A: In short, mental health can refer to an individual's psychological (emotional state and mental) well-being. The following are some factors to keep in mind: Personal beliefs Thoughts Emotions Feelings Behaviours

A: Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who have completed their MBBS degrees and specialised in MD Psychiatry in India along with a registration number that's allotted to them by the IMC. The rules, regulations, guidelines, norms, ethics and laws outside India are country specific and not all guidelines necessarily apply here. Psychologists are those who have completed a bachelors degree in psychology with honours or psychology as one of their major subjects and specialise in a variety of sub-fields in India along with a master's degree. However, there are many psychologists who have completed degrees in other fields and have a masters in psychology or sub fields and practice as certified counsellors or psychologists. The above listed information is only applicable to India and Indian laws. For more information you can refer to the amended Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

A: There is a criteria for every mental health disorder, the severity of these symptoms will vary according to individuals and may appear in a different manner, depending on multiple factors. The first thing you need to do is reach out to a trusted family member, friend or colleague. Furthermore, you can express your thoughts and feelings to them and then seek help. Ideally, you must immediately look for a GP (general physician) first and then get recommended for mental health service providers. This is to to rule out any physical ailments and disabilities before approaching a mental health professional (psychiatrist or psychologist). Additionally, it will be useful to do some research on your own to learn about your symptoms. This will assist you in understanding the intensity and severity of your problems.

A: You must immediately contact a mental health service provider and get in touch with a mental health professional. There are many 24x7 helpline centres all over India. ACRO currently does not provide a 24x7 service. However, we only attend to any critical emergencies of our existing clients. For all new enquiries you can approach us via our WhatsApp number (+91) 91004-23015 during business hours 9 AM - 9 PM (IST).

A: Psychometric assessments objectively measure an individual's psychological well-being. They are particularly useful in determining a person's personality traits, characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, memory, IQ, ability to learn, critical reasoning, motivation and an over personality profile. Mental health professionals use a vareity of valid and reliable scales and tests to determine a person's mental faculties.

A: The cost of these psychometric assessments will vary across India. Depending on the type of test, the cost is quoted as they are not easily accesible everywhere. The cost of these assessments starts from ₹1,500 onwards and can go up to ₹15,000.

Everyone is susceptible to mental health issues and disorders. Individual or group therapy can be vital in assisting you with your problems. It is an essential tool to aid you in determining your future goals in life, your personality, communication and beliefs.

A: Psychological therapy is typically conducted in a therapist's room or outdoors (if applicable). It is a place for people to unwind, work towards their future goals and a safe place to share, examine, reflect on yourself irrespective of your circumstances. Through therapy you can achieve to form strong bonds with near and dear ones, mend your previous and strained relationships with family and friends. Additionally, you get to explore yourself, find a sense of purpose to your life and adapt strategies to cope with your mental health issues.

A: The number of sessions that clients seek is purely dependent on their individual requirements. Usually, post the first consultation the therapist states the recommended amount of sessions (duration and time) needed for clients. However, it is not always the case. Therapy sessions can last as little as one or two sessions to multiple sessions on a regular basis. Clients visit consultants either on a biweekly, weekly, bimonthly or monthly bases. Only in critical cases, clients are expected to attend sessions at least four times a week. Once you have completed therapy, consultants usually have post therapy sessions either on a 6 month or yearly basis.

A: The session can last anywhere from 30 - 120 minutes. In some cases it can go on for a longer time.

A: At ACRO, group therapy sessions are usually done for individuals above the age of 10. This form of therapy typically includes one therapist and a group of individuals facing the same problems. It is a safe space for people to share their stories and reflect on what has happened in their lives in front of an audience. Towards the end of the session, each member sets goals until the next meeting and tries to work towards them. Group therapy works best for stress management with known people. Members of a group therapy session are often interviewed before they are allotted into groups. These members are usually not allowed to interact with other members outside the the sessions.

If the need arises, yes.

A: It can be difficult to know what approach works for you, as therapy works differently for everyone. However, you must have faith in yourself, be open to different approaches of treatment and therapy and look for what works best for you.

A: It solely depends on how close you are to the person. However, the first thing you must do is to encourage them to seek help with professionals.

The procedure starts with sending a formal email to the clinic. Further instructions will be given accordingly.

A: The concept of consulting with a mental health professional is not to be diagnosed with a disorder, but to understand the mechanism of your mental health. You may not be diagnosed with any disorder or disease and yet there could be something pulling you down in life. That's when you need to seek professional help to adapt strategies that work best for you, your mental health and your surroundings. It's basically about getting a perspective.

A: You never have to feel ashamed of who you are. As long as you are aware of your problems and want to find a path to cope with them, that should be your first goal. Many research papers suggest that mental health problems and disorders have seen a surge in recent years, anyone and everyone is susciptible to issues and disorders. The idea of mental health consultation, treatment and therapy is a confidential matter by all means, but if you ever feel the need to share your problems with a trusted friend or family member you can. However, it is not necessary for you to publicly mention anything until and unless it is needed, required, or you are expected to declare such information for an employer, institution, legal agreement, or an authorised body.

A: Awareness and education about issues go a long way. The idea is to understand, examine, and investigate your problems in an objective manner. There are many anti-stigma campaigns that run around the world about mental health, but the best way you as an individual can decrease stigma is by sharing knowledge with others. Knowledge will make a person think and when we think first, our mental faculties get sensitised towards new information and our actions can be controlled, unbiased, unprejudiced, and empathetic.

A: Support groups are vital when people want to cope with their problems. This can range from issues like death, separation, or loss of a person and painful medical treatments. There is no formal initiation for support groups as people are always encouraged to join at any given time. The point is to be actively be a part of the support group. Usually, members of a support group are encouraged to to support other members outside of their group sessions.