Mental health a neglected area, says Nimhans Director

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) organised a ‘Mental Health Santhe’, a mega fair to highlight the mental health needs of the community, increase awareness of the services available from a wide range of organisations, to reduce stigma and bring about mental health literacy among the public.

Many working in the field of mental health and prevention of suicide attended the one of a kind event to promote positive mental health and to encourage the public to seek action. The fair was held at the Convention Centre at Nimhans from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Talking about the inspiration behind organising the event, Director of Nimhans, Pratima Murthy mentioned that mental health has been one of the most neglected areas in the field of health. According to the National Mental Health Survey 2015- 16, mental health literacy among the public is meagre, which results in repercussions such as change in attitudes towards seeking help for mental health problems, a great challenge in the area.

Adding that mental and physical health are closely related, Murthy has said that over 11% of Indians over the age of eight do not seek professional health for their psychiatric issues, curbing citizens from attaining holistic health. Social stigma also acts as a significant barrier to seeking help.

Keeping in mind research evidence that shows intervention through mental health education programmes can increase knowledge and help-seeking behaviour, the director said, building a relationship with grass-root level organisations is essential to break all the barriers and to bring about education about mental health within the community.

The santhe was inaugurated by S Kalyanasundaram, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Honorary Advisor, Richmond Fellowship Society, Bengaluru branch in the presence of Dr Pratima Murthy and B S Shankaranarayana Rao, Registrar, Nimhans.

Noted health organisations such as Step One, Marga Healing Minds, Medico Pastoral Association, Save India Family Foundation, Destigmatize, Manasa Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Association for the Mentally Challenged, Richmond Fellowship (Aasha Half Way Home), Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) and Friends of Nimhans took part in the event which saw close to 40 stalls. It also featured interactive activities and games to make the learning process more engaging.