Mind Over Matter | 3 Nov, 2019

1. Madam, I am a student of class 11 of CBSE Board. I have been a good student since my childhood. I always get decent marks in my exams. I am comfortable with my studies. My teachers and family all were happy with me. But after I changed my school in class 11, everything is going downhill. I don't know what to do. I am unable to cope up. I am feeling extremely helpless. My life will be ruined this way. Can you tell me madam on what basis my performance is going down? I am feeling extremely confused right now. Please suggest some remedies to my problem.

(Name withheld)

Ans: I do empathize with your problem at hand. However, it is difficult to comment on the exact factors which have caused your academic decline. I presume you are continuing with the same board. It could be that since you have shifted to a different institution, you are taking time to adjust to the new environment. Your classmates, teachers have changed. It does take time to get to know new people and feel comfortable around them. Give yourself some time. Don't get too worked up. Relax and make friends. Go through your syllabus, make a list of the topics you are having difficulty with. Then start working on them. It would be beneficial if seek a counseling and guidance session. Things may become clearer for you.

1. I am 13 years old. I am very fat. Everyone calls me 'Fatty'. Everyone teases me in school. I feel very upset and angry. My mother asks me not to over-eat. But I love to eat chips and other fried foods. I do not like home food. It is not tasty. No one understands me. What should I do? Please tell me.

(Name withheld)

Ans: You need to listen to your mother if she tells you not to eat too much. Eating too much is not good for your health. Do you do any exercise? You need to exercise regularly if you want to lose weight. Take up some outdoor sports. You could even take up swimming. Ask your mom. As regards to food, make sure you do not eat junk food like burger, pizza, cold drinks, ice cream, etc. Try and have fruits and vegetables with your food. Too much of junk food causes lifestyle diseases at later life. You could ask your mother to take you to consult with a dietician who will give you a list of food that you can and cannot eat. That would be helpful for you. All the best!

1. Hi Madam. I have completed my studies recently. Now I urgently need a job. I am not getting the job I want. I am beginning to panic. What will happen to my future now? How will I inform my parents? They will be very much upset. But I haven't got any job. What should I do? Please help me.

(Name withheld)

Ans: Well, you have not provided your educational background for me to give you clear, cut ideas. But I suggest you start reading the newspapers regularly. Everyday there are ads for job openings. Further you could go through the employment news. Nowadays there are several consultancy firms where one could register for jobs. Try looking up on the online portals too. There are several job portals online. You could register for the same. Don't get disheartened so easily. At times these things take some time to work out. Keep up your spirit! All the best!

(Ms. Gariasi Dutta is a Psychological Counsellor with down town hospitals. She can be contacted at 9864055560/ dutta.gariasi@gmail.com)