wickets, though he played better in the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) representing Fortune Barishal.
Although to be fair, the depleted BPL stage can hardly hold a candle to international cricket these days.
“I didn't enjoy playing ODIs or T2oIs in the Afghanistan series,” Shakib said on Sunday before leaving for the UAE. “I felt like a passenger in the recent series which was not expected. I don’t think I can play a lot of international cricket in this mental state.
Continuing to beat on himself over his subpar performances, Shakib broached the mental health card, that has been used by a number of leading international players recently to take sudden, indefinite breaks from the game.
"I want to meet the expectation when I play. It shouldn't be my way of playing in this mental situation. I don’t want to waste time, I don’t want to waste someone’s spot. It will be betraying my country and team-mates if I play like a passenger,” Shakib added.
During the Afghanistan series, Nazmul Hasan, the president of BCB, hinted that Shakib would tour South Africa. So the president is surprised that Shakib said he is not mentaly ready to take part in this series.
The 34-year-old all-rounder made it clear that he likes to focus on white-ball cricket more than red-ball one.
He said: “I want to stay out of Test cricket till late November this year, and I have said it to the board. As we have to play two World Cups in the next two years, I want to concentrate more on white-ball cricket. But I also want to make it clear that I’m not leaving Test cricket entirely.”
Also reda: Mustafizur goes to Delhi Capital, Shakib remains unsold
The leading all-rounder across all three formats of his era doesn't seem to realise that is not an entirely straightforward position he has taken. Shakib turns 35 later this month. Is he really in a position to propose a two-year sabbatical from a format, with a view to return written into it?
And what has given him the idea that everything in Bangladesh cricket must be staked in these two 'white ball World Cups' in the next two years?
This is the second South Africa tour where Shakib is going to skip the Tests. Earlier in 2017, Shakib missed the Tests in South Africa tour when he was on a six-month break from the format. Along with that, he also missed the last two New Zealand tours for personal reasons.
And he also missed a series against Sri Lanka to take part in the Indian Premier League’s last edition saying that would help him to do well in the T20 World Cup that took place in 2021 in Oman and UAE. However, Shakib judged it wrong as he failed to do well both in IPL and the T20 World Cup.
Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease, every year, approximately 800,000 people die from suicide, which is one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds, and it is the tenth leading cause of death for all age groups worldwide. The goal should be not just to prevent suicide but also to reduce the number of thoughts that lead to it. People struggling with suicidal thoughts often feel hopeless, depressed or want to hurt themselves or others. Let's discuss some ways to deal with suicidal thoughts.
Why Do Suicidal Thoughts Come to Mind?
The reasons why suicidal thoughts may come to mind are complex and varied but can generally be broken down into two broad categories:
1) factors that may trigger suicidal thoughts in someone who is already vulnerable, and
2) factors that may increase the likelihood of someone committing suicide.
Some common triggers for suicidal thoughts can include feeling isolated, hopeless, and desperate; experiencing significant emotional or physical pain; witnessing or experiencing violence or abuse; feeling like a burden to others; having a history of mental health issues; experiencing a loss or significant change in one's life; having a recent traumatic event, or being in a stressful environment.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to overcome the suicidal thoughts as soon as possible.
Read Kaan Pete Roi: An emotional support helpline in Bangladesh
8 Effective Ways to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts
If the sheer thought of living a single day seems unbearable, it might be time to start taking steps to overcome suicidal thoughts. This can be a frightening thing to do, but with some help and support from family and friends, you will find that life does indeed go on. Consider following ways to start dealing with your suicidal thoughts.
Speak with a therapist
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to speak with a therapist. A therapist can help you work through your thoughts and feelings and can provide support. They can also provide guidance on how to deal with suicidal thoughts. If you don't have a therapist, you can search for one online.
Reach out to loved ones
It can be difficult to talk about suicidal thoughts, but it can be very helpful to reach out to loved ones. Talking with them about how you are feeling can help them understand what you are going through and provide support. They may be able to offer insights or suggestions on how to deal with the thoughts. It's also important to let them know if you have any plans or have already attempted suicide. This allows them to be on the lookout for warning signs and take steps to ensure your safety.
Read Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies, and Treatment
Join a support group
When struggling with suicidal thoughts, it can be incredibly helpful to join a support group. In these groups, people can share their stories and provide support to one another. This can be an incredibly helpful way to cope with suicidal thoughts, as it provides a sense of community and understanding. Additionally, these groups can often provide helpful resources and information.
Exercise
One of the benefits of exercise is that it can help improve mood and well-being. Exercise releases endorphins hormones that can eventually improve mood. Exercise can also help to distract from suicidal thoughts. When someone is focusing on completing a goal, such as running a marathon, they are less likely to focus on negative thoughts. Exercise can also provide a sense of accomplishment, which can be beneficial for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Eat healthy
People who eat a healthy diet have been shown to have better moods and overall well-being than those who do not. This is likely due to the fact that healthy foods contain important nutrients that are necessary for optimal mental health. Some of these nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Read Pregnancy Anxiety? How to reduce the stress of pregnant mothers?
Making a few simple changes to your diet can go a long way in improving your mood and overall well-being. Start by adding in some healthy foods and eliminating unhealthy ones.
Get enough sleep
It is no secret that sleep is important. What may be a secret, however, is the importance of getting enough sleep for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Sleep deprivation can aggravate mood swings and contribute to feelings of hopelessness. It can also lead to poor judgment and decision-making. In short, getting enough sleep is important for physical and mental well-being.
For someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, getting enough sleep can be a critical distraction. It can provide a much-needed break from obsessive thoughts and negative emotions. It can also help to restore balance and perspective. When feeling overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, taking some time for rest and rejuvenation can make all the difference.
Read Teen Depression: How to help your depressed teenager?
Seek peer support
Peer support is a resource that is often underrated. When someone is feeling suicidal, talking to someone who has also been there can be incredibly helpful. Peer support groups are often confidential, and participants are often willing to share their experiences and advice. These groups can provide a sense of community and connection, which can be healing in times of crisis.
Consider medication
When it comes to mental health, it is important to take any and all measures necessary to ensure that you are in the best state possible. If medication is needed to treat a mental health condition, talk to your doctor about options. Some medications may help to decrease suicidal thoughts. It is important, to be honest with your doctor about your feelings and any thoughts or plans of suicide. Make sure you follow the doctor's orders regarding medication and seek immediate help if you experience any negative side effects.
Final Words
Nothing is more precious on earth than life. However, due to diverse reasons an individual may experience the urge of ending his or her life. When you are feeling suicidal, it might seem like there is no other way out. However, knowing the ways to prevent the thoughts of suicide may be the best option for you. You can try the above-mentioned ways to get a new life.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Tim Paine takes indefinite mental health break from cricket
Former Australia test cricket captain Tim Paine is set to miss the first Ashes test and is taking an indefinite mental health break from the game.
The news comes a week after Paine tearfully quit as captain after revelations of a scandal involving the sending of inappropriate texts to a female co-worker in 2017.
Cricket Australia, which named fast bowler Pat Cummins as Paine's replacement on Friday, said Paine advised them he would be “stepping away from cricket for a period of time."
"We recognize that this is an incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family and are committed to supporting them," Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said in a statement. “We respect and understand Tim’s decision to have a break at this time to focus on his and his family’s well-being.”
Paine’s teammates were hoping for the wicketkeeper to play on Dec. 8 — his 37th birthday — when Australia’s five-test series against England begins in Brisbane. As of Thursday, the veteran was scheduled to join the test squad this weekend.
Paine was called up and set to bat in Tasmania’s one-day match against Western Australia on Friday, giving him a chance to play five consecutive days of cricket after a low-key return via the state’s second XI.
But Cricket Tasmania (CT) said Friday that Paine would not take his spot in the side.
“Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future,” CT said in a statement. “Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer.”
Likely wicketkeeper replacements for Paine in the test side are Alex Carey or Josh Inglis.
SUST support to help students shun stress
The pandemic and the consequent curbs on social interactions have had a marked effect on the mental health of teens and youths worldwide.
With educational institutions -- schools, colleges and universities -- reopening in a staggered way across Bangladesh, some students are returning to physical classes, having experienced some level of stress and anxiety -- symptoms of depression.
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet is one of the few academic institutions in Bangladesh to have taken an innovative and positive stride in supporting the students' transition back to classrooms from remote learning.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
The varsity is offering a mental health service for its students through the 'SUST Moner Kotha' Facebook page, an online platform under the supervision of Director of Student Welfare Prof Zahir Uddin Ahmed and psychologist Fazilatunnesa Shapla.
The mental health service is available on demand for students across departments -- not to mention that confidentiality is the key to wooing the young minds.
What prompted the initiative
The unwanted deaths of Torabi Binte Haque and Asiya Akhtar, both students of SUST's Bangla department, Touhidul Alam Pratyay of Physics department, and Sabbir Ahmed of Chemistry department, during Covid have shaken the entire student community.
Read Mental Health: Types of Mental Illness and supporting someone with a mental health problem
Not to mention the suicides of Alamgir Kabir, a chemistry student of the university, and Md Mahfuzur Rahman, an assistant professor with the mechanical engineering department, during the pandemic.
Farzana Akhter, a second-year student of Bangla department, said, "We have sadly lost some people from SUST in the past one-and-a-half years. Five of them ended their own lives, including a teacher."
"But in order to stay mentally and physically healthy in times of crisis, student advisors and teachers, including a psychologist, have been holding various sessions and discussion programmes online. We hope to benefit from the initiative," she added.
Prabal Barua, a fourth-year economics student, said, “After a long hiatus, we have started physically attending classes. If we think about the mental state during this pandemic, it can be touted as miserable."
Also read: SUST offers free data to students
The initiative
Md Samiul Islam, dean of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University, said that besides academic studies, students should focus on outdoor sports. "Outdoor activities play an important role in shaping the mental health of students."
Echoing similar sentiments, Zaida Sharmin, the provost of a female dorm, said that the devastation of the pandemic has emerged as a huge challenge for all.
“We all have to work together patiently to deal with such stress. It is necessary to avail various initiatives of the counselling cell to cope with any mental health issue," she told UNB.
Also read: SUST entry test: Application process ends tonight
Fazilatunnesa, the university psychologist, said, that students should not shy away from availing the mental health service.
"Our doors are open for all students. We continue to provide mental healthcare counselling online and in person. We are also following up with the students taking counselling sessions," she said.
SUST Proctor Associate Prof Dr Alamgir Kabir said, "Our disciplinary committee is working on the overall safety of students. Many students who are currently returning to campus after this long closure have come to us with mental health issues. We are trying to help them."
Read World Mental Health Day: What effect does depression have on the performance of athletes?
Prof Zahir Uddin added, “We have launched this mental health service for students. We want every student to do well in their life -- be it in their academic career or mental wellness."
SUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed said, "Our teachers are on the job. We have also instructed each and every department to ensure a sound mental health for all their students."