Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 10 2010:
'World Mental Health Day' was observed in the state too with the main state level function held in Imphal.
The function was organised by Manipur Mental Health Authority in association with All Manipur Nupi Marup in Imphal.
Health and Family Welfare minister, Ph Parijat speaking on the occasion as chief guest pointed out that the number of mental health problems in insurgency affected Manipur has been on the rise.
However, the number of patients seeking treatment is still very low, he added observing that only doctors alone are not enough control this problem, and that the general public need to understand the problem.
Patients also should not shy away from seeking treatment, he said.
According to experts, the present scenario in Manipur is anybody's imagination; you never know what will happen in the next moment.
The problem is not the money which many people have to cough out to get a relief, but the mental turmoil and fear psychosis which people have to bear that is actually causing the mental health problems have turned to alcohol as a gateway.
"It's time for relevant experts to do a detailed study on the impacts/sufferings caused to the mental health of the people by the existing issue of insurgency," they said.
The insurgency movement has inflicted mental sufferings in different degrees to all sections of the society including children.
However, there has been no proper research done till date on the ailments/sufferings caused by the insurgency movement to the mental health of the people.
World Mental Health Day was observed with the theme of the integration of physical and mental health, a continuation of last year's theme, with a specific focus on the relationship of mental health with chronic physical illnesses.