The paper napkin method improves mental health
An ambitious psychiatrist, named Vikram Patel, realizes that there are no mental health professionals in his native India (as in most places around the world) who work with people in need of help. That's why he started an organization that trains people in cognitive behavioral therapy. After a three-week seminar, trainees return to their community to help people who suffer from depression, alcoholism and other disorders. In short, Vikram creates unprofessional psychological workers. Two recent studies have shown that his efforts are working.
The problem that Vikram considers - the lack of affordable mental health care - is not limited to India. A World Health Organization report predicts that by 2030 depression will be the leading cause of global ailment.
However convinced of the value of professional therapy, psychologists are aware that much more needs to be done to effectively combat the spread of mental disorders and stress in succeeding generations. We all - parents, teachers and educators - need to learn some basic techniques based on scientific research that will help our children's mental wellbeing.
To this end, GoZen has launched several initiatives, the first of which is known as the Paper Napkin Method. Each week she offers a different challenge for which only paper napkins and pen are needed. The goal is to teach this technique to another person and ask him to do the same in turn.
The paper towel method. Challenge # 1: Your strengths
What? Identify and apply your strengths when you solve a problem.
How? Draw your hand on a napkin or sheet of paper. Write down five of your strongest parties - one on each finger. If you do the exercise with your children, you can ask them what they think are their strongest points and help them write them. Wish: write the strengths of your hand.
Then? The next time you face the difficulty, select the finger. Use your strength to proceed to solve the problem.
The Challenge? Pass it on. Let the person you learn of this exercise teach another person.
Science briefly: Numerous studies have shown that identifying and applying the strengths of character increases the satisfaction of life, mental wellbeing and even academic achievement.
Source: www.brightside.me