Central Institute of Clinical Hypnosis & Psychological Research Centre

About Central Institute of Clinical Hypnosis & Psychological Research Centre

Review about his new book;

Life is full of stress and stressors. Man is striving on the grim path of life for material things and
fellow human beings, to be understood by them, thinking that this understanding of us by others will
lessen their suffering. In his journey, he attempts to find solace in philosophy, cone-men, drugs and
medicines, political ideologies and even in suicide. Every means people adopt is a way to find an
answer to the upanishadic query, “Willed by whom is the mind functioning like this”?
Human beings cannot have a life without stressors and stress. It is universally accepted that
optimum levels of stress can act as a creative, motivational force that can drive people to achieve
incredible feats (eustress). Chronic or traumatic stress (distress) on the other hand, is potentially
very destructive and can deprive people of physical and mental health, and at times even of life
itself. In a time period where we aimlessly are caught up in easy-go type of miracle panaceas, the
acceptance that stress is something natural and cannot be avoided is a welcome note. Statistical
data from various quasi-scientific studies state that the prevalence of stress and stress related
disorders in our country is growing at enormous rate even though there are no definite
epidemiological studies relating to their original quantity. We are also aware of the impact which
stress can have in the life of people belonging to all ages.
Here is a book which deals with a detailed description of the stress and its effects from a scientific
perspective. Dr Anil Kumar, a mental health professional with immense experience and expertise has
given a beautiful description of the effect of stress on the physical as well as psychological realms.
Another highlight of the book is the description of the effect of stress on physical and mental health
of an individual. Considering the rising levels of various psychosocial and emotional problems in our
state, these chapters on the book deserves special mention. Nearly 10 % of the population of our
state suffer from common mental disorders like depression, and anxiety. Stress has a major role to
play in the genesis of these common mental disorders. And we have to remember that stress has a
significant role to play in the precipitation of many of these common mental disorders. Today, is a
period in history when we are becoming more and more aware of the influence of the epigenetic or
environmental factors in influencing the genetic vulnerability of an individual in succumbing to
psychological maladies. Dr Anil Kumar has described many Self help measures on managing stress
like yoga, hypnosis, laughter therapy, music therapy which are very popular in the media and among
general public. Not only the alternative forms of coping with stress, but also the most advanced
brain based management strategies for managing stress like mindfulness are given attention in this
book.An added positive aspect of this book is the brief description of various mental ailments which can
be exacerbated or precipitated by stress related situations, the personality types which can augment
or help in coping with stress. The chapters dealing with these will be of help in gaining knowledge
about the peripheral areas of psychiatry, the branch dealing with the disorders of mind.
This is a book which attempts, through a dozen chapters, to bring to the forefront the science and
scientific aspects of stress. Rather than talking mechanically about stress, this book tells us
something about how to befriend stress and how to alleviate the distress due to stress. This is a
book born out of years of experience and expertise, for which, I personally feel, we should be
thankful. I wish him all the success in his similar future endeavours too. May the whole world enjoy
happiness, have contentment and find prosperity in the tomorrow to come by lessening their
suffering. This book will be an aid to that means. I recommend this to all.
Dr. S. Krishnan
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.