Meraki Minds

When we talk about mental health care, our focus often lies with the patients — and rightfully so. They’re vulnerable, misunderstood, and in need of empathy and treatment. But in the shadows of their healing, there’s another group silently bearing the burden: psychiatric healthcare workers . Psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, social workers, and aides make up a dedicated team that forms the backbone of any psychiatric care facility. These individuals step into work each day knowing they may face unpredictability, violence, and deep emotional strain — all in service of helping others find the light again. But who takes care of the caregivers? The Hidden Dangers in the Ward While hospitals make efforts to minimize risks, the psychiatric floor is inherently one of the most dangerous environments in healthcare. Patients dealing with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or psychosis can, at times, exhibit erratic or violent behavior. In fact, patient assaults are a harsh reality ...

When we hear the term serial killer , our minds often jump to names like Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer. But Aileen Wuornos stands out—not just because she was a woman in a world dominated by male serial offenders, but because her story is rooted deeply in trauma, mental illness, and societal failure. Her case forces us to look beyond the crimes and into the mind of a woman shaped by pain, neglect, and desperation. Who Was Aileen Wuornos? Born in 1956, Aileen Wuornos had a life marked by abandonment, abuse, and homelessness. She never knew her father and lost her mother at a young age. Raised in a hostile environment, Wuornos experienced sexual abuse and was left to fend for herself as a teenager. By the late 1980s, she had turned to prostitution to survive—placing her in constant danger. Between 1989 and 1990, Wuornos murdered seven men in Florida. Her justification: self-defense against clients who, she claimed, tried to assault her. The nature of these killings shocked America and...

Introduction Over the years, we’ve seen the stigma of mental health be reduced over time. But even with such advanced treatment and knowledge, many myths and misconceptions about mental illness and psychological disorders still persist. Such examples are :- Mental Health Disorders are contagious We all remember hearing the tales from the 50’s when people showing signs of depression or anxiety were labelled “crazy” or “lunatics” who had to be locked away in an asylum so as to “not catch their disease”. But that myth is not true. Psychological disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors and are very much subjective. Mental health problems are uncommon We usually hear a lot of people, especially from the older generation, that mental health never existed until today. And that “youngsters” especially Gen-Z are just following a non-sensical social media trend. But this is completely incorrect. In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated...

  White-collar crime refers to financially motivated, non-violent crime committed by individuals, businesses, or government officials. Understanding the psychological profile of white-collar criminals can help us grasp why they commit these crimes and how they justify their actions.   Who Are White-Collar Criminals? White-collar criminals are usually educated, hold respectable jobs, and often have higher social status. They are different from other criminals who might commit violent crimes or theft out of desperation. Instead, white-collar criminals commit fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, often within the companies they work for. Common Traits of White-Collar Criminals 1. Rationalization : Many white-collar criminals convince themselves that their actions are not really wrong. They might think, “Everyone else is doing it” or “I deserve this for all my hard work.” This helps them feel better about breaking the law. 2. Greed and Ambition : A strong desire fo...

How can meditation help with anxiety? Anxiety is body's way of telling, “hey ! You are putting Too much stress on the body”  When was the last time you felt anxiety? Probably few hours ago. It is not restricted to any age group, Ranging from students to elders, it is very common.  But as common as anxiety disorders are, more than 60% don’t receive treatment to help manage their symptoms. So how can we do it ourselves? Meditation is the answer Meditation is one of many approaches that can significantly help improve mental health conditions like anxiety.  Some research has even suggested that meditation may be as effective as medication for managing long-term anxiety symptoms in some people. Ways to apply meditation in real life: - Mindfulness meditation   Mindfulness meditation is about learning to focus on the present moment with an attitude of non-judgmental. It can be simply watching an ant carry its daily share of bread. Body Scan Meditation  This t...

Self-doubt is a common struggle that can hinder personal growth and success. It manifests as a lack of confidence in one's abilities and decisions, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. However, by cultivating self-compassion, individuals can mitigate the effects of self-doubt and foster a healthier, more positive self-view. This article explores practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and nurturing self-compassion. Understanding Self-Doubt Self-doubt is a mental habit characterized by questioning one's own abilities, decisions, and worth. It can stem from various sources, including past failures, negative feedback, and unrealistic societal expectations. Common symptoms include: Procrastination due to fear of failure Overthinking and second-guessing decisions Comparing oneself unfavorably to others Difficulty accepting compliments or success The Power of Self-Compassion Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness and understanding as o...