World Mental Health Day observed at RIMS, GM Hall
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2013 : Like in other parts of the globe World Mental Health Day was observed in the State today with Department of Psychiatry, RIMS in collaboration with Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch hosting the observance function at RIMS Jubilee Hall and Manipur State Mental Authority of the Health Department co-hosting the event with Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS at GM Hall.

This year the observance is being held under the theme 'Mental Health and Older Adults' .

Delivering the key-note address, State unit secretary of indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) Dr RK Lenin highlighted that mental stability is the surest way for a healthy living.

Citing people's focus on physical and mental health as the main reason for people living longer these days, he also noted that mental depression commonly suffered by the elderly citizens is due to their tendency to mourn loss of near and dear ones for long period of time.

Listing unhealthy familial ties as another causative factor for the senior citizens feeling depressed, Dr Lenin stated that such illness would not prevail if the children take good care of their parents.

As chief guest at the RIMS Jubilee Hall observance, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing asked children to take good care of their ageing parents so that they (parents) live happily, mentally and physically.

emphasising on healthy lifestyle for longevity and advising that every individual spare some time for their own health, the former Chief Minister reminded that one's hard works would be in vain if health deteriorates.

Sharing his own experience of avoiding alcohol or smoking and relying on diet based on fruit and vegetable, Rishang Keishing also suggested that at the slightest hint of being unwell one should not delay in consulting the physician for early treatment is the easiest path of recovery.

Speaking as the guest of honour Parliamentary Secretary M Prithviraj expressed serious concern that not only the elderly citizens but many younger persons are suffering from mental illness these days.

Noting increase in suicide cases among the younger generation, the Moirang AC MLA also stated that parents exerting pressure on their wards to excel academically sometimes tend to cause mental depression upon the children.

Prithviraj also suggested that inspite of busy schedule one should devote some time for mind relaxation.

IPS State president Dr L Surchandra Singh and AIR Imphal Programme Head M Kanankumar also attended the observance function which concluded with a musical concert in which veteran as well as contemporary singers performed.

The GM Hall observance was held with Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and Health Services Director Dr Asem Bijoy Singh as the chief guest and president respectively.

JNIMS Director M Shyamo Singh, JNIMS HoD (Psychiatry) Prof Sh Gyaneshwar Sharma, Dr L Surchandra Singh and (Retd) Prof M Akshaykumar Singh graced the function as the guests of honour.

In his brief address, the chief guest iterated on the need for ensuring well being of the parents by the children and vice versa.

Children should desist from anything that could annoy or cause mental depression to the parents and parents should try to understand the mental state of the children, reminded the Health Minister.

Comment