Mastering the Balance: Emotional Regulation & Emotional Dysregulation

on Aug 10, 2023 6:30:00 PM

In the intricate landscape of human emotions, the ability to navigate our feelings is a skill that profoundly influences our mental and emotional well-being. Like a conductor orchestrating a symphony, emotional regulation dictates how we perceive, process, and respond to the kaleidoscope of emotions that color our lives. However, just as a discordant note can disrupt the harmony of a melody, the absence of effective emotional regulation can lead to emotional dysregulation – a state in which emotions spiral out of control, wreaking havoc on our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.

The interplay between emotional regulation and emotional dysregulation is a topic of increasing interest among psychologists, researchers, and individuals seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence. By unraveling the threads that weave these concepts together, we aim to shed light on the importance of fostering emotional regulation skills while deciphering the consequences that arise when emotional dysregulation takes hold.

Defining Emotional Regulation and Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional Regulation:

Emotional regulation refers to the intricate process by which individuals manage, modulate, and adapt their emotional responses in order to achieve psychological well-being and social functioning. It involves the ability to recognize, experience, and express emotions in a controlled and constructive manner. A person skilled in emotional regulation can navigate the ebb and flow of feelings, adjusting their reactions to different situations and contexts. Successful emotional regulation fosters emotional resilience, enabling individuals to effectively cope with stress, maintain healthy relationships, and make thoughtful decisions.

Emotional Dysregulation:

Conversely, emotional dysregulation manifests when the finely tuned balance of emotional regulation falters, resulting in a disruption of emotional equilibrium. It is characterized by difficulty in managing or controlling emotional reactions, leading to intense, unpredictable, and often overwhelming feelings. Emotional dysregulation can manifest as exaggerated emotional responses, impulsive behaviors, and difficulties in processing emotions. Individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation may find themselves unable to adapt their emotional responses to fit the demands of various situations, which can negatively impact their mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

In essence, emotional regulation represents a skillful dance with emotions, while emotional dysregulation signifies a discordant and tumultuous struggle, highlighting the critical importance of understanding and cultivating emotional regulation skills for overall well-being.

The Importance of Emotional Diversity

Human emotions constitute a rich tapestry of experiences, each thread woven into the intricate fabric of our psychological landscape. The concept of emotional diversity underscores the significance of embracing the full spectrum of feelings, from joy and contentment to sadness and anger. While society often places a premium on positive emotions, it is crucial to recognize that the entirety of our emotional palette plays a vital role in shaping our perceptions, interactions, and personal growth.

Adaptive Functions of Emotions:

Emotions serve as adaptive signals that guide our responses to the world around us. For instance, fear can trigger the "fight or flight" response, ensuring our survival in threatening situations. Likewise, sadness can prompt reflection and introspection, leading to personal growth and problem-solving. By acknowledging and understanding the purpose of each emotion, we can harness their collective power to navigate life's challenges effectively.

Enhanced Self-Awareness:

Embracing emotional diversity fosters heightened self-awareness, allowing us to recognize our emotional states and triggers. This self-awareness empowers us to make conscious choices in our reactions, enabling more thoughtful and measured responses to various situations. In turn, this self-awareness strengthens emotional regulation, reducing the likelihood of emotional dysregulation.

Deeper Interpersonal Connections:

Sharing a wide range of emotions with others enhances our ability to connect on a profound level. The authenticity of expressing both positive and negative emotions fosters empathy and understanding in relationships. It creates an environment where individuals feel safe to share their vulnerabilities, leading to more meaningful connections and stronger social bonds.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity:

Emotional diversity plays a pivotal role in building resilience. By experiencing and navigating a variety of emotions, we develop coping mechanisms that enable us to bounce back from setbacks. The ability to acknowledge and work through difficult emotions equips us with the tools needed to persevere through challenges, ultimately contributing to our psychological and emotional well-being.

Creativity and Problem-Solving:

Embracing emotional diversity fuels creativity and innovative thinking. Different emotions often lead to distinct perspectives and insights, allowing us to approach problems from various angles. This multidimensional approach can lead to more effective problem-solving and the development of novel solutions.

The importance of emotional diversity lies in its capacity to enrich our lives, enhance our self-awareness, and strengthen our connections with others. By acknowledging and valuing the entire spectrum of human emotions, we unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves and our interactions with the world, ultimately leading to greater emotional intelligence and a more fulfilling life journey.

Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Regulation and Emotional Dysregulation

Understanding the signs and symptoms of emotional regulation and emotional dysregulation is essential for recognizing and addressing imbalances in our emotional well-being. These indicators provide valuable insights into how our emotions are functioning and whether we are effectively navigating the complex landscape of our feelings.

Emotional Regulation:

Balanced Responses:

Individuals with effective emotional regulation demonstrate the ability to respond proportionately to different emotional triggers. They can experience a range of emotions without becoming overwhelmed or allowing their feelings to dictate their actions.

Adaptive Coping:

Emotionally regulated individuals employ adaptive coping strategies to manage stress and challenges. They may engage in activities such as exercise, mindfulness, or seeking social support, which help them maintain equilibrium during difficult times.

Empathy and Understanding:

People skilled in emotional regulation often exhibit a high level of empathy and understanding towards others' emotions. They can relate to different perspectives and offer support without getting entangled in their own emotional responses.

Effective Communication:

Emotional regulation contributes to clear and effective communication. Individuals can express themselves assertively and manage conflicts without resorting to intense emotional outbursts.

Emotional Dysregulation:

Intense Mood Swings:

Emotional dysregulation is often marked by rapid and extreme shifts in mood. Individuals may experience intense bouts of anger, sadness, or anxiety that seem disproportionate to the triggering event.

Impulsive Behavior:

Those struggling with emotional dysregulation may engage in impulsive actions without considering the consequences. This can include reckless behaviors, self-harm, or substance abuse.

Difficulty in Coping:

Emotional dysregulation may lead to ineffective or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Individuals may resort to avoidance, aggression, or withdrawal in response to stressors.

Difficulty in Decision-Making:

When emotions are dysregulated, decision-making can become impaired. Individuals might struggle to make rational choices and instead act on impulse or heightened emotion.

Relationship Strain:

Emotional dysregulation can strain interpersonal relationships. Unpredictable emotional responses can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and difficulties in maintaining stable connections.

Physical Symptoms:

Emotional dysregulation can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as sleep disturbances, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and other stress-related ailments.

Recognizing these signs and symptoms can serve as a compass guiding us towards a healthier emotional state. It's important to note that occasional emotional dysregulation is a normal part of human experience, but persistent and severe symptoms may indicate the need for professional support and intervention. Developing emotional regulation skills through mindfulness, therapy, and self-awareness can help mitigate the impact of emotional dysregulation and promote overall well-being.

Emotional Regulation and Mental Health

The intricate interplay between emotional regulation and mental health forms a cornerstone of our psychological well-being. The ability to effectively manage, understand, and navigate our emotions plays a profound role in determining our mental health status, influencing everything from mood disorders to overall life satisfaction.

Impact on Mood Disorders:

Emotional dysregulation is closely linked to mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Individuals who struggle to regulate their emotions may experience prolonged periods of sadness, hopelessness, or heightened irritability. The inability to manage these emotions can contribute to the severity and persistence of mood-related symptoms.

Anxiety and Emotional Regulation:

Effective emotional regulation acts as a buffer against excessive anxiety. When emotional regulation is compromised, individuals may find themselves overwhelmed by worries and irrational fears. Inadequate management of anxiety-provoking emotions can lead to the development or exacerbation of anxiety disorders.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):

BPD is characterized by significant emotional dysregulation, resulting in intense and unstable relationships, self-image, and impulsivity. Individuals with BPD often struggle to modulate emotional responses, leading to rapid mood swings and extreme reactions to perceived threats.

Stress and Coping Mechanisms:

Emotional regulation is a key factor in managing stress. Those with well-developed emotional regulation skills are better equipped to handle life's challenges, utilizing healthy coping mechanisms to mitigate the impact of stressors on their mental health.

Resilience and Emotional Intelligence:

Emotional regulation contributes to the development of emotional intelligence, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Resilient individuals are more capable of bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining stable mental health, even in challenging circumstances.

Therapeutic Approaches:

Many therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasize emotional regulation techniques. These approaches empower individuals to recognize and reframe distorted emotions, thereby alleviating symptoms of various mental health disorders.

Preventive Role in Mental Health:

Effective emotional regulation can serve as a preventive measure against the onset of certain mental health issues. Learning to manage emotions from a young age can mitigate the risk of developing mood disorders and enhance overall mental well-being throughout life.

Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction:

The ability to regulate emotions contributes significantly to an individual's overall life satisfaction. When emotional regulation is proficient, individuals are more likely to experience positive emotions, build strong relationships, and pursue fulfilling goals.

In essence, emotional regulation and mental health share a reciprocal relationship. A well-regulated emotional state supports mental health, while poor emotional regulation can exacerbate or contribute to various mental health challenges. Cultivating emotional intelligence and learning effective emotional regulation skills are vital steps toward promoting mental wellness and building resilience in the face of psychological adversities.

Emotional Dysregulation and Mental Health

Emotions are the vibrant colors that paint the canvas of human experience, but when the delicate balance of emotional regulation is disrupted, the resulting emotional dysregulation can cast a shadow over mental health.

Amplification of Mood Disorders:

Emotional dysregulation often exacerbates mood disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorder. The inability to manage intense emotions can lead to prolonged periods of sadness, hopelessness, and agitation, contributing to the severity and persistence of mood-related symptoms.

Anxiety and Overwhelming Emotions:

Individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation may find themselves trapped in a cycle of anxiety and overwhelming emotions. An inability to modulate fear and worry can amplify anxiety disorders, making it challenging to engage in daily activities and maintain a sense of calm.

Impulsive Behavior and Self-Destructive Patterns:

Emotional dysregulation frequently leads to impulsive behaviors and self-destructive patterns. This can include substance abuse, self-harm, and risky behaviors, all of which have detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Emotional Instability:

BPD is closely associated with emotional dysregulation, resulting in erratic and unstable emotions, relationships, and self-perception. The emotional turbulence experienced by individuals with BPD can contribute to the development and progression of this challenging mental health disorder.

Relationship Strain and Isolation:

Emotional dysregulation can strain relationships, as unpredictable emotional responses may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. This relational strain can foster feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing to a negative impact on mental health.

Cognitive Functioning and Decision-Making:

Emotional dysregulation can impair cognitive functioning and decision-making processes. Heightened emotions can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive choices, hindering problem-solving abilities and overall cognitive well-being.

Chronic Stress and Physiological Effects:

Prolonged emotional dysregulation can lead to chronic stress, which has far-reaching physiological effects on the body. Increased stress hormone levels and altered neurotransmitter activity can impact physical health and exacerbate mental health disorders.

Vicious Cycle of Emotional Dysregulation:

Emotional dysregulation can create a self-perpetuating cycle, where the distress caused by unmanaged emotions contributes to further dysregulation. This cycle can intensify mental health symptoms and make it challenging to break free from the grip of emotional turmoil.

The intricate relationship between emotional dysregulation and mental health underscores the crucial importance of addressing and managing emotional challenges. By recognizing the signs of emotional dysregulation and seeking appropriate support and interventions, individuals can take proactive steps toward enhancing their emotional well-being and nurturing a healthier mental state.

Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions for Emotional Regulation and Emotional Dysregulation

Navigating the complex terrain of emotional regulation and dysregulation often requires a structured and supportive approach. Therapeutic interventions play a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the tools and strategies needed to effectively manage their emotions, fostering a healthier emotional landscape and improved mental well-being.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. It provides individuals with techniques to challenge distorted thinking, reframe emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies, promoting better emotional regulation and resilience.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

DBT is specifically designed to address emotional dysregulation, making it a potent tool for individuals struggling with intense emotions and impulsive behaviors. Through a combination of mindfulness, emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT helps individuals achieve a balance between emotional acceptance and change.

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices:

Mindfulness-based interventions, including meditation and mindfulness exercises, cultivate present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of emotions. These practices enhance emotional regulation by enabling individuals to respond to emotions with intention and reduce reactivity.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT):

EFT emphasizes exploring and processing emotions in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. It helps individuals understand the underlying causes of emotional dysregulation, facilitating emotional awareness, expression, and ultimately, healthier emotional regulation.

Art and Expressive Therapies:

Creative outlets, such as art therapy, music therapy, or dance therapy, provide alternative means of expressing and processing emotions. Engaging in these therapies can help individuals channel their emotions constructively, fostering emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Yoga and Body-Mind Practices:

Practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong combine physical movement with breath and mindfulness, promoting a sense of calm and emotional balance. These practices encourage a mind-body connection that aids in emotional regulation.

Group Therapy and Support Groups:

Participating in group therapy or support groups offers individuals the opportunity to share experiences, learn from others, and develop interpersonal skills. Group settings provide a supportive space to practice emotional regulation techniques and receive feedback.

Couples and Family Therapy:

Emotional dysregulation can impact relationships, and couples or family therapy can help address these challenges. Learning effective communication and conflict resolution skills contributes to healthier emotional dynamics within relationships.

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback:

These techniques involve monitoring and providing feedback on physiological responses, such as heart rate or brainwave patterns. Individuals learn to modulate their physiological responses, which in turn can influence emotional regulation.

Medication and Psychiatry:

In cases where emotional dysregulation is linked to a specific mental health disorder, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

By integrating these therapeutic approaches and interventions into treatment plans, individuals can acquire the skills and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of emotional regulation and effectively manage emotional dysregulation, ultimately contributing to improved mental health and overall well-being.

Are you ready to dive into therapy but have no idea where to start? Look no further than the MindPeers app! With over 100 therapists and a supportive community, you'll never feel alone on your journey. Use code FIRST and get a 50% discount on your first session with us. Let's embark on this healing adventure together!

Topics: mentalhealth, emotions, joy, behaviour, cope, therapy, authenticity, coping mechanism, comfort, overwhelm, resilience

MINDPEERS PRIVACY POLICY

Mindpeers India Private Limited [CIN: U85100DL2020FTC363235] (“Us”, “We”, or “Mindpeers”, which also includes its affiliates) is the author and publisher of the internet resource www.mindpeers.co (“Website”) on the world wide web as well as the software and applications provided by Mindpeers, including but not limited to the mobile application(s), Mobile Website, the other associated/ancillary applications, products, websites and services managed by Mindpeers (together with the Website, referred to as the “Mindpeers Platform”).

This privacy policy ("Privacy Policy") explains how we collect, use, share, disclose, and protect Personal Information about the Users of the Mindpeers Platform, including the Practitioners (as defined in the Terms of Use, which may be accessed via the following weblink https://mindpeers.co/terms-and-conditions (the “Terms of Use”)), the End-Users (as defined in the Terms of Use), and the visitors of Website (jointly and severally referred to as “You” or “Users” in this Privacy Policy). We created this Privacy Policy to demonstrate our commitment to the protection of your privacy and your personal information. Your use of and access to the Mindpeers Platform is subject to this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Any capitalized term used but not defined in this Privacy Policy shall have the meaning attributed to it in our Terms of Use.

WHY THIS PRIVACY POLICY?

This Privacy Policy is published in compliance with, interalia:

Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Regulation 4 of the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Information) Rules, 2011 (the “SPI Rules”).
Regulation 3(1) of the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011.

This Privacy Policy states the following:
1. The type of information collected from the Users, including Personal Information (as defined in paragraph 2.2.1 below) and Sensitive Personal Data or Information (as defined in paragraph 2.2.2 below) relating to an individual.
2. The purpose, means and modes of collection, usage, processing, retention, and destruction of such information; and
3. How and to whom Mindpeers will disclose such information.

COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
1. Generally, some of the functions on the Mindpeers Platform require us to know who you are so that we can best meet your needs. When you access the Mindpeers Platform, or through any interaction with us via emails, telephone calls or other correspondence, we may ask you to voluntarily provide us with certain information that personally identifies you or could be used to personally identify you. You hereby consent to the collection of such information by Mindpeers. Without prejudice to the generality of the above, information collected by us from you may include (but is not limited to) the following:
  1. contact data (such as your email address and phone number).
  2. demographic data (such as your gender, your date of birth and your pin code).
  3. data regarding your usage of the Mindpeers Platform and history of the appointments made by or with you through the use of Mindpeers Platform.
  4. insurance data (such as your insurance carrier and insurance plan).
  5. other information that you voluntarily choose to provide to us (such as information shared by you with us through emails or letters or uploaded on the platform in connection with the Mindpeers Platform).
2. The information collected from you by Mindpeers may constitute ‘personal information’ or ‘Sensitive Personal Data or Information’ under the SPI Rules.
  1. “Personal Information” is defined under the SPI Rules to mean any information that relates to a natural person, which, either directly or indirectly, in combination with other information available or likely to be available to a body corporate, is capable of identifying such person.
  2. “Sensitive Personal Data or Information” is defined under the SPI Rules to mean personal information about that person relating to:

1. 1. 1. passwords.
    2. financial information such as bank accounts, credit and debit card details, or other payment instrument details.
    3. physical, physiological, and mental health conditions.
    4. sexual orientation.
    5. medical records and history.
    6. biometric information.
    7. information received by body corporate under lawful contract or otherwise.
    8. visitor details as provided at the time of registration or thereafter; and
    9. call data records.

Information collected from iOS HealthKit, the Health app, and Google Fit.

When you share your iOS Health app data or Google Fit with our app, that data is covered by the privacy policy.

We handle all iOS Health app and HealthKit data in accordance with Apple's development guidelines. Our App cannot write data to HealthKit.

You can remove Apple HealthKit read access to MindPeers App at any time inside the Apple Health app. To view Apple's HealthKit developer guidelines, go to https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#health-and-health-research

We handle Google Fit data in accordance with Google Fit Terms of Service. To view Google Fit Terms of Service go to https://developers.google.com/fit/terms

HealthKit, Health app, iPhone, and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Google Fit and Google are registered trademarks of Google Inc.

If you wish to change any of our access or permissions, you may do so in your device’s settings. However, revoking these permissions may prevent you from using all or some of the functionality of our services.

Mindpeers will be free to use, collect and disclose information that is freely available in the public domain without your consent.

PRIVACY STATEMENTS

USERS NOTE: THIS SECTION APPLIES TO ALL USERS.
1. A condition of each User’s use of and access to the Mindpeers Platform is their acceptance of the Terms of Use, which also involves acceptance of the terms of this Privacy Policy. Any User that does not agree with any provisions of the same has the option to discontinue the use of the Mindpeers Platform provided by Mindpeers immediately.
2. An indicative list of information that Mindpeers may require you to provide to enable your use of the Mindpeers Platform is provided in the Schedule annexed to this Privacy Policy.
3. All the information provided to Mindpeers by a User, including Personal Information or any Sensitive Personal Data or Information, is voluntary. You understand that Mindpeers may use certain information of yours, which has been designated as Personal Information or ‘Sensitive Personal Data or Information’ under the SPI Rules,
  1. for the purpose of providing you the access of Mindpeers Platform,
  2. for commercial purposes and in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form for research, statistical analysis and business intelligence purposes,
  3. for sale or transfer of such research, statistical or intelligence data in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form to third parties and affiliates
  4. for communication purpose so as to provide You a better way of booking appointments and for obtaining feedback in relation to the Practitioners and their practice,
  5. debugging customer support related issues
  6. for the purpose of contacting you to complete any transaction if you do not complete a transaction after having provided us with your contact information in the course of completing such steps that are designed for completion of the transaction.
4. Mindpeers also reserves the right to use the information provided by or about the End-User for the following purposes:
  1. Publishing such information on the Website.
  2. Contacting End-Users for offering new products or features on the Mindpeers Platform.
  3. Contacting End-Users for taking product and Service feedback.
  4. Analysing software usage patterns for improving product design and utility.
  5. Analysing anonymized practice information for commercial use.
  6. Processing payment instructions including those through independent third-party service providers such as payment gateways, banking and financial institutions, pre-paid instrument, and wallet providers for the processing of payment transaction or deferral of payment facilities.
5. If you have voluntarily provided your Personal Information to Mindpeers for any of the purposes stated above, you hereby consent to such collection and use of such information by Mindpeers. Furthermore, by providing us with the Personal Information you authorize Mindpeers (including its business partners and affiliates) contact You on Your telephone number(s) and email for any purpose including those mentioned in this sub-section 3.4 above, even if you have registered yourself under DND or DNC or NCPR services. Your authorization shall be valid as long as your account is not deactivated in the manner as provided in clause 3.9 below.
6. Collection use and disclosure of information which has been designated as Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information’ under the SPI Rules require your express consent. By affirming your assent to this Privacy Policy, you provide your consent to such use, collection and disclosure as required under applicable law.
7. We do not control or endorse the content, messages or information found on the Mindpeers Platform and, therefore, Mindpeers specifically disclaims any liability with regard to the services and any actions resulting from your participation in any services, and you agree that you waive any claims against Mindpeers relating to same, and to the extent, such waiver may be ineffective, you agree to release any claims against Mindpeers relating to the same.
8. You are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the information you submit to us, such as your contact information provided as part of account registration. If your personal information changes, you may correct, delete inaccuracies, or amend information by making the change on our member information page or by contacting us through hello@Mindpeers.co. We will make good faith efforts to make requested changes in our then-active databases as soon as reasonably practicable. If you provide any information that is untrue, inaccurate, out of date or incomplete (or becomes untrue, inaccurate, out of date or incomplete), or Mindpeers has reasonable grounds to suspect that the information provided by you is untrue, inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, Mindpeers may, at its sole discretion, discontinue the access of the Mindpeers Platform to you. There may be circumstances where Mindpeers will not correct, delete or update your Personal Data, including (a) where the Personal Data is opinion data that is kept solely for an evaluative purpose; and (b) the Personal Data is in documents related to a prosecution if all proceedings relating to the prosecution have not been completed.
9. If you wish to cancel your account on the Mindpeers Platform or request that we no longer use your information, contact us through hello@Mindpeers.co. We will retain your information for as long as your account on the Mindpeers Platform is active and as needed to provide you with the access to the Mindpeers Platform. We shall not retain such information for longer than is required for the purposes for which the information may lawfully be used or is otherwise required under any other law for the time being in force. After a period of time, your data may be anonymized and aggregated, and then maybe held by us as long as necessary for us to provide our services effectively, but our use of the anonymized data will be solely for analytic purposes. Please note that your withdrawal of consent or cancellation of account may result in Mindpeers being unable to provide you with the access to the Mindpeers Platform or to terminate any existing relationship Mindpeers may have with you.
10. If you wish to opt-out of receiving non-essential communications such as promotional and marketing-related information regarding the Mindpeers Platform, please send us an email at hello@Mindpeers.co.
11. Mindpeers may require the User to pay with a credit card, wire transfer, debit card or cheque for Mindpeers Platform for which subscription amount(s) is/are payable. Mindpeers will collect such User’s credit card number and/or other financial institution information such as bank account numbers and will use that information for the billing and payment processes, including but not limited to the use and disclosure of such credit card number and information to third parties as necessary to complete such billing operation. Verification of credit information, however, is accomplished solely by the User through the authentication process. User’s credit-card/debit card details are transacted upon secure sites of approved payment gateways which are digitally under encryption, thereby providing the highest possible degree of care as per current technology. However, Mindpeers provides you with an option not to save your payment details. User is advised, however, that internet technology is not full proof safe, and User should exercise discretion on using the same.
12. Due to the communications standards on the Internet, when a User or the End-User or anyone who visits the Website, Mindpeers automatically receives the URL of the site from which anyone visits. Mindpeers also receives the Internet Protocol (IP) address of each User’s computer (or the proxy server a User used to access the World Wide Web), User’s computer operating system and type of web browser the User is using, email patterns, as well as the name of User’s ISP. This information is used to analyse overall trends to help Mindpeers improve its Service. The linkage between User’s IP address and User’s personally identifiable information is not shared with or disclosed to third parties. Notwithstanding the above, Mindpeers may share and/or disclose some of the aggregate findings (not the specific data) in anonymized form (i.e., non-personally identifiable) with advertisers, sponsors, investors, strategic partners, and others in order to help grow its business.
13. The Website uses temporary cookies to store certain (that is not sensitive personal data or information) that is used by Mindpeers and its service providers for the technical administration of the Website, research, and development, and User administration. In the course of serving advertisements or optimizing services to its Users, Mindpeers may allow authorized third parties to place or recognize a unique cookie on the User’s browser. The cookies, however, do not store any Personal Information of the User. You may adjust your Internet browser to disable cookies. If cookies are disabled you may still use the Website, but the Website may be limited in the use of some of the features.
14. A User may have limited access to the Website without creating an account on the Website. In order to have access to all the features and benefits on our Website, a User must first create an account on our Website. To create an account, a User is required to provide the following information, which such User recognizes and expressly acknowledges is Personal Information allowing others, including Mindpeers, to identify the User, Name Email address, Phone number, password chosen by the User. Other information requested on the registration page, including the ability to receive promotional offers from Mindpeers, is optional. Mindpeers may, in future, include other optional requests for information from the User to help Mindpeers to customize the Website to deliver personalized information to the User.
15. This Privacy Policy applies to services that are owned and operated by Mindpeers. Mindpeers does not exercise control over third party links from within the Mindpeers Platform. These other sites may place their own cookies or other files on the Users’ computer, collect data or solicit personal information from the Users, for which Mindpeers is not responsible or liable. Accordingly, Mindpeers does not make any representations concerning the privacy practices or policies of such third parties or terms of use of such websites, nor does Mindpeers guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or quality of the information, data, text, software, sound, photographs, graphics, videos, messages or other materials available on such websites. The inclusion or exclusion does not imply any endorsement by Mindpeers of the website, the website's provider, or the information on the website. If you decide to visit a third-party website linked to the Website, you do this entirely at your own risk. Mindpeers encourages the User to read the privacy policies of that website.
16. The Website may enable User to communicate with other Users or to post information to be accessed by others, whereupon other Users may collect such data. Such Users, including any moderators or administrators, are not authorized Mindpeers representatives or agents, and their opinions or statements do not necessarily reflect those of Mindpeers, and they are not authorized to bind Mindpeers to any contract. Mindpeers hereby expressly disclaims any liability for any reliance or misuse of such information that is made available by Users or visitors in such a manner.
17. Mindpeers does not collect information about the visitors of the Website from other sources, such as public records or bodies, or private organisations, save and except for the purposes of registration of the Users (the collection, use, storage and disclosure of which each End User must agree to under the Terms of Use in order for Mindpeers to effectively render the services through the Mindpeers Platform).
18. Mindpeers maintains a strict "No-Spam" policy, which means that Mindpeers does not intend to sell, rent, or otherwise give your e-mail address to a third party without your consent.
19. Mindpeers has implemented best international market practices and security policies, rules, and technical measures to protect the personal data that it has under its control from unauthorised access, improper use or disclosure, unauthorised modification and unlawful destruction or accidental loss. However, for any data loss or theft due to unauthorized access to the User’s electronic devices through which the User avails the services through the Mindpeers Platform, Mindpeers shall not be held liable for any loss whatsoever incurred by the User.
20. Mindpeers implements reasonable security practices and procedures and has a comprehensively documented information security programme and information security policies that contain managerial, technical, operational and physical security control measures that are commensurate with respect to the information being collected and the nature of Mindpeers business.
21. Mindpeers takes your right to privacy very seriously and other than as specifically stated in this Privacy Policy, will only disclose your Personal Information in the event it is required to do so by law, rule, regulation, law enforcement agency, governmental official, legal authority or similar requirements or when Mindpeers, in its sole discretion, deems it necessary in order to protect its rights or the rights of others, to prevent harm to persons or property, to fight fraud and credit risk, or to enforce or apply the Terms of Use.
PRACTITIONERS NOTE: THIS SECTION APPLIES TO ALL PRACTITIONERS.
1. As part of the registration as well as the application creation and submission process that is available to Practitioners on Mindpeers, certain information, including Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information is collected from the Practitioners.
2. All the statements in this Privacy Policy apply to all Practitioners, and all Practitioners are therefore required to read and understand the privacy statements set out herein prior to submitting any Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information to Mindpeers, failing which they are required to leave the Mindpeers Platform, including the Website immediately.
3. Practitioners’ personally identifiable information, which they choose to provide to Mindpeers, is used to help the Practitioners describe and identify themselves. This information is exclusively owned by Mindpeers You will be the owner of your information and you consent to Mindpeers collecting, using, processing, and/or disclosing this information for the purposes hereinafter stated. Mindpeers may use such information for commercial purposes and in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form for research, statistical analysis and business intelligence purposes, and may sell or otherwise transfer such research, statistical or intelligence data in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form to third parties and affiliates. Mindpeers also reserves the right to use the information provided by or about the Practitioner for the following purposes:
  1. Publishing such information on the Website.
  2. Contacting Practitioners for offering new products or Mindpeers Platform.
  3. Contacting Practitioners for taking product feedback.
  4. Analysing software usage patterns for improving product design and utility.
  5. Analysing anonymized practice information including financial, and inventory information for commercial use.
4. Mindpeers automatically enables the listing of Practitioners’ information on its Website as provided by You using the Mindpeers Platform. The Practitioner information listed on Website is displayed when End-Users search for Practitioners on Website, and the Practitioner information listed on Website is used by End-Users to request for appointments. Any personally identifiable information of the Practitioners listed on the Website is not generated by Mindpeers and is provided to Mindpeers by Practitioners who wish to enlist themselves on the Website or is collected by Mindpeers from the public domain. Mindpeers displays such information on its Website on an as-is basis making no representation or warranty on the accuracy or completeness of the information. As such, we strongly encourage Practitioners to check the accuracy and completeness of their information from time to time and inform us immediately of any discrepancies, changes, or updates to such information. Mindpeers will, however, take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information.
5. Mindpeers may also display information for Practitioners who have not signed up or registered for the Mindpeers Platform, provided that the Practitioners have consented to Mindpeers collecting, processing, and/or disclosing their information on the Website. Such Practitioners are verified by Mindpeers or its associates, and Mindpeers makes every effort to capture accurate information for such Practitioners. However, Mindpeers does not undertake any liability for any incorrect or incomplete information appearing on the Website for such Practitioners.
END-USERS NOTE: THIS SECTION APPLIES TO ALL END-USERS.
1. As part of the registration/application creation and submission process that is available to End-Users on this Website, certain information, including Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information is collected from the End-Users.
2. All the statements in this Privacy Policy apply to all End-Users, and all End-Users are therefore required to read and understand the privacy statements set out herein prior to submitting any Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information to Mindpeers, failing which they are required to leave the Mindpeers immediately.
3. If you have inadvertently submitted any such information to Mindpeers prior to reading the privacy statements set out herein, and you do not agree with the manner in which such information is collected, processed, stored, used or disclosed, then you may access, modify and delete such information by using options provided on the Website. In addition, you can, by sending an email to hello@Mindpeers.co, inquire whether Mindpeers is in possession of your personal data, and you may also require Mindpeers to delete and destroy all such information.
4. End-Users’ personally identifiable information, which they choose to provide on the Website is used to help the End-Users describe/identify themselves. Other information that does not personally identify the End-Users as an individual, is collected by Mindpeers from End-Users (such as, patterns of utilization described above) and is exclusively owned by Mindpeers. Mindpeers may also use such information in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form for research, statistical analysis and business intelligence purposes, and may sell or otherwise transfer such research, statistical or intelligence data in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form to third parties and affiliates. In particular, Mindpeers reserves with it the right to use anonymized End-User demographics information and anonymized End-User health information for the following purposes:
  1. Analysing software usage patterns for improving product design and utility.
  2. Analysing such information for research and development of new technologies.
  3. Using analysis of such information in other commercial product offerings of Mindpeers.
  4. Sharing analysis of such information with third parties for commercial use.
5. Mindpeers will communicate with the End-Users through email, phone and notices posted on the Website or through other means available through the service, including text and other forms of messaging. The End-Users can change their e-mail and contact preferences at any time by logging into their "Dashboard" at www.Mindpeers.co and changing the account settings.
6. At times, Mindpeers conducts a User survey to collect information about End-Users' preferences. These surveys are optional and if End-Users choose to respond, their responses will be kept anonymous. Similarly, Mindpeers may offer contests to qualifying End-Users in which we ask for contact and demographic information such as name, email address and mailing address. The demographic information that Mindpeers collects in the registration process and through surveys is used to help Mindpeers improve the Mindpeers Platform to meet the needs and preferences of End-Users.
7. Mindpeers may keep records of electronic communications and telephone calls received and made for making appointments or other purposes for the purpose of administration of services through the Mindpeers Platform, customer support, research, and development and for better listing of Practitioners.
8. All Mindpeers employees and data processors, who have access to, and are associated with the processing of sensitive personal data or information, are obliged to respect the confidentiality of every End-Users’ Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data and Information. Mindpeers has put in place procedures and technologies as per good industry practices and in accordance with the applicable laws, to maintain the security of all personal data from the point of collection to the point of destruction. Any third-party data processor to which Mindpeers transfers Personal Data shall have to agree to comply with those procedures and policies or put in place adequate measures on their own.
9. Mindpeers may also disclose or transfer End-Users’ personal and other information provided by a User, to a third party as part of reorganization or a sale of the assets of a Mindpeers. Any third party to which Mindpeers transfers or sells its assets will have the right to continue to use the personal and other information that End-Users provide to us, in accordance with the Terms of Use
10. To the extent necessary to provide End-Users with the services through the Mindpeers Platform, Mindpeers may provide their Personal Information to third party contractors who work on behalf of or with Mindpeers to provide End-Users with such services through the Mindpeers Platform, to help Mindpeers communicate with End-Users or to maintain the Website or independent third-party service providers to process payment instructions including providing a payment deferral facility to End-Users in relation to the services through the Mindpeers Platform. These third-party service providers have access to information needed to process payments but may not use it for other purposes. Generally, these contractors do not have any independent right to share this information, however, certain contractors who provide services through the Mindpeers Platform on the Website, including the providers of online communications services, may use and disclose the personal information collected in connection with the provision of these services through the Mindpeers Platform in accordance with their own privacy policies. In such circumstances, you consent to us disclosing your Personal Information to contractors, solely for the intended purposes only.
CASUAL VISITORS NOTE:
1. No sensitive personal data or information is automatically collected by Mindpeers from any casual visitors of this website, who are merely perusing the Website.
2. Nevertheless, certain provisions of this Privacy Policy are applicable to even such casual visitors, and such casual visitors are also required to read and understand the privacy statements set out herein, failing which they are required to leave this Website immediately.
3. If you, as a casual visitor, have inadvertently browsed any other page of this Website prior to reading the privacy statements set out herein, and you do not agree with the manner in which such information is obtained, collected, processed, stored, used, disclosed or retained, merely quitting this browser application should ordinarily clear all temporary cookies installed by Mindpeers. All visitors, however, are encouraged to use the “clear cookies” functionality of their browsers to ensure such clearing/deletion, as Mindpeers cannot guarantee, predict or provide for the behaviour of the equipment of all the visitors of the Website.
4. You are not a casual visitor if you have willingly submitted any personal data or information to Mindpeers through any means, including email, post or through the registration process on the Website. All such visitors will be deemed to be and will be treated as, Users for the purposes of this Privacy Policy, and in which case, all the statements in this Privacy Policy apply to such persons.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY
1. Your Personal Information is maintained by Mindpeers in electronic form on its equipment, and on the equipment of its employees. Such information may also be converted to physical form from time to time. Mindpeers takes all necessary precautions to protect your personal information both online and off-line and implements reasonable security practices and measures including certain managerial, technical, operational and physical security control measures that are commensurate with respect to the information being collected and the nature of Mindpeers business.
2. No administrator at Mindpeers will have knowledge of your password. It is important for you to protect against unauthorized access to your password, your computer, and your mobile phone. Be sure to log off from the Website when finished. Mindpeers does not undertake any liability for any unauthorised use of your account and password. If you suspect any unauthorized use of your account, you must immediately notify Mindpeers by sending an email to hello@Mindpeers.co You shall be liable to indemnify Mindpeers due to any loss suffered by it due to such unauthorized use of your account and password.
3. Mindpeers makes all User information accessible to its employees, agents, or partners and third parties only on a need-to-know basis and binds only its employees to strict confidentiality obligations.
4. Part of the functionality of Mindpeers is assisting the Practitioners to maintain and organise such information. Mindpeers may, therefore, retain and submit all such records to the appropriate authorities, or to Practitioners who request access to such information.
5. Part of the functionality of the Mindpeers is assisting the End Users to access information relating to them. Mindpeers may, therefore, retain and submit all such records to the relevant End Users, or to their Practitioners.
6. Notwithstanding the above, Mindpeers is not responsible for the confidentiality, security, or distribution of your Personal Information by our partners and third parties outside the scope of our agreement with such partners and third parties. Further, Mindpeers shall not be responsible for any breach of security or for any actions of any third parties or events that are beyond the reasonable control of Mindpeers including but not limited to, acts of government, computer hacking, unauthorised access to computer data and storage device, computer crashes, breach of security and encryption, poor quality of Internet service or telephone service of the User etc.
CHANGE TO PRIVACY POLICY
1. Mindpeers may update this Privacy Policy at any time, with or without advance notice. In the event, there are significant changes in the way Mindpeers treats User’s personally identifiable information, or in the Privacy Policy itself, Mindpeers will display a notice on the Website or send Users an email, as provided for above, so that you may review the changed terms prior to continuing to use the Mindpeers Platform. As always, if you object to any of the changes to our terms, and you no longer wish to use the Mindpeers Platform, you may contact hello@Mindpeers.co to deactivate your account. Unless stated otherwise, Mindpeers current Privacy Policy applies to all information that Mindpeers has about you and your account.
2. If a User uses the Mindpeers Platform or accesses the Website after a notice of changes has been sent to such User or published on the Website, such User hereby provides his/her/its consent to the changed terms.
CHILDREN'S AND MINOR'S PRIVACY
1. Mindpeers strongly encourages parents and guardians to supervise the online activities of their minor children and consider using parental control tools available from online Mindpeers Platform and software manufacturers to help provide a child-friendly online environment. These tools also can prevent minors from disclosing their name, address, and other personally identifiable information online without parental permission. Although the Mindpeers Website and Mindpeers Platform are not intended for use by minors, Mindpeers respects the privacy of minors who may inadvertently use the internet or the mobile application.
CONSENT TO THIS POLICY
1. You acknowledge that this Privacy Policy is a part of the Terms of Use of the Website and the Mindpeers Platform, and you unconditionally agree that becoming a User of the Website and the Mindpeers Platform signifies your (i) assent to this Privacy Policy, and (ii) consent to Mindpeers using, collecting, processing and/or disclosing your Personal Information in the manner and for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. Your visit to the Website and use of the Mindpeers Platform is subject to this Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use.
ADDRESS FOR PRIVACY QUESTIONS
1. Should you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Mindpeers information collection, use and disclosure practices, you may contact, the Grievance Officer appointed by Mindpeers in accordance with the provisions the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Rule 3(11) of Information Technology (Intermediaries guidelines) Rules, 2011. We will use reasonable efforts to respond promptly to any requests, questions, or concerns, which you may have regarding our use of your personal information. If you have any grievance with respect to our use of your information, you may communicate such grievance to the Grievance Officer:

Name: Sarthak Agarwal

Address: 125 2^nd Floor, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi, North East, Delhi 110049, India,
Phone: 9810066307

Email: hello@Mindpeers.co

SCHEDULE

Indicative List of Information by Nature of Service

End-Users using the Mindpeers Platform by registering for an account: You can create an account by giving us information regarding your [name, mobile number, email address], and such other information as requested on the End-User registration page. This is to enable us to provide you with the facility to use the account to book your appointments and store other health-related information.
End-Users using the Website without registering for an account (i.e. ‘Guest’ End-User): You can use the Website (with limited functionality) without registering for an account, but to book an appointment, you may be asked to create an account and/or certain information (including your [mobile number, email ], and such other information as requested when you choose to use the Mindpeers Platform without registration) to confirm the appointment.
Practitioner listing on the Website and Availing Mindpeers Platform: As a Practitioner, you may be required to provide us with information regarding your [name, mobile number, email address], and such other information as requested on the Practitioner registration page to create an account. Mindpeers may send an email and/or SMS confirmations or other communications to End-Users in connection with their bookings, appointments, or other interactions with you if such interactions have been facilitated by Mindpeers.
Practitioners using Mindpeers products and Mindpeers Platform: You will be required to create an account and may be required to provide Mindpeers with information regarding your [name, mobile number, email address], and such other information as requested by Mindpeers, in order to complete your registration. Upon registration, Mindpeers will access to your customer/client information and their medical records. You agree to make your customer/client fully aware of such access.Mindpeers reserves the right to extend and withdraw booking facility to you at its sole discretion, based on the number of End-User appointments being honoured by you. The extension or withdrawal of such facility shall be intimated to you by Mindpeers.

This Privacy Policy has been last updated on 4th August 2020