Interview with Sharmistha Mondal

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Harshini Sharma


Hi, I am Harshini and I Study in class VII in DPS. I am an editor of Hapagazine. In today’s lockdown scenario I believe I was lucky to interview a special and relevant person Sharmista Mondal.

About Sharmistha Mondal

Sharmistha is a psychologist who helps children stay positive during COVID. She has been working as a psychologist for over three years. She has done her internship in US and Capetown. She used to stay in Ganga Vertica but is currently working in Apollo Hospital Chennai (her parents still reside in GV). Following are some questions that I put up to her over a WhatsApp chat session. I am really thankful to her for answering my questions so patiently and in an easy-to-understand way.

1.     What is psychology?

The discipline of psychology involves scientifically studying the human mind and behaviour. Basically, understanding how a human thinks, behaves and acts. The field of psychology is vast and includes various sub-areas of specialisations like clinical, counselling, sports, aviation, media, cultural, forensic, neuropsychology, biopsychology, and many others.

2.     Why did you opt to be a psychologist when there were ‘n’ number of career options?

The profession of psychology has always interested me as it extends our knowledge and understanding of the human mind and behaviour, and the dynamics involved. It provides enriching information and knowledge on aspects that are part of our daily living and interactions with others, which inspired me with the desire to learn more about it.

3.     How does your job help the kids?

 As psychology is about life-skills, the skills taught to children are most beneficial and required even for their future ahead. Psychological service in case of children can be extended to a variety of concerns related to motivation, achievement, academic stress, learning difficulties, excessive worry or anxious feelings, performance anxiety, sleep problems, concentration or memory concerns, sadness, to even teaching effective coping strategies, smart goal setting, time management skills, problem-solving skills, critical-thinking, decision-making skills, emotional regulation skills, social skills, anger management, overcoming feelings of sadness or withdrawal, and even effectively dealing with any personal familial issues.

4.     How are you able to help children during COVID crisis?

COVID-19 pandemic has brought a shift, rather a transition in everyone's life. So firstly, helping children adapt to this new environment and its challenges, while supporting their mental health during this challenging time is the focus. Apart from that, other focus areas  include:

  • creating awareness among parents and caregivers to initiating conversations related to mental health concerns
  • helping children understand the situation
  • clarifying any misunderstandings due to myths associated to COVID situation
  • helping them to avoid panicking
  • teaching children effective coping skills
  • reframing their negative thoughts
  • engaging in meaningful and productive indoor activities (both academic and non-academic)
  • practising relaxation exercises and mindfulness skills
  • teaching certain grounding activities for bodily awareness
  • encouraging health habits
  • working on the confidence
  • achievement and other academic stress related issues.

Comments

  1. PRAKARSH AWASTHI23 May 2021 at 07:26

    Nice Info. Well done HARSHINI!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vikas Wadhwa23 May 2021 at 23:17

    I am glad to know that there are so many avenues Parents can engage with Kids during this challenging time. Superb Q&A, Harshini. Good job!

    ReplyDelete

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