Mental health
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 09 2022:
Head of Psychiatric Department of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Dr RK Lenin has announced that Medical Media Group (MMC) will begin a media fellowship on mental health from next year onwards.
Dr RK Lenin, also the founder of MMC, made the announcement during an interactive session conducted on "Role of Media in Promotion of Mental Health" at Manipur Press Club, today.
The programme was organized by Medical Media Group under the sponsorship of Share and Care Wangkhei on the eve of World Mental Health Day.
At the event, Dr RK Lenin said that the role of the media in spreading awareness on mental health is immense.
Saying that at least 10 per cent of the State's populace suffer from mental illness though the figure is higher in the findings of National mental health survey (13.7 per cent), he maintained that exaggerated and inaccurate reporting on sensitive issues like suicide and HIV/AIDS is also dangerous as it will greatly affect a section of people.
Dr Lenin further stated that there are six Government hospitals in Manipur which have mental wards and they are at Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Chandel.
Stating that the State needs a separate mental hospital to provide better treatment facilities to people with mental problems, Dr Lenin continued that a particular MLA had already donated land to set up a mental hospital in Manipur.
He said that mental disorders must be diagnosed early.
Urging the people to reach out to medical professionals or take up preventive measures if any of their family members or close friends start showing signs of mental problems such as disinterest in eating, grooming and working etc, Dr Lenin said that older people may also develop mental illness if they are verbally or physically abused by their children.
Editors and media persons of different media organizations also attended the interactive session.