Stop discriminating mentally unstable people: Dr Shantibala
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 09 2021: While urging people to help put an end to the stigmatisation and discrimination of mentally unstable people, Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch vice president Dr K Shantibala has appealed to the media to extend their support in this regard.

Addressing a press meet ahead of the observance of World Mental Health Day by Indian Psychiatric Society, held at IMA hall, Lamphelpat on Saturday; Dr Shantibala said that mental issues range from depression to anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, etc.

The World Mental Health Day is observed with the aim of spreading awareness amongst the people regarding mental health and to dispel all misunderstandings surrounding the same, he added.

Citing a survey conducted in 2015, which says that of the 30 lakh people in the state, 2 lakh are suffering from depressing and anxiety, with around 30 percent suffering from mental instability due to substance abuse, she pointed out that the age of those affected is indiscriminate ie, from young children to the youth and the old are suffering from mental issues.

Dr Shantibala then urged fellow psychiatrist to help treat mentally unstable patients without any stigma or discrimination.

She also urged the medical community to be understanding instead of trying to make it into a superstitious affliction.

Timely treatment and care will be beneficial, she said, adding that mental health is one of the most neglected in public health despite being one of the most important issues needing serious attention.

She further said that mental issues not only affect the patient but also his/her entire family.

People should understand and be aware that mental issues are-treatable, she added.

Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch honorary secretary Dr S Gojendra said that the World Mental Health Week will be observed for one week starting from October 10.The theme for this year is Mental health in an unequal world', he informed.

Remarking that mental health was once considered unimportant, Dr Gojendra said that the population of the country is,around 1.3 billion but only 9000 psychiatrists, 2000 psychiatric nurses, and 1000 clinical psychologist and psychiatric psychologist are available, which is not favourable in terms of population ratio.

Thus, around 3000 psychiatrists, 3500Q psychiatric nurses and 35000 clinical psychologists need to be trained to meet the shortage.

Although the state currently has around 25/30 psychiatrists, they are not present in each district.

Community visits are important in treatment of mental health, for which the support of the community is required.

Manipur presently has a high suicide rate and cases of mental issues are rising owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The state continues to occupy the first place when a survey of the country was taken.

Thus, concerted efforts are much needed to prevent mental health problems, he asserted.

The press briefing was also attended by Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch president Dr S Manikanta (IPS) and treasurer Dr Janet.

Comment