Counselling mooted for trauma scarred folks
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 17 2023: Even as many persons who have been displaced from their homes due to violence are facing psychological issues, many more including children are becoming vulnerable to developing serious psychological disorders, said mental health expert Dr RK Lenin.

The unprecedented violent conflict that has been going on since May 3 has traumatised many.

Cases of depression, anxiety and common mental disorders among inmates of relief camps have increased, said the doctor speaking to The Sangai Express at his clinic Share and Care at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal.

Most people at the relief camp, however, do not require medication, but they need regular counselling, he said.

One time counselling may motivate them and their conditions may improve somewhat for sometime, but after 10-20 days, the symptoms may return if not given counselling again.

One time counselling isn't enough for most patients.

They need follow-ups, regular counselling to keep their anxiety, depression and other symptoms at bay and for their mental conditions to improve, Dr Lenin said.

He continued that follow ups/regular counselling need proper infrastructure and manpower.

People who can't go to the clinic and those who are from far off places may reach mental health experts through Tele-MANAS, a comprehensive mental healthcare service, by dialing toll free number 14416.Tele-MANAS, short for Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States, is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022.Thir aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Imphal has a Tele-MANAS Cell.

The Cell is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm daily.

The service will be made 24x7 a week after RIMS gets required regular staff, Dr Lenin said.

To get help, people have to simply dial the toll free number 14416.If the experts think any patient needs medication, he/she will be referred to a nearby clinic, he said.

On conditions of displaced people, especially children at relief camps, Dr Lenin said some children under the age of 6 years are having nightmares as a result of the trauma they suffered.

They have developed a fear of going inside the room at night-time.

They would sweat and wake up screaming at night.

Due to fear, they would hug their parents tightly, Dr Lenin said.

Many of the inmates are feeling sleepless at night, suffering from hypertension and pain in the stomach.

They need medication and doctors are giving them medication, he said.

Dr Lenin, however, said that the number of patients who require medication is less.

Most of them require regular counselling.

The situation amid the ongoing conflict is such that it has impacted not only the mental health of the victims or displaced people, but of almost all of the people, Dr Lenin said.

Not only those who have been displaced, people generally are being driven by emotions of anger, helplessness, regret and vengeance.

People overseas are also feeling these same emotions, he said.

"We are psychologically disturbed.

Care should 'be taken.

Otherwise, after a few decades, we may face widespread mental health problems among the people like a pandemic," Dr Lenin said.

Amid the ongoing conflict, cases of depression, anxiety and other common mental disorders have increased.

The number of people, young and old, using drugs has increased, he said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 10 out of every 100 individuals suffer from mental health problems.

A 2015-16 National Mental health Survey has shown that 11 out of every 100 individuals in India suffer from mental health problems.

Before COVID-19 pandemic, 13 out of every 100 individuals in Manipur were suffering from mental health problems.

As per WHO, the rate of incidence of mental health problems globally after Covid pandemic has increased by 5 percent.

Now, in Manipur, this ongoing conflict must have worsened the situation.

While there was only 1 case of mental problem for every 10 individuals, this is believed to have worsened to 1 mental problem case for every 7/8 persons, Dr Lenin said.

The expert, however, stressed that while stress may cause mental health problems, having stress doesn't mean a person is suffering from mental health related diseases/problems.

Proper care should be taken to remove stress, he said.

Young students/children who were once active in schools and sports activities are now exhibiting lesser interests in these activities.

This is because of the conditions, law and order situation prevailing in Manipur at present, Dr Lenin said.

Due to the present situation, the youths, especially the displaced students are not sure of their future anymore.

Many youths have been prompted and forced to take up weapons and fight in the frontlines.

There have been changes in the behaviours and thinking.

They should be given proper guidance and counselling, Dr Lenin said.

Mental health/psychologi-cal problems must be prevented in time before it becomes too late by seeking proper counselling from mental health experts, Dr Lenin said.

Comment