Screen Time and its Impact on Mental Health

Abstract

The recent advancements in technology had led to increased screen-based activities among all groups of individuals. Constant exposure to devices like smartphones, personal computers, and televisions can severely affect the mental health, increasing stress and anxiety and causing various sleep issues in both children as well as in adults. It triggers dopamine and related pathways in the brain which are associated with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorders. Oftentimes, it can cause the induction of a state of hyper-arousal, increase stress hormones, de-synchronization of the body clock, the circadian cycle, alter brain chemistry and create a drag on mental energy and development. In Ayurveda, stress is considered a root cause of Krodha (anger). Krodha arises due to indulgence in Rakta-Prakopak nidan (vitiation of blood) which vitiate Raja guna (ignorance) causing stress and deranged mental faculties. As per W.H.O., we know health is defined as a state of total physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, which is in line with the traditional definition of health described in Ayurveda as “सम दोष समाग्निश्च सम धातु मल क्रियाः प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ||”. Health is defined as the equilibrium of Dosas (humours), Dhatus (fundamental tissue), Agnis (digestive and metabolic fire) and Malas (waste products) as well as mental and spiritual well-being. Ayurvedic approach to mental health proves a promising result towards attaining mental integrity through the perfect blend of yoga, meditation, Medhya-rasayan (nootropic herbs), panchakarma therapies, lifestyle, and diet modifications in treating stress, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.