In an age dominated by screens, social pressures, and an ever-accelerating pace of life, mental health has become more than just a buzzword – it is a crucial foundation for well-being. From children navigating the complexities of school and social life to adults juggling work, family, and personal goals, the pressures of modern life are many, varied, and often unseen.
To understand these challenges and explore practical strategies for coping, we spoke with Dr. Siji Raveendran, Clinical Psychologist & Founder of Aura Family Care, based in Dubai.
Her work spans children, adolescents, and adults, offering a holistic perspective on mental health that addresses both emotional and developmental needs.
Journey into Psychology and the Birth of Aura Family Care
“My journey into psychology began back in school when I realized that I was a good listener,” Dr. Siji shares. “I felt that simply listening to someone could be healing, and that drew me toward the field of psychology.”
Her interest evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Dr. Siji completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Amsterdam and Bali, before returning to Bengaluru, India, for her MPhil and PhD. She continues to further her education, currently studying at Harvard University.
“I have always believed that psychology requires constant learning because the human mind is ever-evolving, she explains. Every generation has different thought patterns, so it’s essential to stay updated and understand perspectives different from our own.”
Her dedication to continuous learning inspired her to establish Aura Family Care in Dubai. At Aura Family Care, we provide counseling and therapy for children, students, and elders, she says. Dr. Siji also offers specialized support for children with ADHD or autism through tailored sessions and training programs.
Understanding Aura Family Care
Dr. Siji explains that Aura Family Care is a holistic center supporting both psychological and developmental needs. For children, they offer services like speech and occupational therapy, and tailored support for those on the autism spectrum, alongside wellness and leadership lessons to build confidence and life skills.
For adults, the focus is on mental and emotional well-being, providing counseling for stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Aura’s family-centered approach believes nurturing each member’s mental health creates positive ripple effects throughout the family.
Stress Across Ages: What’s Driving It?
Dr. Siji acknowledges that stress and anxiety are on the rise and points to generational differences in lifestyle and environment as a major factor. “Every generation has faced challenges, but today’s surroundings and choices are very different,” she explains.
Reflecting on her own childhood, she recalls having nature—green fields, rivers, open spaces, and friends—which offered healthy ways to cope. Today, children often spend time in confined spaces with few outlets for relaxation.
Adults, meanwhile, face constant pressure to achieve and compare themselves in a competitive world. Her advice is simple: pause, reflect, and understand your state to manage stress more effectively.
Technology and Children’s Mental Health
“Screen addiction among kids is becoming a real concern,” says Dr. Siji. Excessive time on phones, games, and social media can affect focus, self-esteem, and social interaction—sometimes referred to as ‘virtual autism.’ Children may be constantly engaged but miss out on creative play, problem-solving, and leadership skills that develop naturally through outdoor activities. Fast-paced animations can also impact emotional growth, teaching language and expressions but limiting understanding of emotions and social cues, which can cause frustration or overreactions.
Managing screen time starts at home. Dr. Siji recommends ‘screen retreats’—dedicated times and spaces without devices—paired with hands-on, creative, and social activities. For young children, screens should ideally be avoided until age four, and limited to an hour a day in short sessions for ages four to seven. Modeling mindful screen use as a parent is crucial, as children often follow adult habits. Gradually reintroducing screens in a controlled way helps maintain balance, curiosity, and emotional development.
Anxiety and stress are increasingly common among children, often linked to school, social pressures, and high parental expectations. Overpacked schedules leave little time to unwind, making homes feel like an extension of school. Dr. Siji emphasizes the importance of personal time for relaxation, exploration, and celebrating small wins.
Every child has unique learning styles and emotional capacities, and understanding these differences is key. Pushing a child to meet uniform expectations can increase stress, while tailored support helps them thrive both emotionally and academically.
ADHD, Autism: Recognition Over Time
These conditions have always existed but were often unrecognized or misunderstood, she explains. Previously, schools focused on high-performing students, overlooking children who struggled.
“Today, schools recognize that every child is unique and deserving of attention,” she adds. “Increased awareness, better parental knowledge, and specialized resources make it easier to identify and address ADHD, autism, and other developmental differences. What appears as an increase is largely due to improved recognition rather than a true surge in cases.”
Adults: Work-Life Balance and Mental Health
“Work-life imbalance is a significant challenge today,” she affirms. “Many let work define their mood and personality. After a stressful day, someone might withdraw from family or social activities, blurring lines between professional life and personal identity.”
To manage this, she recommends establishing clear boundaries and routines. Work should be structured, but personal life, hobbies, and leisure must also be prioritized. Proper nutrition, exercise, and enjoyable activities are equally critical.
“Many adults follow repetitive routines – rushing through mornings, skipping meals, and returning home exhausted – which leaves little room for balance,” she notes. “Consciously allocating time for work, personal life, and health improves mental well-being, reduces stress, and enhances quality of life.”
Stress Leaves Marks on Health
Absolutely, Dr. Siji confirms. “Chronic stress affects the heart, digestive system, immunity, and sleep. Stress hormones, when elevated, can contribute to hypertension and heart disease. The mind and body are intricately linked, so disturbances in mental health affect physiological functioning.”
Prolonged stress can lead to digestive problems, weakened immunity, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes. Over time, these accumulate, increasing the likelihood of serious health issues. Maintaining mental well-being is essential not just for emotional balance but for overall physical health, she adds.
Pause, Reflect, Strengthen Your Mind
Pause, reflect, and give your mind the care it deserves. If you notice a gap between how you’re functioning externally and how you feel inside—stress, anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm—it’s a sign to seek support. Warning signs like loss of appetite, social withdrawal, excessive sleep, distraction, or lack of joy shouldn’t be ignored. Seeking help isn’t weakness; delaying it, especially for men, can worsen stress or lead to health issues. Building resilience through self-reflection, work-life balance, healthy routines, and seeing challenges as learning opportunities can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Scrolling Impacts How We Feel
Social media exposes users to curated content – travel, achievements, family moments – that can trigger envy, self-doubt, and inadequacy. The rapid pace of short videos intensifies this effect.
“Within minutes, users encounter dozens of contrasting experiences, which can be overwhelming,” Dr. Siji says. “Unlike traditional media with clear beginnings and endings, social media delivers continuous, fragmented content, creating emotional overload.”
Constant comparison can lower self-esteem, trigger anxiety, and affect physical health. Mindful consumption is key to mitigating these effects.
Small Steps, Stronger Mindset
“You are the only one who can truly understand and manage your emotions,” she stresses. “Start by acknowledging your emotional state: ask, Am I happy, sad, stressed, or curious? Recognizing emotions allows you to take meaningful action – whether having a coffee, spending time with friends, or simply relaxing.”
Ignoring emotions allows stress to accumulate, affecting behavior and interactions. Instead, focus on what you want rather than what you don’t want. For example, instead of “I don’t want stress,” think “I want calm and balance.”
“By acknowledging emotions and directing attention toward positive intentions, you can achieve mental clarity, resilience, and overall well-being.”
Awareness Today, Wellness Tomorrow
Dr. Siji Siji’s insights remind us that mental health is a daily practice, not a luxury. From children navigating school and screen time to adults balancing work and personal life, awareness, reflection, and healthy routines are essential.
At its core, Aura Family Care embodies the belief that personal transformation starts with acknowledging your emotions, fostering resilience, and creating a supportive environment for yourself and those around you.
With its holistic approach – addressing children’s developmental needs, adult mental health, and family well-being – Aura Family Care serves as a beacon for navigating the complexities of modern life with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and balance.
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