Self-awareness, self-care, and maintaining social relationships are the keys to reducing insecurity
Self-awareness, self-care, and maintaining social relationships are the keys to reducing insecurity
Dr. Ashraf Akbari Dehaghi, a faculty member in the Psychology Department, outlines scientific and practical strategies for coping with everyday crises and psychological pressures. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, emotion management, limiting exposure to negative news, and strengthening supportive relationships, highlighting the need for psychological preparedness in society—especially among students and families—to navigate difficult conditions.
According to a news reporter from Web Day University, Dr. Ashraf Akbari Dehaghi, a faculty member in the Clinical Psychology Department at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, stated: In the current era, facing numerous challenges and crises, maintaining mental health is vital. Everyone encounters numerous crises and pressures in life, and their reactions vary according to their mental capacity. The first and most important step is self-awareness; that is, a person must be aware of their emotional, behavioral, and relational states.
She identified negative emotions such as anger, irritability, sadness, apprehension, and anxiety as signs of the impact of a crisis or psychological pressure. She also noted behavioral manifestations like restlessness, decreased daily functioning, crying, whining, withdrawal, or aggression toward opponents as indicators of the harmful impacts of psychological pressure.
Dr. Akbari added: After recognizing these signs, entering the self-care stage is key, and this phase, which improves mental health, includes emotion regulation, managing negative thoughts, taking care of physical health (healthy diet, adequate sleep), maintaining supportive relationships, focusing on controllable factors, and finding meaning and hope in life.
She emphasized that if a person cannot help themselves in these areas, seeking help from a psychologist or counselor is a necessary and effective step.
Dr. Akbari on the impact of negative news and a sense of insecurity on mental health: In crises, we should allocate a specific time window, for example, 15 to 20 minutes per day, to listen to the news at a designated time. It is strongly advised that news come from one or two reputable news agencies and that we avoid constantly checking multiple channels; this tends to heighten anxiety and can even lead to sleep disturbances. Before sleep, avoid listening to shocking and alarming news, as it severely affects sleep quality.
This faculty member, emphasizing the need to restore a sense of control over life, stressed the importance of creating daily routines and added: small but real tasks, such as tidying the home, exercising or doing daily stretches, taking care of physical health with a healthy diet and adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, and short-term 24-hour planning can help restore psychological balance.
Dr. Akbari also highlighted the importance of distancing oneself from mental catastrophizing. When we hear a lot of negative news, the mind tends to gravitate toward the worst scenarios. In such situations, we should talk to ourselves realistically; ask what in my life is truly threatened? What resources do I have that I can use as opportunities? If a friend were in this situation, what hopeful and comforting words would I say to them?
Maintaining interpersonal relationships was described as a key factor in reducing feelings of insecurity. Talking with trusted people and engaging in simple joint activities, such as walking or having tea, can dramatically reduce feelings of isolation and insecurity.
Dr. Akbari addressed the meaning-making of life, faith, and realistic hope, suggesting that asking questions such as “Why am I continuing?” or “What in my life is so valuable that I must strive for it?” can provide motivation. Daily gratitude for what one has and engaging in religious practices, especially for those with a religious orientation, play a significant role in inner peace and improving mental health.
The faculty member of the Psychology Department concluded: While these strategies can be very helpful, if a person continues to experience severe anxiety, constant perceived danger, difficulties with focus, or sleep disturbances, seeking help from mental health professionals is the first and most reassuring course of action.
نظر دهید