Grief, this complex and overwhelming emotion, does not work according to a schedule. It does not always arrive with the immediate shock and sadness we expect after a loss. It can appear weeks, months, or even years later, catching us off guard at the most unexpected times. Delayed grief can feel like an emotional storm, triggered by a song, a fleeting memory, or even a completely unrelated event. The experience of the unfolding of grief long after a loss might be confusing or disorienting but is actually more common than we would have imagined.

"Grief is not something that happens according to a set timeline," says Dr. Rahul Chandhok, Psychiatrist. The brain sometimes suppresses the pain of loss, prioritizing immediate survival and function, which may delay emotional responses. It is a natural part of how we process profound emotional pain. But while normal, it can be highly unsettling. Nature of Grief and Its Delayed Response

Grief is that universal experience, but it manifests differently in one case than in another. The wave of grief may break immediately for some, overcoming them with emotions at the onset of the loss. For others, however, it may be pent up as they continue managing everyday responsibilities, leaving true emotional response to surface sometime later.

Nishtha Jain, Counseling Psychologist, shares, "The priority of the brain is mostly to deal with the survival aspects of life—be it work, family, or other pressing concerns.".

Thus, it may put off the emotional pain until the person feels safer or more stable, and then grief comes rushing back. It is often a coping mechanism to delay the emotional response so that individuals can deal with immediate tasks while avoiding deeper work with emotions that grief requires. The reality of delayed grief means that many people may experience their most intense emotions long after they expect it.

For instance, a familiar song or some other event unrelated to the loss can trigger a person and make them feel the weight of sorrow they thought they had processed. This response can sometimes feel foreign, even startling, especially if the loss occurred years ago.

Impact of Delayed Grief

While the psychological, physical, and emotional weight of experiencing delayed grief is a part of the human experience, it doesn't make it any less difficult to live with.

Grief postponed tends to materialize in sudden outbursts of emotions, an everlasting sense of sadness, or wave surges triggered by completely unrelated events. Says Dr. Chandhok, "When grief is delayed, it is a sign that the emotions are not allowed to settle down and have a right to be expressed. The body and mind are finding it tough to deal with the situation and thus the result appears as fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, and more.

This delayed grief sometimes leaves the individual with feelings of isolation. Such a person feels that no one around him or her will understand his or her grief, particularly if the loss occurred several years ago. People around them may not connect with the delayed emotions or may not even recognize that the grief has resurfaced. That feeling of not being understood often intensifies the feelings of loneliness and desperation.

Nishtha Jain adds, "Delayed grief can also prompt other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression since the person cannot integrate the unprocessed emotions. Sometimes, the brain and body cannot differentiate between emotional and physical stress, which is why unresolved grief can have such a profound impact on one's overall well-being."

Acknowledging and Validating Emotions Helps Heal

Although delayed grief can be confusing, it is important to note that it is a natural and valid part of the healing process.

It's a sign that emotions, long buried or suppressed, are now being acknowledged and processed. As Dr. Chandhok explains, "It's important to allow yourself to feel the emotions that surface, no matter how long after the event they arise.". The body and mind are working in efforts to integrate the loss into the person's life story, and only in that way can healing start happening when we allow full presence of grief.

Healing from delayed grief is not a straight line, and it may take quite some time. It will be necessary to have love from family members or help from professionals. For some people, just talking to that special friend or family member they can trust will be comfortable. For others, going to see a therapist or counselor can provide a structured space.

Give yourself the grace to process grief on your own timeline," Jain advises. "Grief isn't something that should be rushed or forced. It's a deeply personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

Embracing the delayed response is even one aspect of healing. When a person experiences grief, they are actually able to embrace that pain in a way that becomes part of the greater narrative of recovery and growth. Instead of avoiding it or ignoring it, being honest with oneself about delayed grief opens people up for complete healing and moving on to further self-discovery.

Grief, in all its forms, does not run on a schedule. The delayed grief is just as valid as the immediate outpouring of emotions related to loss. It is a very human experience, one that warrants compassion, understanding, and patience. Whether it is immediate or years later, it is all part of the emotional healing process.

As Dr. Chandhok concludes, "Remember, it's never too late to feel, to seek help, or to heal. Grief has its own timeline, and the most important thing is to honor it—whenever it comes."

Dr. Rahul Chandhok is Head Psychiatrist, Head Consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science at Artemis Hospitals and Nishtha Jain is a Counselling Psychologist with a Mental Health Platform- LISSUN.

Concern regarding pollution and how it affects our health is a worry that affects many of us worldwide. As years pass on by, the pollution levels are also increasing, and so is our mortality risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that exposure to air pollution is strongly linked with stroke, ischaemic heart disease, lung diseases etc. However, these are not the only things you must worry about when it comes to air pollution exposure. A new study shows that it could also affect the way our brain functions.

A study from Italy, published in a science journal called iScience, found a really important clue in our genes. It seems that when we breathe in polluted air, it can actually change how our genes work in the brain. Think of it like flipping a switch that creates the perfect conditions for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to start growing.

Early Warning Signs and High-Risk Groups

The researchers saw some worrying changes even in young adults. Their brain tissue showed signs of DNA damage that looked a lot like what you'd see in someone with Alzheimer's – but decades before they would normally be diagnosed. This is a huge red flag.

Certain jobs also put people at a higher risk. If you're a miner, factory worker, or driver, you're exposed to more polluted air. Even people who work with plastics face a hidden danger from tiny particles called nanoparticles that can get into their brains.

But here's some good news: this discovery could mean doctors can check for these changes without needing to do anything invasive, like surgery. They might be able to test for something called extracellular vesicles. These are like tiny packages that carry material from damaged brain cells. So, if we can test for these packages, it could give us an early warning sign from the brain itself.

Understanding the Complexities and Taking Precautions

It's clear that being generally unhealthy and breathing polluted air from a young age can increase your risk of these brain conditions. However, we still need a lot more research to fully understand how everything is connected. Experts from News Medical have pointed out that studying air pollution is tricky because the air we breathe in the real world is a mix of many different pollutants.

To help protect yourself on days when pollution levels are high, organizations like Asthma + Lung UK suggest some simple steps:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid exercising outside, especially vigorous activity.
• If you're walking, try to stay away from busy roads with heavy traffic.
• Keep your car windows closed when driving in traffic.
• If you do want to be active outdoors, try to do it earlier in the day, as the air tends to be cleaner then.

Looking Ahead: Prevention and Policy

There's a big call for more research to understand how air pollution affects younger people and other parts of our brain's thinking abilities. The results of this research could lead to exciting new ways to prevent these diseases. It could also push for better safety rules in workplaces, stricter environmental standards to clean up our air, and even new laws to protect public health from air pollution.

In recent years, weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have become extremely popular worldwide, promising quick and dramatic weight loss. Nevertheless, even though these medications bring much-needed hope to many who have issues with obesity and diabetes, the journey is normally not without difficult side effects. A 27-year-old British woman named Bethany Diana has spoken openly about her life-changing though tough journey when she lost 84 pounds in nine months on Mounjaro, highlighting the usually unspoken negative aspects of this weight loss medication.

Bethany's tale is inspiring. She lost six stone (84 pounds) and transformed from a size 18 to an eight, a change of body that has obviously increased her self-esteem and general well-being. On her TikTok handle (@bethanydianax), where she has gained over 75,000 likes, she gives her journey publicly, hoping to motivate people. Bethany says she is "such a better version" of herself after losing six stone (84 pounds).

Mounjaro's weight loss effects are documented. The drug, initially created to control type 2 diabetes, functions by imitating hormones that control hunger and blood sugar. Patients will usually feel fuller for a longer time, which, understandably, results in eating less and, as a consequence, weight loss. The NHS does caution, however, that Mounjaro is only to be prescribed to diabetes and certain specific medical needs patients, and that off-label usage to aid weight loss is cautioned against.

The Unpleasant Side Effects No One Talks About

Even in success, Bethany did not hold back from sharing the less glitzy details of her weight loss process. In a viral TikTok video that received over 100,000 views, she enumerated the side effects she had:

• Diarrhea, a typical gastrointestinal issue.
• Bad breath, one of the lesser-known but unpleasant symptoms.
• Hair loss, which she suffered but did not elaborate on at length.
• "Sulphur burps" – rotten egg-smelling burps caused by hydrogen sulfide gas within the gut.
• Constipation, nausea, heartburn, wind, and acid reflux.

Bethany's honesty provides a vital insight into the drug's effect other than weight loss figures, acknowledging that the journey to change can be painful and even traumatic.

One of the very noticeable grievances Bethany recounted was that "Mounjaro stole my booty." This expression summarizes a grievance often expressed by users of weight reduction pills — sagging or loss of volume in the buttocks and other places caused by rapid fat loss.

Quick weight loss can cause flabby skin and body reshaping that others will not find attractive or easy to accept. Though Bethany recognizes the transformation, she weighs it against her overall experience and confirms that her side effects were "temporary" but the weight loss was "for life."

Bethany's honesty resonated on social media. Several viewers posted their own side effects, corroborating her experience and generating a community conversation about the drug's impact:

One viewer wrote, "It's the sulphur burps and nausea I find hardest, especially when barely eating." Another confessed, "I had bad breath too, didn't know it was due to the injection." Others described milder effects such as constipation.

Though Bethany's tale comes to a positive end despite the side effects, note must be taken of the safety issues that accompany weight loss and diabetes shots such as Mounjaro and Ozempic. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has noted more than 80 fatalities attributed to these drugs since they began more extensive use, with 22 deaths that directly involve tirzepatide.

A notably sad example is that of Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old Lanarkshire nurse, who passed away from multiple organ failure and pancreatitis after receiving only two low-dose injections of tirzepatide. Her death was the first to be recorded with this drug as a contributory factor on a death certificate, leading to increased vigilance.

The NHS has since released clear messages cautioning patients never to take anti-obesity drugs without a prescription and under medical guidance, highlighting the risks of unmonitored usage.

Bethany's tale summarizes the promise and the dangers of weight loss injections such as Mounjaro. The medication provides a powerful tool for shedding pounds, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity-related complications. But it also comes with a range of side effects — from transient gastrointestinal upset to more serious health threats.

Individuals who contemplate such medications should speak to healthcare providers, carefully consider pros and cons, and be on guard for side effects. Weight loss is a personal, multifaceted experience, and an approach that benefits one may not appeal to another.

The rapid rise of Mounjaro and other drugs signals a shift in how obesity and diabetes are managed with pharmacology paired with lifestyle modification. Further studies are required to learn more about long-term consequences, achieve optimal dosing, and create safer protocols.

Showering is a regular and important part of our routine. While some people may not be in the habit of daily showers, it is a cherished part of routine, for which people like taking our dedicated time. Not only do you get time to decompress, but you are also ensuring you do not carry harmful germs or dirt from outside, and cause health issues for yourself or others at home.

Showers are a fundamental part of our daily hygiene routine. For many, it's a cherished ritual, a moment of peace, or a boost to start the day. Because of this, people have very strong preferences when it comes to their shower habits. Some people like cold and short showers, while others prefer hot and long showers. However, is taking hot showers safe for your health?

Many enjoy taking hot showers, often finding them relaxing. The temperature of the water is a big part of this personal preference. Some people swear by taking cold showers, believing they offer benefits like boosting energy and improving circulation. On the other hand, a large number of people prefer steamy hot showers, finding the warmth soothing and relaxing for tired muscles.

However, Dr Maddahali has pointed out something concerning here. Dr Max Maddahali, MD, has shared how long and hot showers may not be the best idea for your health on TikTok.

Liking hot showers is not essentially a bad thing, however, while a scorching hot shower might feel amazing in the moment, doctors warn that water that's too hot can actually be bad for your health.

Downside of Hot Showers

According to Dr Max, very hot water can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin moist, leading to dryness. It can also make the blood vessels under your skin expand, causing redness and irritation. Beyond skin issues, too hot water can damage your hair. There's also a risk that if you take long, hot showers, your blood pressure might drop, making you feel dizzy or even faint. Some people have shared experiences of passing out due to very hot showers.

Impact on Your Health

Taking showers that are too hot can also weaken your immune system. This means your body might be less able to fight off illnesses. Additionally, hot water can make your body temperature rise too much, potentially leading to dizziness or even heat stroke. Similarly, very cold showers can also make your body temperature drop too much, causing dizziness and slowing your breathing. It's important to pay attention to how you feel while showering.

The Ideal Shower Temperature

Experts suggest that the best shower temperature for your skin is lukewarm or cooler, ideally between 37°C and 38°C (about 98.6°F to 100.4°F). This helps protect your skin's natural oils. If you have sensitive skin, not just the temperature but also the shower spray settings can affect your experience. For colored hair, hot water can make the color fade faster.

The key is to use a moderate temperature as much as possible to keep your skin, hair, and overall health in good shape.