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Bird Photography and Mental Health

 Bird photography is finding birds, being as close as possible to them, clicking intelligent picture of them, identifying the name of the bird, and reporting/publishing them. Bird photography engages oneself with nature, it is a good leisure-time activity, and above all it is cathartic.

Study the PDF below (for academic use only)

Bird photography and mental health PDF

A mental health disorder is characterised by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour.

I am not a huge fan of lawn tennis but what happened at the French Open in 2021, in these postmodern times of liberty and individual freedom, troubled me. Naomi Osaka, the reigning world no. 2, had to leave the tournament because she was not able to have media interactions after the matches ended, or should we say that in Grand Slam, like in any popularity and profit driven businesses, matches don’t end with the last match point. Post match press conferences have its monitory importance. The media popularity of the game definitely helps the sport, and consequently everyone connected with it. I am no one to make a comment on it. What came to the limelight here is the reality of mental health.

Naomi Osaka was long fighting mental health issues. She suffers from social anxiety. She even used to have earphones plugged into her ears to reduce the impact of social inter- actions around her. It was made known to the authorities. Neither the authorities nor the media cared a hoot about it; and it frustrated her and thwarted her career. Mental illnesses need the respect it requires.

Mental Health Issues Are Normal

Mental health issues are as normal as bodily health issues. Mental illness creates disabilities. As there is growing awareness about physical disabilities, we must also grow aware of mental illnesses and subsequent social and functional disabilities. The Norwegian Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, was fighting depression during his very first year (1997–98) in office. He took a few weeks leave and returned recuperated. His country stood by him. He completed his term and went on to serve a second term as the Prime Minister. It is not surprising that Norway stands first in the Happiness Index. The rest of the world must learn from Norway. We must respond with greater empathy towards mental illnesses; must replace stigma with solidarity. That would need time, and a lot more conversations.

Bird photography and mental health
Birding at Neora Valley National Park

Doses of birding keep mental illness away.

  1. Birding keeps one physically active. Going for a walk might be boring, but going for a walk to look for birds gives you a focus and a reason to keep going.
  2. Birding is for all. Outdoor recreational activities (such as hiking, canoeing or cross-country skiing) are associated with feelings of wellbeing, including life satisfaction. But all can’t do these. Biding has no age, economic, and educational bars.
  3. Birding shifts ones focus to something that is leisure and non-judgmental, yet has professional benefits.
  4. Birding is never repetitive. To keep our brains healthy we need to keep learning new things (Alzheimer’s Association).
  5. Birding develops mindfulness. Watching out for birds, and listening to their calls is a mindful activity. It presses the ‘pause button’ on painful feelings and thoughts.
  6. Birding provides moments of awe. Awe can decrease stress levels, increase generosity and kindness, and make us feel elated.
  7. Birding creates motivation to travel far and wide.
  8. Birding creates networks. Strong network of friends will help you to stay happy and healthy.

If you are struggling with metal health issues, TRY BIRDING.

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