It was another long, grueling day at work. As Sandhya sat in traffic, she could feel the frustration bubbling up — not because of the cars lined up in front of her but because every small inconvenience suddenly felt like a monumental task. Her patience was wearing thin, and Sandhya couldn’t shake the feeling of exhaustion, even though I hadn’t physically exerted myself.

If you’ve ever felt emotionally depleted after a day filled with tough decisions, you’re not alone. Mental exhaustion is real, and recent studies are shedding light on how it affects us, especially our interactions with others.

Mental fatigue, or “ego depletion,” is a concept in psychology that suggests our willpower and mental resources are limited. When we spend a lot of time making decisions or exercising self-restraint, these resources get depleted. According to a study by the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca in Italy, exercising self-control can exhaust parts of our brain associated with decision-making and impulse control, causing us to act more impulsively or aggressively when mentally drained.

This phenomenon was tested by researchers who asked participants to engage in mentally demanding tasks. In one setup, some participants watched emotional video clips while trying not to react, while others watched the same clips without any self-control requirements.

Those who held back their emotions showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for decision-making and self-control. This change in brain activity, marked by “delta waves,” is usually observed during sleep, suggesting that parts of their brains were “switching off” due to mental fatigue.

How Mental Fatigue Affects Behavior

After undergoing these tasks, participants were asked to play a game that measured their tendency towards cooperative or aggressive behavior. Remarkably, those who had exerted self-control during the initial tasks were more likely to behave aggressively compared to those who hadn’t. This suggests that mental exhaustion can dampen our ability to engage cooperatively and makes us more susceptible to impulsive or hostile reactions.

As Erica Ordali, the study’s lead author, points out, this has real-world implications. “If you feel mentally exhausted, it might be best to avoid difficult discussions or decision-making until you’re more rested,” she advises. This advice isn’t just for work-related stress — it applies to our personal relationships and everyday interactions, where mental fatigue can lead to misunderstandings or unnecessary conflicts.

Why is Ego Depletion Controversial?

Not everyone in the scientific community agrees with the concept of ego depletion. A 2020 large-scale study with over 3,500 participants found no strong evidence that mental exertion consistently leads to behavioral depletion. Despite this, Ordali’s research offers compelling insights into how mental exhaustion may affect specific brain functions, potentially influencing our behavior in measurable ways.

Coping with Mental Exhaustion

Given the potential impact of mental fatigue on behavior, taking breaks and allowing your brain to recharge becomes essential. Here are a few practical ways to manage mental exhaustion:

1. Breaks help replenish mental energy, especially after challenging tasks. Short walks, stretching, or even a few minutes of deep breathing can make a significant difference.

2. Avoid decision overload by delegating less important choices. Reserve your mental resources for what truly matters.

3. Techniques like meditation and mindfulness help restore focus, enabling better impulse control even when tired.

4. Juggling multiple tasks depletes mental resources faster. Try focusing on one task at a time, and you'll preserve more mental energy.

5. Be mindful of your mental state before making important decisions or having critical conversations. Sometimes, waiting until you’re rested can lead to better outcomes.

Headache? Take a painkiller. Joint pain? Take another. For all of us, over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are as much a part of daily life as a morning cup of coffee. They're fast, efficient, and appear harmless—who needs a prescription, anyway? But what if this blase dependence on painkillers is actually laying the groundwork for a much more devastating health emergency?

If that's your daily mantra, don't worry, you're in good company. In the age of instant gratification, all of us are turning to over-the-counter pain relievers as a quick fix for even mild pain. But what if this ostensibly innocuous habit is silently threatening your kidneys with a major health problem?

Painkillers, or analgesics, are usually a lifeline for individuals with chronic or severe pain. From recovery from surgery and migraines to arthritis and menstrual cramps, these drugs offer relief that ensures our quality of life is not drastically reduced. But beneath the pain relief lies a surprising question: whether the overuse of these drugs may exact too high a price-kidney damage and even kidney cancer.

Dr. Aditya Punamiya, a GI, HPB, and Gynecologic Oncosurgery Consultant, cautions, "The long-term and uncontrolled use of over-the-counter painkillers is emerging as an under-diagnosed but serious risk factor for kidney cancer." Dr Punamiya observations reveal an alarming pattern, numerous patients self-medicate for chronic pains—headaches, joint pains, or back pain—unaware of the additive damage to the kidneys.

Why We Turn to Painkillers So Easily?

Pain is a biological alarm system. Helpful in warning us of injury or sickness, chronic pain can strongly interfere with our functioning on a daily basis. To counter this, painkillers provide a feeling of control and comfort. For acute on-demand pain and chronic inflammatory diseases, drugs like NSAIDs and acetaminophen are not only handy but effective as well.

Sadly, the very ease of use of these drugs has led to their misuse. Painkillers are increasingly being consumed without medical supervision, particularly in nations such as India where OTC availability is prevalent but even within well-regulated economies such as the U.S., long-term use has become an undercurrent of an epidemic.

What Are The Types of Painkillers?

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Good for fever and light pain, but hepatotoxicity is a serious issue above moderate doses.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Contains ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. These are useful for pain that is inflammation-related but have gastrointestinal and renal toxicity with long-term use.

Prescription Painkillers

Opioids (Tramadol, Morphine, Oxycodone): For severe pain only but pose the risk of respiratory depression, addiction, and endocrine disruption.

Topical and Alternative Therapies

Topical creams and patches containing drugs such as menthol or capsaicin are localized treatments with fewer systemic hazards.

How Do these Drugs Harm the Kidneys?

How do such drugs damage the kidneys? Dr. Punamiya clarifies, "Drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen, if taken in excess, can harm the kidneys in two ways. One, they weaken the kidneys' function to filter blood by cutting off blood supply. Two, they cause chronic interstitial nephritis over time, scarring kidney tissues." This scarring provides a fertile ground for RCC to grow.

The kidneys, essential organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, are especially susceptible to chronic exposure to NSAIDs and acetaminophen. Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and, in severe cases, kidney failure can result from excessive use of these compounds. The transition to kidney cancer is not as sudden but equally alarming, since the cumulative insult changes cellular mechanisms, possibly initiating malignant growth.

A landmark meta-analysis by Toni K Choueiri, Youjin Je, and Eunyoung Cho has again highlighted the relationship between chronic painkiller use and renal cell carcinoma (RCC)—the leading form of kidney cancer.

Non-Aspirin NSAIDs: Chronic use was linked to a 25% enhancement in the risk of RCC. Heavy consumption increased that threat by 56%, long-term consumption for more than 10 years especially concerning for women.

Acetaminophen: Associated with a 21% heightened risk of kidney cancer. Heavy users who took high doses saw their risk rise by 66%.

Aspirin: While most U.S.-based research found no conclusive link, some research from other countries suggested a connection, possibly due to regional variation in formulation or consumption habits.

Why Kidney Cancer Is a Silent Threat?

Kidney cancer is especially stealthy since it usually presents late without any symptoms. "Flank pain, hematuria and weight loss are typically late presentations," states Dr. Punamiya. For patients such as Sarah, who might have been taking painkillers for years, these signs may only manifest by the time cancer has metastasized, and so treatment is less effective.

Risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity increase the risk, particularly in individuals with previous long-term analgesic use. Women also have an increased risk with non-aspirin NSAIDs, possibly because of hormonal or metabolic variation, although further work is required to explain this difference. He describes two principal mechanisms:

Decreased Renal Blood Flow: NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins, decreasing kidney blood flow and compromising kidney filtration capability.

Chronic Interstitial Nephritis: Long-term NSAID use leads to fibrosis and inflammation of kidney tissue, setting the stage for RCC.

"Most patients self-treat for headaches or joint pain without knowing they're gradually driving their kidneys towards failure," he adds.

Why Early Detection Of Kidney Cancer Symptoms is Difficult?

Kidney cancer is infamous for its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. By the time symptoms such as pain in the flank, hematuria (urine containing blood), or unexplained weight loss appear, the disease is usually advanced. Patients with pre-existing risk factors—such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes—and with a history of analgesic abuse are particularly susceptible.

Dr. Punamiya advises individuals to consult a doctor for ongoing pain rather than resorting to self-medication. "Routine screening and preventive caution are necessary, especially for vulnerable groups," he points out.

What Are Ways You Can Manage Pain Management Smartly?

Not every use of painkillers is risky. "Short-term, doctor-monitored use is generally safe," says Dr. Punamiya. The trick is not entering into uncontrolled, long-term use. Here's how to handle pain more safely:

Consult a Healthcare Provider

For long-term pain, consult a professional to treat the underlying condition, whether arthritis, neuropathy, or migraines. A customized treatment plan can minimize painkiller dependency.

Try Non-Drug Options

Physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can treat chronic pain without medication risks. For sudden pain, ice, heat, or rest may be enough.

Use Painkillers Wisely

Follow instructions on dosing and avoid prolonged use outside of medical guidance. For NSAIDs, eat food when taking to reduce stomach discomfort, and drink enough fluids to aid kidney function.

Take Precautions

Encourage regular health screening for early detection of kidney problems, particularly among high-risk groups. Dr. Punamiya urges "preventive vigilance" with follow-up visits and attention to early signs such as blood in the urine or recurrent flank pain.

Lifestyle Matters

A balanced diet, exercise, and weight control can cut pain from conditions such as arthritis while reducing kidney cancer risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure.

There may be the temptation to cover up pain instead of comprehending its cause but swallowing a pill with a glass of water can be an instant solution that might come at a price of long-term health. The growing body of evidence linking commonly used painkillers to kidney cancer is a call for informed, cautious use. As more people take their health into their own hands, the importance of education, medical guidance, and moderation cannot be overstated.

When we talk about men’s health, prostate care rarely enters the conversation before the age of 50 but waiting that long might mean missing early signs of dysfunction. According to leading health experts, the prostate—a walnut-sized gland central to male reproductive health—starts undergoing subtle changes as early as your 30s. While issues like prostate enlargement and cancer are more commonly diagnosed later in life, the foundation for lifelong prostate health is laid much earlier.

So why should men under 35 be concerned? Because learning, know-how, and making a few sensible health decisions today might avoid chronic issues tomorrow.

Your prostate gland is tiny, yet its function in a man's reproductive system is important. It lies beneath the bladder and encases the urethra, the tube that carries urine as well as semen. The major functions of the prostate are:

Producing Prostatic Fluid: It is a significant fraction of semen. Prostatic fluid holds enzymes, zinc, citric acid, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), keeping the sperm alive by thinning the semen.

Regulating Urine Flow during Ejaculation: During orgasm, the prostate tightens to avoid urine entering into the semen and to facilitate ejaculation smoothly.

Regulating Hormones: Within the prostate, there is an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone affects male secondary sex characteristics such as body hair and deepening voice but also has a major role in the growth of the prostate.

Learning about these processes is key to knowing when things may be headed in the wrong direction—and that includes being able to tell different sorts of prostate disorders apart.

Prostate Enlargement vs. Prostate Cancer: What's the Difference?

One of the most prevalent misconceptions among younger men is mixing up benign prostate enlargement with prostate cancer. Dr. Sridhar Reddy Baddam, Senior Consultant Vascular and Oncointerventions at Hyderabad-based Apollo Hospital, says, "One of the key things that young men should know is the distinction between prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous, benign enlargement that usually starts developing post-30–35 years.". It can lead to symptoms like frequent urination or difficulty starting the stream, but it’s not life-threatening.”

Prostate cancer, by contrast, is a malignant growth that often shows no signs in its early stages, which makes regular screenings vital—especially if you have a family history of the condition.

The signs can overlap," continues Dr. Baddam, "which is why prevention and early detection are so important. If either condition is caught early, there are more treatment options and better results."

What is the Hormonal Connection?

Hormones, specifically testosterone, bear a profound relationship with prostate health—but not necessarily one men suspect. Dr. Virender K Sheorain, Associate Director, Medanta - The Medicity, describes the nuance, "There's widespread confusion about testosterone and prostate health. Testosterone per se is not the issue; it's how the body metabolizes it. When it metabolizes into DHT, it can affect prostate growth. That's why hormonal balance is crucial."

Men in their 30s should have hormone levels regularly checked, particularly if they're finding it hard to urinate or have decreased libido. The best part? Treatment has improved.

"One of those methods is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), which lowers the prostate's blood supply and causes it to shrink over time," explains Dr. Sheorain. "It's a non-surgical treatment that provides symptom relief without much downtime."

Can Exercise Prevent Prostate Issues?

At your 30s, prostate health is perhaps still a distant issue—but the habits you form at this stage are important. Dr. Mousam Dey, Senior Intervention Radiologist, Fortis Hospital Kolkata, points out the increased awareness among young men, "Men in their early 30s are more becoming aware of prostate health, and that's a positive change.". Daily exercise aids in hormone regulation, the reduction of inflammation, and weight control, all of which are connected to a decreased chance of developing BPH as well as prostate cancer.

Exercise, particularly strength training and aerobics, has been associated with lower PSA levels and decreased risk of prostate issues. Inactivity, conversely, can cause hormonal disruptions that speed prostate enlargement.

Early Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

The majority of prostate disorders start insidiously. However, as the gland enlarges (either through benign hypertrophy or malignancy), symptoms can start to develop. Men under age 35 should be aware of:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Trouble initiating or stopping the stream
• A weakened or interrupted urinary stream
• Painful ejaculation
• Hematuria or hematospermia

Although these symptoms do not necessarily signify cancer, they are worth bringing up with a urologist for early screening and prevention.

How Small Habits Support Long-Term Protection?

So what can men younger than 35 do to safeguard their prostate health today? Use this as your fundamental guide:

• Shoot for at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
• Add zinc-fortified foods (such as pumpkin seeds and seafood), healthy fats, and antioxidants such as lycopene (in tomatoes).
• If you have a family history, begin PSA screenings earlier—sometimes as early as age 35.
• Stress affects hormones and the immune system, both of which influence prostate function.
• Do not smoke and avoid excessive alcohol use since both are associated with worse prostate results and increased cancer risks.

The prostate can't take center stage in the same way as the heart or brain in early adulthood, but neglecting it until midlife will cost you your long-term well-being. Today's 30-something man is juggling career, family, and health aspirations—and that means staying one step ahead of avoidable diseases such as BPH and prostate cancer. As Dr. Baddam points out, "Awareness in your 30s isn't premature—it's proactive.

Start small. Think big. And remember: Prostate health isn't about age—it's about taking responsibility for your health journey early.

It is not unknown that people worldwide are struggling with mental health issues. However, the more number of cases is a result of more people reaching out for help. However, Australia's data show something concerning, teens, especially girls are struggling.

As per a recent national survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found nearly 2 in 5, which makes it 38.8% of individuals, between the age of 16 to 24 years old experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.

This has been higher than the last survey which was conducted in 2007. Back then, the number was at 26%.

Another recent study published in Science Direct, titled: All things being equal? Longitudinal patterns of mental disorder symptoms and associations with key social determinants in a large cohort of Australian adolescents, revealed that mental health problems were especially higher in Australian high school students. It was found that 1 in 4 high school students had mental health problems by Year 10. The study also pointed that it was severe among girls.

Tracking Teen's Mental Health

The study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health has revealed a steady and concerning rise in mental health symptoms among Australian teenagers, particularly among girls and gender diverse youth. The research tracked more than 6,500 students from 71 schools across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia from Year 7 (ages 12–13) to Year 10 (ages 15–16).

Mental health problems rising with age

Researchers found a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress over the four years:

• Depression: 17% of students met the threshold for probable depression in Year 7, rising to 28% by Year 10.

• Psychological distress: A similar trend was observed, with 14% of students reporting high distress in Year 7, increasing to 24% by Year 10.

• Anxiety: The proportion of students experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety grew from 16% to 24% across the same period.

Girls and gender diverse teens most affected

The study found that certain groups were disproportionately affected by poor mental health outcomes. Girls and gender diverse teens not only began with higher symptom levels in Year 7 but also saw a steeper increase in distress over time.

By Year 10:

Girls had 88% higher depression, 34% higher anxiety, and 55% higher psychological distress than boys.

Gender diverse teens had 121% higher depression, 55% higher anxiety, and 89% higher distress than their male peers.

The study also highlighted the cumulative effect of gender and socio-economic disadvantage. Girls from the least affluent families experienced especially high levels of depression and anxiety—beyond what would be expected from either factor alone.

Family income and school advantage also matter

Teens from less affluent families showed a 7% higher rate of depressive symptoms than those from wealthier households. Meanwhile, students attending schools in lower socio-economic areas reported 9% higher anxiety than those at more advantaged schools.

Broader context and comparison with past data

The findings reflect a growing global concern. Although recent national-level data is limited, a 2015 Australian study (Young Minds Matter) reported 14.4% of 12- to 17-year-olds had a mental disorder. The higher rates in the current study suggest a worsening trend across generations—a phenomenon also noted in international research.

While the exact causes are still being explored, contributing factors likely include social media use, climate anxiety, academic pressure, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the gender gap in mental health is not unique to Australia but part of a wider global pattern.

Addressing the gender mental health divide

Reducing gender inequities in mental health requires a multilayered and systemic approach. Research points to multiple underlying causes for poorer mental health among girls and gender diverse teens, including:

• Gender-based violence
• Pressure from unrealistic beauty standards
• Hormonal changes and menstruation
• Differences in family dynamics and social expectations

Lifestyle factors such as screen time and diet

While some of these issues are recognized in the National Women’s Health Strategy, meaningful investment and policy action are still needed. Moreover, solutions must also prioritize gender diverse teens, who face even starker disparities.

Designing support with teens, not just for them

Experts stress the importance of co-designing mental health strategies with young people, especially those from priority groups like girls, gender diverse individuals, and economically disadvantaged teens. Creating culturally safe, inclusive, and affirming support systems is key to helping teens feel understood and empowered—and improving their mental health outcomes in the long run.