Mental illness
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 26 2023:
Share and Care Imphal organised a one day sensitization programme on "Psychosocial Rehabilitation of Persons with Chronic Mental Illness" at Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat today.
As a part of the programme, a centre christened Yening Day Care Centre was also inaugurated at Kongpal Kongkham Leikai to treat/rehabilitate people with mental disorders.
Actress Leishangthem Tonthoi who won a National award recently was declared as the ambassador of Share and Care.
Speaking as the chief guest, Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Khumanthem Diana said that mental health is very important as it affects how people think, feel, and respond to stress.
She also said that people should consult experts to live with a healthy mind and make healthy choices.
Founder of Share and Care Dr RK Lenin said that opening of more centres is needed as there are many families who don't know how to take care of people with mental illness.
Saying that one of every five people suffer from mental sickness and one of every 100 people with mental illness face problem in decision making, Dr Lenin maintained that 85 out of 100 mentally disabled people in Manipur are not treated due to factors such as financial constraint and unavailability of centres for treatment.
Approximately 30,000 people in Manipur are mentally sick, he added.
Fortunately in Manipur, there is no culture of abandonment of people with chronic mental illness even if they are extremely poor, Dr Lenin said and added that taking care of a mentally sick person is not a child's game and requires lots of dedication financially, emotionally and physically.
Dr Lenin went on to state that Yening Day Care Centre has employed Psychiatrists, Nurses, Counsellor, Therapist and a Yoga teacher.
Imphal East SP Ksh Shivakanta and Social Welfare Director Ng Uttam were the guests of honour.
Ksh Shivakanta said that there are not many places to treat or take care of people with chronic mental sickness including those who are out on the streets in Manipur.
For drug users there are many rehabilitation centres but the case is not the same for people who are mentally ill, the SP said and exuded confidence that Yening Day Care Centre will heal many mentally sick people.
Social Welfare Director Ng Uttam was also present.