Inner Child’ is Health and Me's new mental health series where we deep dive into lesser-known aspects of child psychology and how it shapes you as you grow up. Often unheard, mistaken, and misunderstood, in this series we talk about the children’s perspective and their mental health, something different than you might have read in your parenting books. After all, parenting is not just about teaching but also unlearning.

Growing up, we would always compare the way our parents behaved in comparison to others’. “My mum lets me get home late if I let her know where I am” or “I can’t even stay outside past 8 pm, even if it is for schoolwork”. These things were common, and we often used to bring these up to get our parents to be more lenient. As kids, these rules and regulations seemed harsh and no amount to freedom could trump over the control our parents had over our lives. However, as we have grown into adulthood, we have understood how important that ‘control’ was and how it was actually more of guidance than control.

But when does this control become too much? Is there a cap on how much influence a parent should have on their child? While you may believe that you are helping and protecting your child, are you actually sabotaging your child from living an independent and self-sufficient life?

Speaking to specialists and experts, Heathandme does a deep dive into a child’s psychology and the future impact of the shackles parents place on their children from living a fulfilling life. We spoke to Dr. Pretty Duggar Gupta, a psychiatrist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Dr. Rahul Chandhok, Head of Psychiatry at Artemis Lite NFC, and Rima Bhandekar, a senior psychologist from Mpower.

How Much Control Is Too Much Control?

Having that sense of control over their children’s lives is very important for some parents. “Some parents have a hard time letting their kids be free because they are worried about their safety, are afraid of bad influences, or don't know if their child can make the right choices” explains Dr. Chandhok.

Dr. Duggar continues “In many cases, unresolved childhood trauma or societal pressure to raise ‘perfect’ children pushes them to overcorrect every step. They fear that granting autonomy means exposing their child to harm, not realizing that a lack of independence can impair emotional development.” Children are not equipped to make the right decisions, they may have tried thinking things through, but their lack of real-life experience can make it difficult to make the right choices, however, does that justify the complete lack of trust you have in your child?

While understanding this from a parent’s perspective is understandable, one wonders how the children feel about this.

A Child’s Point Of View

Your lack of trust can be the turning point in the view a child holds themselves in. As parents, you are the first teachers, the first friends and sometimes their first bully. The internalized thoughts of ‘I must not be smart enough to do this’ or things similar to these are bound to plague the child. What does it lead to? Over-dependency, lack of critical thinking as well as a sense of detachment, you have effectively ensured your child does not open up to you. Dr. Chandhok explains that when parents have a hard time letting go and keep an iron grip on their children, “Over time, this can make you feel bad about yourself, anxious, and emotionally detached. The person feels like they're being watched, not supported, which makes their brain stress out. They might not learn how to be independent and instead become afraid of making choices or too reliant on other people.”

Even if they do things their own way and the results are better than what they expected, you may not hear about this at all, why? Because the lack of trust you have shown in them, told the child their work will simply not be good enough.

Dr. Bhandekar explains, “Constant supervision can lead to emotional tension in the child. It can lead to low self-confidence, inability to make big decisions, fear of failure, and children hiding their relationships, habits or their stress for fear of punishment by their parents.”

While your protectiveness may save them from a few bad experiences or damaging events, the lack of friction against the grittiness of life, can be detrimental to a child.

Freedom For All, But What Does It Mean?

While we all understand the basics of raising children, the details are left vague ‘to each their own’. Every child is different, hence needing different types of care, but does this apply to how much freedom, or lack thereof, a child should get?

While there may not be a right answer, we can all follow the same logic, Dr Duggar explains, “Freedom is not a blank check; freedom is adaptive boundaries. Freedom for a young adult must include decision-making—selecting a course of study, learning to handle money, navigating interpersonal conflicts—yet also having the safety net of guidance.”

But why do we need to give this guidance? One of the reasons why a young adult’s decision making may not be as good as you want them to be is because their brains are just not developed enough. “The frontal lobe of the brain, which is in charge of making decisions, is still growing at this age. This can make it harder to control impulses and make good decisions. So, freedom should mean being able to make choices every day, manage your time, and learn from your mistakes. Parents should give emotional support and set healthy limits.” said Dr. Chandok.

However, it doesn’t always have just one outcome. Stories of people separating from their parents on account of their over-involvement in their lives are countless. While they may not realize how the lack of boundaries with their parents hurts them, over the years it can cause many things, Dr Duggar explains “it can result in rebellion or emotional withdrawal from the family entirely, leading to a disconnection that could have been prevented with trust and communication.”

One Mistake And You Are Out!

It is not rare for a parent to enforce more rules and become more strict when their children do things wrong. But a question arises, were they wrong, or is it a part of growing up? “A child's feelings and actions can often show that their parents made mistakes about how to act. If a child is anxious, violent, too quiet, or avoids social situations, it could be because they have strict rules, don't get enough support, or feel too much pressure at home.” said Dr. Chandhok. He continues, “A child's brain and feelings are shaped by how they are treated, from a simple psychological point of view. If you keep criticizing or ignoring them, it can hurt their sense of worth and make them more stressed.” Adding to this, Dr Bhandekar said, “Constant worry, control, and questioning from parents can slowly break down a child’s ability to manage themselves. Often parents forget that their response often shapes a child's choices more than the concern itself.”

Space for Mistakes And Allowing To Grow

Hearing what you did, or how you treated your child from their perspective is hard for parents to accept. ‘That is not what I did! You are twisting my words!’ is a common feeling. Whether you are the parent or an observer, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Why did you never speak up?’

However, what’s even more surprising for them is that the signs may have been hidden in plain sight, you were just too caught up to notice them. Dr Bhandekar details that some signs you may have missed could be -

• Not openly sharing their stress with you
• Always trying to be perfect which is hindering their success
• Blaming themselves frequently even for small mistakes
• Seems anxious or upset around you for your expecting more than their limits
• Behaving in a harmful way to avoid conflicts with others.

“They might follow the rules, but only because they're scared, not because they respect or understand them. This can hurt their mental health over time. Real discipline teaches, but extreme control makes your child quiet and keeps them away from you.” Dr Chandhok concludes.

Listen to Them, Not Just For Show

Children have a lot to tell; one just has to understand their communication preferences. Some kids may like talking, others may enjoy showing their feelings through actions. Communication is key to building that confidence and trust some parents lack about their children being able to handle themselves.

Making mistakes, failing and sometimes ending up in immensely difficult situations are all things we have to be prepared for. You do not need to train your children for these, they fail and learn themselves, what you should stress about is your presence, but not in a way that takes away from them, but in a way that adds. ‘When you look back, we’ll be right there’

Just one week before a landmark HIV vaccine trial was set to begin in South Africa, researchers received devastating news: the United States government was withdrawing its funding. The message—abrupt and brief—ordered a halt to all work.

The decision, made under the Trump administration, pulled $46 million in funding for a major research project called BRILLIANT, leaving scientists and healthcare professionals in one of the world’s hardest-hit regions scrambling to keep their work alive. South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of HIV globally, and the clinical trials were seen as a significant opportunity to turn the tide.

A Major Setback for Global HIV Efforts

The research project aimed to develop an HIV vaccine tailored to the region’s unique viral strains and genetic diversity, with hopes of benefiting populations worldwide. Instead, the project has ground to a halt.

According to Associated Press reporting, the funding cut was part of a larger move to reduce U.S. foreign aid, with former President Donald Trump shifting focus to domestic priorities. The Trump administration also cited unfounded claims about the persecution of South Africa's white Afrikaner minority, contributing to the decision to withdraw broader aid.

As a result, USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—which had provided approximately $400 million annually to South Africa—have scaled back significantly. The consequences, experts warn, could be catastrophic not only for South Africa but for global HIV prevention.

Scientists Warn of Long-Term Damage

Dr. Glenda Gray, head of the BRILLIANT program, called the move a severe blow to scientific progress. “We do the trials better, faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the world,” she told AP. “Without South Africa as part of these programs, the world is much poorer.”

South African scientists have long played an essential role in global health research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were pivotal in testing vaccines like Johnson & Johnson and Novavax, and their genomic surveillance identified a major variant of concern. They have also contributed to clinical trials for lenacapavir, the world’s only twice-a-year HIV prevention shot recently approved by the U.S. FDA.

Jobs Lost, Lives Disrupted

At the University of the Witwatersrand, lab technician Nozipho Mlotshwa is one of many researchers whose future is uncertain. Her job, funded through a research grant, now hangs in the balance. “It’s very sad and devastating,” she said. “We’ll also miss out collaborating with other scientists across the continent.”

According to South Africa’s health department, at least 100 HIV researchers have already lost their jobs, and funding for postdoctoral students is at risk. Across the country, 8,000 health workers in the HIV program have been laid off. These include data collectors who monitored patient progress and HIV counselors who worked in remote areas.

Looming Health Crisis

Professor Abdullah Ely, who leads one of the vaccine development teams, said early trial data was promising, showing positive immune responses. But all progress has now stalled. “That momentum has all kind of had to come to a halt,” he said.

The South African government has warned that replacing the lost U.S. funding will be extremely difficult. An umbrella body for the country’s universities, Universities South Africa, has requested over $110 million from the national treasury to sustain vital health research—but even that may not be enough.

A Wider Regional Impact

UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima visited South Africa in June and voiced deep concern over the future of HIV care and research, not only in South Africa but across the continent. Countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Burundi, and Ivory Coast are now trying to increase their own HIV resources.

“But let’s be clear,” she said. “What they are putting down will not be funding in the same way that the American resources were funding.”

Without swift action to replace the lost support, millions of lives could be at risk. The United Nations has warned that if funding gaps aren’t filled, millions may die by 2029 from diseases that could have been prevented.

Diabetes is a huge global problem, causing serious health issues like blindness and heart attacks. Numbers are soaring, with many untreated. According to the World Health Organization, cases soared from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. It causes serious issues like blindness and heart attacks. Many go untreated and the best approach is preventing it by knowing your risk.

Diabetes UK offers a simple online test to help you understand your risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next ten years. This tool not only gives you an idea of your risk but also provides advice on what steps to take next, from continuing your healthy habits to contacting your doctor for more checks.

Understanding Your Risk: Why It Matters

The charity warns that you can have type 2 diabetes for years without even knowing it. More than 3.2 million people in the UK are currently at risk due to their blood sugar levels. To take the test, you need to be over 18 and not pregnant. The test requires some basic information like your waist size, height, and weight to be accurate. This quick, seven-question survey also considers your age, ethnic background, and family health history.

What Your Risk Category Means

The online test places people into one of four risk groups: low, medium, high, or very high. Here's what those categories mean for your chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the next decade:

Very High Risk: You have a 1 in 4 (25%) chance.

High Risk: You have a 1 in 10 (10%) chance.

Medium Risk: You have a 1 in 35 (2.8%) chance.

Low Risk: You have a 1 in 100 (1%) chance.

If you're in the 'very high risk' category, the test will suggest you get a blood test from your GP and ask about support to lower your risk. Diabetes UK can also email your results and advice, including a letter you can show your doctor.

Factors Influencing Your Risk Score

The test considers things you can't control, like your ethnicity, age, and height. However, it also highlights the importance of your waist size and BMI (Body Mass Index) in lowering your risk. For instance:

• A waist size over 110cm automatically adds nine points to your score, putting you in the medium risk category even before other factors are considered.
• A waist size under 90cm adds no points.
• Similarly, a BMI of 35 or higher adds eight points, enough to place you in the medium risk category.
• A BMI below 25 adds no points.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Studies have shown that making changes to your lifestyle can actually halve your risk. Effective ways to prevent it include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your weight if needed.

Experts advise, "It's important to keep checking your risk regularly, especially if anything changes, like if you've put on weight or feel unwell." It's also important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes, especially if you have a higher risk due to your age, ethnic background, or family history. These symptoms include:

• Urinating more often than usual
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling unusually tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Genital thrush (a yeast infection)
• Cuts and wounds that heal slowly
• Blurred vision
• Feeling more hungry than usual

In a landmark move to strengthen global preparedness and response to mosquito-borne illnesses, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever integrated clinical guidelines for the management of arboviral diseases. These include some of the most common and dangerous viruses transmitted by mosquitoes — dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

The guidelines, published earlier this month, aim to provide frontline healthcare workers, hospitals, and policymakers with evidence-based, standardized protocols to treat both mild and severe cases. With arboviral diseases rapidly expanding in reach and impact, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, WHO hopes these clinical tools will help reduce mortality and morbidity rates.

What Are Arboviral Diseases?

Arboviral diseases are viral infections transmitted by arthropods, mainly mosquitoes — especially the Aedes aegypti species. This single vector can carry and transmit multiple viruses at once, which makes controlling outbreaks even more challenging.

According to WHO, over 5.6 billion people — more than half of the global population — are at risk of contracting arboviral infections. These diseases often start with non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain, making accurate diagnosis difficult without laboratory confirmation. However, they can lead to severe complications, including hemorrhage, neurological damage, or organ failure, if left untreated or mismanaged.

Why the Guidelines Are Critical Now

In a statement, WHO underscored the urgency of a unified global response, citing increasing frequency and severity of arbovirus outbreaks, driven by climate change, urbanization, global travel, and weakened public health systems.

“Outbreaks of arboviral diseases are becoming more frequent, widespread, and severe,” said the WHO. “The new clinical guidelines aim to help health workers distinguish between these infections, which often have overlapping symptoms, and manage cases more effectively even when diagnostic tools are scarce.”

In many endemic regions, multiple arboviruses circulate simultaneously, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. This is where the integrated approach — which applies common principles of care across different arboviral diseases — can help streamline responses during outbreaks.

Key Recommendations from WHO

The new WHO guidelines cover clinical care protocols for both non-severe and severe forms of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The recommendations are tailored to help practitioners manage symptoms, avoid harmful treatments, and recognize complications early.

For Non-Severe Cases:

• Use oral fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Treat pain and fever with paracetamol or metamizole.
• Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen.
• Avoid corticosteroids unless symptoms worsen.

For Severe Hospitalized Cases:

• Use crystalloid fluids (not colloids) for IV hydration.
• Monitor capillary refill time and lactate levels to guide fluid resuscitation.
• Apply passive leg raise test to assess shock and fluid responsiveness.
• Avoid corticosteroids and immunoglobulin therapies.
• Do not transfuse platelets unless there is active bleeding, even in patients with low platelet counts.
• In yellow fever-related liver failure, administer intravenous N-acetylcysteine.
• Use experimental drugs like TY014 (monoclonal antibodies) and sofosbuvir for yellow fever only in research settings.

A Step Toward Global Health Security

These new protocols are built on the latest clinical and scientific evidence, and WHO confirmed that they will be updated as new research becomes available. By standardizing treatment across countries, the guidelines are expected to improve patient outcomes and prepare health systems to tackle emerging threats.

As arboviral infections continue to grow in complexity and reach, experts say that timely, consistent, and data-driven care can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy — especially in resource-limited settings.

WHO’s unified approach offers a roadmap for healthcare workers worldwide to navigate the rising tide of mosquito-borne illnesses — and better protect the billions at risk.