Mental ailments need sensitive handling

There is no denying the fact that health care for patients suffering from mental illness is limited in the country. The biggest struggle, however, is to fight the social stigma that society attaches to patients suffering from these problems. And one way to do so is by creating awareness about this health condition. Hence, on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day, which is observed each year on October 10, Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) in association with District Legal Services Authority, Faridabad and Asian Institute of Medical sciences organised a seminar on ‘Mental health issue and the services for the mentally ill persons’.

On the occasion, dignitaries like Inderjeet Mehta, District and Session Judge, also the chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Faridabad; Dr Prashant Bhalla, chancellor, MRIU, Dr N K Pandey, CMD, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Manchanda, senior consultant secretary, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr N C Wadhwa, Vice Chancellor, MRIU, Jasmine Sharma, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Faridabad and Dr Chavvi Bhargava Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, MRIU, were also present.
Speaking at the event, Dr Prashant Bhalla stressed on the need for sufficient healthcare facilities and the stigma associated with mental health issues. He also shared the continuous endeavours of the Manav Rachna Educational Institutions towards the betterment of the society.

Dr N K Pandey said: “The need of the hour is to deal sensitively with persons with mental disabilities and to create awareness about the treatment facilities available across the country. Mental health issues are no longer a taboo and we must make sufficient efforts to eradicate the stigma.” Inderjeet Mehta, special guest on the occasion said “Most of the mental health issues are related to stress which is self-created.” He reiterated “Change your thoughts and the world will be a new place to live in. Think positively and make conscious efforts to reduce stress related to your own thoughts and perceptions about others.”

Other speakers from the District Legal Services Authority shared the laws related to mental health and the rights of the patients with mental health issues. Senior doctors and practitioners from Asian Institute of Medical Sciences educated the audience on various mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, etc.
World Mental Health Day is the annual global celebration of mental health education, awareness and advocacy, with special emphasis on schizophrenia, this year.