December 27, 2023

Throughout my journey as a psychologist, I often thought that my work shielded me from mental problems. However, as it turned out, depression may strike even psychologists. I hear stories of clients and their struggles, and even sometimes they say “There is no worth in living life till death”. As a helper, I offer them advice, to overcome the situation that they are facing. But suddenly in a session, I was wondering what if I feel depressed the same as they do.

And then a few months ago, I found myself in that situation. As a psychologist, I have pursued my degree in Counseling, working with adolescents, students, adults, and couples for quite a few years, helping them to deal with various challenges. I barely thought about myself and this could help me to deal with my own problems However, for me, that was just not the case.

A series of factors caused my depression; family pressure, financial turmoil, noise pollution, illness and so many other things that I didn’t even acknowledge.  Being a psychologist, I was aware of the early signs of depression. You can’t see that you are not thinking normally. All the things present to you with grey and black shadows. Feeling fatigued and losing interest in your day-to-day activity. I had all of these emotions. I was aware of the warning signs, but I erroneously imagined that they were simply the ups and downs of everyday life.

But one day I crashed. While talking over the phone my fiancée found out that I’ve been struggling with myself, having no motivation to lead my life. I can sense that I am sleeping for more than 8 to 9 hours a day and still, I couldn’t get out of bed and go to work. I just couldn’t. I started to doubt my ability to get over it. I couldn’t see a way out of what felt like the bottom of a deep ocean, impossible to swim back onto the top of the shore.

My fiancée who also is a psychologist, trying to be connected as much as she could, suggested whether I should talk with my other colleagues about my depression or my supervisor and coincidently one of my colleagues came forward. I could feel her empathetic glance toward me as she felt what I was going with at that moment. She opened her door for a discussion regarding my ongoing situation.

During our discussion, we started exploring all the things that we generally say to the people who come to take counseling sessions. “Have you tried keeping a thought record?” “Try thinking about some of the things that you enjoy.” Finally working with myself for months, things started very slowly to get better. I got out of bed, I walked, I talked and I began sleeping properly again. Throughout the journey, my colleague and my fiancée helped me as a shadow psychologist to battle against all the woods.  Now I had an insight into what the people that I worked with felt like.

I started very slowly to get better. I got out of bed, I walked, I talked and I began sleeping properly again. My brain had felt frozen for so long, but with all this help it suddenly started to thaw, and I plucked up the courage to tell my work why I had been away.

Has this encounter altered who I am? I still work as a psychologist, but I believe that I have improved my self-care, pacing, and communication skills in addition to my ability to listen. I also have a wonderful, understanding partner, as well as family, friends, and coworkers. However, on sometimes, when a client shares about their depression or history of depression, I respond by saying, “I think I know something about what you might be feeling.”

I’m glad that I have gone through this experience. It may even have made me into a better psychologist. I can connect with other people and understand on a different level than before. And time and time again when it’s needed, I admit to people that I have also experienced that deep valley.

Joyonto Dasgupto
Psychologist, wEvolve

Intelligence is a commonly used term. It relates with cognition and academic skills and use of emotion. Basically intelligence means capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity. According to a special classification there are two kinds of intelligence. These are:

1. Academic Intelligence and
2. Emotional Intelligence

1. Academic Intelligence

Academic  intelligence means the ability of analysis, evaluation, judgment and recognition,. Academically intelligent people are generally good in performance  in classes and  above average in exams. They believe that value lies in possessing information and reading books, so they like everything that has the right answers.

• Emotional Intelligence ( EI)

The term emotional intelligence was created by two researchers, Peter Salavoy and John Mayer  Emotional  and further it was popularized by Dr. Daniel Goleman.

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage both own emotions and understand the emotions of people around. Emotional intelligence  is the ability to recognize own emotions, understand what they are telling, and realize how emotions effect other people.

• There are five elements to describe emotional intelligence clearly. The elements are:
• Self-awareness
• Self regulation
• Motivation
• Empathy  and
• Social skills
• Why Emotional Intelligence is Important?

 Emotional intelligence is a highly required intelligence that makes our professional and personal life smooth, meaningful and successful. Sometimes we find people who have high academic intelligence but could not adjust or cope with personal and professional life. They often switch from one job to other and do not find job satisfaction anywhere. This situation occurs due to lack of emotional intelligence. It is highly important to improve and nurture emotional intelligence for several reasons. The reasons are:

• A high emotional intelligence helps you to :
• Build  relationships
• Reduce team stress
• Defuse conflict and
• Improve job satisfaction
• Emotional intelligence is a necessary skill for navigating important relationships in your life.
• When you develop the ability to be aware of your emotions and express them in a healthy way you may have a greater chance of success, both professionally and personally.
• Learning more about EI can help you develop the skills to succeeded in any role that requires interaction with other people
• Emotional Intelligence enhances the potential to increase team productivity and staff retention.
• During recruiting management roles, employers look to hire and promote candidates with a high IQ.
• EI is Important for everyone who wants to be carrier ready.

• Ways to improve Emotional Intelligence

We all know that we have individuality, that’s why the amount of emotional intelligence is not same to everybody. Through heredity and everyday interaction with environment we gain a level of emotional intelligence. Inspire of that we can take special effort for improving EI. The techniques are:

1. Be more Self Aware-
2. Recognize how others feel
3. Practice active listening
4. Communicate clearly
5. Stay positive
6. Empathize
7. Be open minded
8. Listen to feedback

We can practice these techniques seriously for enhancing and improving our emotional intelligence, because we know the importance and significance of gaining Emotional Intelligence together with Academic intelligence.

Farida Akhtar
Psychologist/Counselor

Throughout history, humans have strived for happiness, a concept that proves challenging to precisely pin down. Definitions vary, encompassing living well, flourishing, self-realization, joy, and purpose. Can these be experienced amid chaos and negativity? Is it feasible to cultivate abilities that foster such a fulfilling existence?

Abraham Maslow, in 1962, was among the pioneers in psychology to delineate “wellbeing” through his depiction of the traits of a self-actualized individual. This portrayal prefigured the PERMA model, which delineates the qualities of a thriving person, and the Wellbeing Theory.

Dr. Martin Seligman, during his inaugural address as the incoming president of the American Psychological Association in 1998, redirected attention from mental illness and pathology towards studying the positives in life. Since then, theories and research have focused on positive psychology interventions that enhance life’s quality and methods to define, measure, and foster wellbeing.

Seligman in his book Flourish (2012) formulated a theory centered on five intrinsically motivating components that contribute to wellbeing, distinct and measurable independently. These elements, pursued for their inherent value, encompass both eudaimonic and hedonic aspects.

The five components, termed PERMA comprise:

1. Positive emotion

2. Engagement

3. Relationships

4. Meaning

5. Accomplishments

Positive Emotion (P) encompasses more than mere ‘happiness.’ It encompasses a spectrum of feelings such as hope, interest, joy, love, compassion, pride, amusement, and gratitude.

These emotions serve as vital indicators of flourishing and can be nurtured or acquired to enhance overall wellbeing. Actively engaging with and integrating positive emotions into daily life, including visualizing a positive future, reshapes habitual thinking and behavior. They possess the capacity to counteract the detrimental effects of negative emotions and bolster resilience

The cultivation of positive emotions aids in the development of physical, intellectual, psychological, and social resources, contributing significantly to resilience and overall wellbeing. Such as Keeping a daily journal to note down three things to be thankful for. For instance, acknowledging the support of a friend during a challenging time, appreciating the beauty of nature on a morning walk, or relishing a moment of laughter with family over dinner.

Some key strategies like;

• Spending time with cherished individuals;
• Engaging in hobbies and creative pursuits that bring enjoyment;
• Listening to uplifting or inspirational music;
• Reflecting on gratitude and acknowledging positive aspects of life can foster positive emotions.

Engagement (E) is akin to “being one with the music” and aligns with the notion of “flow.” It involves complete absorption and the loss of self-consciousness while being wholly present and focused on an activity.

Flow or engagement arises when there’s a perfect balance between challenge and personal skill or strength. Leveraging one’s top character strengths enhances the likelihood of experiencing this state. Research indicates that individuals who consciously apply their strengths in novel ways daily reported higher happiness and reduced depression over time.

Engagement transcends mere happiness but often leads to it as a byproduct. An example such as Designating uninterrupted time for focused work on a challenging project, aligning with personal strengths. For instance, a graphic designer sets aside time to create new designs without interruptions, fully immersing in the creative process.

Similarly;

• Engaging in activities that evoke timelessness and genuine enjoyment; p
• Practicing mindfulness during daily tasks to live more in the present moment;
• Spending time in nature, attentively observing and connecting with surroundings;
• Discovering and nurturing one’s character strengths through activities that align with them enhance engagement.

Positive Relationships (R) within the PERMA model encompass the various connections individuals maintain with partners, friends, family, colleagues, mentors, and their broader community.

This element emphasizes the sense of being supported, loved, and valued by others, rooted in the understanding that humans are inherently social beings. Social connections gain particular importance as individuals age, playing a pivotal role in preventing cognitive decline and contributing to better physical health in older adults.

Improving relationships often involves sharing positive news or celebrating accomplishments, fostering stronger bonds. Additionally, displaying enthusiasm in close or intimate relationships can significantly enhance intimacy, overall wellbeing, and satisfaction. Engaging in empathetic conversations with a family member or friend facing difficulties. Offering undivided attention, validating their feelings, and providing emotional support, thereby strengthening the bond and creating a supportive environment.

Again,

• Engaging in classes or groups aligned with your interests to meet new people;
• Initiating conversations, and getting to know acquaintances better by asking questions about them;
• Nurturing friendships with individuals already in your social circle; and r
• Reconnecting with individuals you’ve lost touch with over time is the way to cultivate positive relationships.

Meaning (M), encapsulates the inherent human quest for value and significance. It involves belonging to or serving something larger than oneself. A sense of purpose aids individuals in focusing on essential aspects when faced with significant challenges.

The pursuit of meaning varies for each person and can manifest through professions, social causes, creative pursuits, or religious/spiritual beliefs. It may unfold in careers, volunteer work, or community involvement, guided by personal values.

Having a sense of meaning correlates with longer life expectancy, heightened life satisfaction, and reduced health issues among individuals. Such as engaging in volunteering activities that resonate with personal values. For instance, participating in a local cleanup drive to support environmental conservation, thereby contributing to a cause while finding purpose and meaning in the act.

• Engaging in causes or organizations aligned with your values;
• Exploring new and creative activities to discover connections that resonate with you;
• Considering ways to utilize your passions to benefit others; and
• Investing quality time with cherished individuals who matter to you can foster meaning.

Accomplishments or Achievements (A) within the PERMA framework encompass mastery, competence, and the sense of fulfillment derived from reaching goals and excelling in endeavors.

This facet of wellbeing is cultivated through striving toward and attaining objectives, mastering skills, and maintaining self-motivation to complete tasks. It contributes significantly to wellbeing by fostering a sense of pride and fulfillment.

Accomplishment involves traits like perseverance and a drive to achieve goals. However, true flourishing and wellbeing occur when accomplishments are connected to intrinsic motivation or pursued for self-improvement rather than external validation.

Focusing on intrinsic goals like personal growth and meaningful connections yields more significant enhancements in wellbeing compared to external objectives like wealth or fame. An example of committing to a fitness regimen to run a marathon. Breaking down the goal into manageable steps, such as training schedules and milestones, and celebrating progress along the way, fostering a sense of achievement and fulfillment.

• Setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound;
• Reflecting on past successes to acknowledge and learn from them;
• Finding creative ways to celebrate and acknowledge your achievements; can help foster a sense of accomplishment.

Sources

Maslow, A. (1962). Toward a psychology of being. D. van Nostrand.

Seligman, M. E. (2013). Building the state of well-being: A strategy for South Australia. Government of South Australia.

Seligman, M. E. (2012). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Atria Paperback.

Bangladesh government is visioning a state which is smart Bangladesh. It is not only limited within vision but government has declared to create a smart country.  Smart Bangladesh is an initiative led by the government of Bangladesh aiming to transform Bangladesh into a technologically advanced and sustainable society. The concept of smart Bangladesh covers four pillars. These pillars are: smart citizen, smart government, smart economy and smart society. In order to make a smart Bangladesh we all have great responsibilities to perform strongly.

Here I am giving emphasis on a very important pillar of a smart Bangladesh and which is smart citizen.  A smart citizen take advantage of technology in order to engage in a smart city environment, address local issues and take part in decision making. Smart citizen understand the relationship between people, environment and technology. In order to create smart citizen the priority should be given on youth generation.  Government and private sectors need to invest enough amount of money for doing so. The investment should be in the field of education, vocational training and skill development. For fulfilling the vision not only the government but private sectors are also responsible to come forward for creating opportunities to develop smart citizen.

Schools, colleges, universities vocational training centers and medias have strong role to support the students to develop necessary characteristics to be smart citizen. The important characteristics of smart citizen are:

• Digitally literate: Smart citizen is good in using digital devices effectively and can take the advantage of digital devices in maximum level. This skill makes them able to work in different professions and in different positions more efficiently.
• Can take the advantage of technology: Technology is really going first. Artificial intelligence is taking lead in every field. Smart citizen can understand the value of technology can use technology according to the need and can take the advantage of technology when and where required.
• Can engage in smart city environment: In smart Bangladesh the total city will be under smart society. Everything will highly organized and technically sound. Smart citizen is able to cope with this sort of environment and will maintain the environment properly.
• Can address local issues:  Every society or community have different issues which are absolutely local. Smart citizen are able to think globally and act locally. They can understand the local issues and contribute to resolve the crisis/ problems of local level while know the global situation.
• Can take part in decision making: Decision making means the action or process of deciding something or of resolving a question. Decision making is a choice that about something after thinking about several possibilities.  Smart citizen are strong enough in taking decisions about personal, family, social, professional and national issues.
• Can abide Laws: The smart citizen obey different laws related to- traffic rules, driving rules, marriage rules, education rules, property rules, service related rules, consumer rights and respecting senior citizen etc.
• Can do sustainable business decisions: Smart citizen are people who make wise and sustainable business decisions that contribute to the general quality of life of populations and provide job opportunities.

We all are looking forward to get citizens who are skilled in using technology, good in using life skills, good in obey laws, rich in civic sense, empowered   and ultimately love Bangladesh. These smart citizens will definitely contribute to make Bangladesh technologically advanced and sustainable.

Farida  Akhtar
Psychologist and Counselor

All  Children develop in all areas following a particular milestone step by step. These areas are : physical, communication, cognitive, socio –emotional and moral development. The rate of development is not  common in all children, they all have individuality. We find some children who are developmentally delayed and face different type of  problems in there development period. These are: attention related problems, speech difficulties, behavior problems, exam phobia, social phobia, trauma, memory related problems, problems related to academics etc.

wEvolve has started an unit called Child Therapy Unit ( CTU) . The general objective of the service is to provide counseling and therapy to parents and their children aged 3 to 12 years. The specific objectives of the unit are to:

1.Assess children with behavior problem, delayed development and other difficulties.

2.Provide therapeutic support to children through a number of special activities.

3. Help parents to support their children positively/properly/developmentally appropriate ways through parent counseling.

4. Facilitate training for different school teachers on child development/ child rights,/brain gym and on other developmentally appropriate activities.

CTU is running a range of special activities for assessing children and provide therapeutic support. These are:

• Play therapy: Play therapy is a method of therapy that uses play to uncover and deal with psychological issues. Play therapy utilizes plays , children natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.

Examples of play therapy

The therapist offer the child doll house and some dolls, asking them to act out some problems they have at home or they also encourage the child to use hand puppets to recreate something they found stressful or frightening. Play therapy is appropriate for children aged 3 to 12 years to better express themselves and resolves their problems.

• Brain Gym: Brain gym is use to connect both brain hemispheres (right and left). The aim of the brain gym is to :  

improve the brain functions.

– balance the effects of daily stress and tension.

–help one reach an optimal state to help them stay in shape to think, learn and concentrate at any time.

 Brain gym is a lifelong educational movement based program which uses simple movements to integrate the whole brain senses on body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to live and learn more effectively.

• Dance and movement:  Dance and movement therapy is a well-known activity for balancing and coordinating the different organs of the body and stimulating the brain. Therapist are utilizing a number of different dance movement/ activities.

Dance/ movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to promote social, cognitive and physical wellbeing. Dance and movement therapy emphasis the importance of non-verbal communication and bodily movement as our first forms of communication. Dance and movement therapy benefits many mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and autism.

• Art Therapy: Art therapy is a tool, therapist used to help children express, interpret and resolves their emotion and thoughts. Children’s work with an therapist to explore their emotions understand feelings that are causing them stress. Art therapy also help children find solution to those issues. Art therapy helps children  to use creativity and self-expression  to support their mental health. It also helps children to develop their self-awareness, cope with stress , boost self-esteem and work on social skills.

There are many activities which called art therapy like:

1. Origami( making toys with paper)

2. Making figures with leaf’s

3. Making figures with clay

4. Making Collage

5. Free hand drawing and coloring

6. Free hand drawing and interpretation of it

7.  Finger puppets and so on.

• Story Analysis: Storytelling and analysis of story is another form of therapy. In this therapy therapist do certain things:
• Reading a story
• Giving opportunity to the child to read story
• Analyzing the pictures of the story
• Interpreting the content of the story
• Making stories following a rule
• Completing a story based on half of it

Story analysis helps children to develop:

• Concentration
• Perception
• Empathy
• Listening
• Reading skills.

It also helps to reduce or remove restlessness  and stress

• Picture Analysis: Therapist use another technique with children named picture analysis. Picture analysis helps children to observe a picture carefully and analyze the objects and contents of the picture. It helps children to develop:

–patients

-visual perception

-analytical ability

-different perspectives and

Reduce or remove restlessness.

• Role Play: Therapist helps children to act out different roles based on the need of the child. It helps children to express their feelings/ emotions and understand others perspective. It helps therapist to understand the child’s feeling, needs, nature of the problem and the level of the child’s communication skills.

• Speech Therapy: Speech therapy help people who have difficulty specking to communicate better and to break down the barriers that result from speech impediments. The goals of speech therapy includes:

 -includes improving  pronunciation,

– strengthening the muscles used in speech, and

-learning to speak correctly.

Child Therapy Unit is playing a unique role to help children and their parents for minimizing or removing children’s emotional, social, academic, communication problems, phobias, trauma etc. and help children to maintain their mental health. This unit also gives importance for developing children’s both academic and emotional intelligence.

Farida Akhtar
Psychologist/Counselor