Dr Sanju George, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kalamassery will be hosting the Mental Health Workshop at Donut Factory, Panampilly Nagar on October 12 from 2-6pm
Edited excerpts from an email interview.
A café (hangout for youngsters) is an unlikely space for a mental health workshop? Any particular reason?
Mental health awareness creation programmes should not be limited to annual events held around celebrating the World Mental Health Day on October 10. For it to have meaningful impact, such events should be held regularly and it should be a collective effort of professionals and the socially - responsible public. The aim of workshops or interactive sessions such as the one we are hosting is to de-stigmatize mental health difficulties and psychiatry in general. And the youth of today are far more aware of these issues and hence we are working with them in leading the way.
Catch them young seems to be the way forward?
Mental health issues/difficulties are common in all age groups but are particularly important in the young. Today's young people face particular psychological issues in areas such as relationships, body image, technology
What are some of the common disorders and spreading awareness is the key?
Common psychiatric disorders in the general population are anxiety disorders, depression and substance misuse disorders. These three groups together amount to between 10 and 15% of the general population in Kerala. Unfortunately, very few people seek professional help early in the course of their difficulties. Research has shown that stigma is the most important factor that prevents timely help-seeking. Both international and national research suggest that improving the public's awareness of mental health disorders and its symptoms, making them aware of where and when to seek help will enhance the mental well-being of people. Once again, the key message going out to the public should be to seek timely/early professional help and not leave it late
Often treatment is expensive?
From a public health point of view, the threshold for such consultations ought to be low. Specifically, with regards to helping young people with psychological difficulties, schools, colleges and employers have responsibilities - unfortunately a major ‘gap’ in our 'System'. Mental health service provision in the State of Kerala leaves much to be desired. But in addition to the Government sector, private sector and NGOs have key roles to play. A partnership model of service delivery is perhaps the most feasible and cost-effective way forward.
