Kuvempu Nagar traffic sub inspector A Mallesh flagged off awareness jatha taken out by students of Sri Nataraja School of Nursing on account of Mental health Day here on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion principal of the college Niranjana Swamy said, World Mental Health Day was initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 and present year’s theme is ‘depression-global crisis.’ He said, depression can affect anyone and it is one of the most widespread illnesses, often co-existing with other serious illnesses.

He stressed on necessity of specialised hospitals for mentally ill patients in Mysore, as there is not even one. “Among two hospitals in city dealing with out patients departments, one has few beds reserved for admission of patients.”

He said, the jatha intends to spread awareness among public that the disease is a treatable illness and recovery is possible and achievable.

Elaborating on the illness, he said, mental health is integral part of overall health and thus it is necessary to concentrate on complete well being to avoid mental stress. Later, students took out jatha from the premises of the college raising slogans to create awareness on importance of mental health.