Dr Lenin stresses on mental health
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 10 2023:
Share and Care (SAC), Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, which was established to provide mental health care, celebrated its 23rd foundation day at Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI), Palace Compound theatre classroom, here, on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, SAC founder Dr RK Lenin expressed concern that in contemporary society there is lesser number of people who listen to each other and share kind'words.
SAC, a registered NGO which initially started working through the media, was formed with some like-minded people who wanted to work for betterment of community by reaching out to people suffering from mental health issues, as National Mental Health Survey has revealed that out of every 100 people affected by mental health problems only 15-20 seek treatment, he conveyed.
Dr Lenin also recalled that 23 years back, not much importance was given to mental health in the state, and psychiatric doctors were laughed at as doctors of mad people including by some of their own colleagues.
But now everyone knows the importance of mental health and the Union government had even taken up a policy programme for opening nationwide National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS) Cell after the Covid-19 pandemic, he pointed out.
Dr Lenin also mentioned that the stigma associated with mental health issue is showing signs of recession with rising awareness among the people.
Even students are freely coming for consultation to address exam anxiety.
In the past, if one suffered from mental health problem, they feared that they will not able to get married.
Though people still have some uneasiness over mental health diseases, he will work for creating more awareness with public cooperation, Dr Lenin assured.
The programme was also attended by SAC president B K Bijonbala, social welfare director Uttam Ngangom, AIR, Imphal programme head A Geetchandra Sharma, DDK, Imphal deputy director A Ibomcha and MSFTI director Birendra Salam as presidium members.
As part of the programme, SAC launched a YouTube channel called 'Mental Health Manipur' .