Waleed Mahmud Tariq
Stories (30/0)
Why are we more Depressed than Ever?
Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression. — W.H.O I often find myself staring out the window, thinking about the seemingly paradoxical nature of our times. We live in an era of unparalleled connectivity, technological marvels, and endless opportunities, yet more people than ever are grappling with the dark abyss of depression. As someone who has personally walked through the tumultuous waters of major depression and anxiety, I feel compelled to explore this question:
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq2 days ago in Humans
Is Mindfulness Just a Buzzword?
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in our postmodern, hyper-connected world. Even I repeatedly use the word ‘mindful’ in my writings in different contexts. From meditation apps to wellness retreats, the practice promises a path to inner peace amidst the chaos. But what lies beneath the surface of this practice? Are there any scientific principles that make mindfulness more than just a fleeting trend?
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq2 days ago in Humans
Why Can’t I Stop Biting My Nails?
As someone who has battled with major depression and anxiety, I understand the struggle of managing compulsive behaviors like nail-biting. Nail-biting, medically known as onychophagia, is a common yet often misunderstood habit. For many, like me, it is more than a simple bad habit; it is a coping mechanism for underlying anxiety. The compulsive nature of nail-biting can feel uncontrollable and perplexing. In this article, we look into the psychological underpinnings of nail-biting, its connection to anxiety, and explore empirical basis on managing it.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq2 days ago in Humans
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Quality sleep isn’t a luxury but a necessity, essential for our cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical health. Yet, for many of us, securing the rest we need is a nightly struggle. The consequences are critical as insufficient sleep is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline. However, hope is never lost.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
Why We Crave Virtual Validation?
In the age of social media, it seems the gazes of others increasingly co-author our lives. We project our thoughts and experiences onto the screens of countless strangers, seeking validation in the form of likes, comments, and shares. But why do we crave this virtual validation so intensely?
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
A Tale of Success and Emptiness
Danny Rossi woke up alone. Not merely alone in bed but feeling a pervasive emptiness in his entire life. How could this be? he asked himself. Here I am in my new — Fifth Avenue duplex overlooking Central Park. In a minute a butler is going to walk through that door with my breakfast on a silver tray. He’ll also be bringing this morning’s mail, which will contain invitations to at least a dozen parties all over the world. And I suddenly feel unhappy. Unhappy? What a ridiculous thought… Unhappy? There isn’t an orchestra in the world that wouldn’t die to have me as a soloist… So why do I feel worse than I ever did when I was stuck in that lousy little practice room in my parents’ cellar?
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
How Much of your Autonomy are you willing to Give up?
We have always thrived on the new and the now. Trends seem to dictate everything from the clothes we wear to the ideas we share. But why do we follow trends so fervently? What drives us to adopt the latest fads and fashions, often without a second thought? The answer lies in an interdisciplinary examination of psychology, sociology, and evolutionary factors.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq3 days ago in Humans
Why it's Important to get out of our Buckets
Imagine a painter who only uses one color on their palette. While they might create some interesting monochromatic pieces, their work would lack the vibrancy and depth that comes from a full spectrum of colors. Similarly, approaching knowledge through a single discipline is like painting with just one color. It limits our perspective, confines our creativity, and hinders our ability to see the big picture. This is the art of interdisciplinary studies. Leonardo da Vinci, Galilei Galileo, Isaac Newton, Renee Descartes, and so many more great names that we often forget; They were all polymaths. They saw the world as a complete organism where every contribution they made was part of something bigger. More importantly, they did not lose themselves into their own buckets.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq12 days ago in Education
Activists Road-Blocking: Is it Okay?
In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in a particular form of activism where protesters glue themselves to roads, obstructing traffic and causing significant disruptions in daily life. These actions are typically aimed at drawing attention to urgent issues such as climate change, animal rights, or political injustices. This form of protest has sparked considerable debate, raising questions about its effectiveness and ethical implications. Are these disruptive tactics advancing the activists’ causes, or are they merely aggravating the very people they aim to persuade?
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq12 days ago in Humans
Revisiting Sapiens
When I first picked up Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,” I was expecting a straightforward historical account of our species. Yet, what I encountered was a profound exploration of human nature, culture, and society; a book that not only challenged my preconceptions but also inspired deep philosophical reflection. Here is the story of how I approached, grappled with, and ultimately absorbed the transformative ideas in Sapiens.
By Waleed Mahmud Tariq13 days ago in BookClub