Opening of a new home, launching of a helpline and various functions to cheer up the inmates of centres dealing with mental health problems marked the World Mental Health Day on Saturday.
The theme for this year is Dignity in Mental Health. Twenty per cent of the population in India i.e., around 20 crore have depression and the acute state of depression leads to problems in mental health.
People inflicted with deep depression could injure or kill themselves as well as others. Use of the very word mental could hurt or inflict deep injury, hence World Mental Health Day could be renamed as Enthusiastic Happiness Day, said G. Bakthavatchalam, Chairman of KG Hospitals, while speaking at an event organised in the hospital.
Treatment of people with mental health illness need not just be done by doctors or psychologists or psychiatrists. Every one could play a role and contribute to recovery, says G. Vishnu Charan, Managing Director of Naveen Hospital.
Naveen Hospital dealing with mental health and de-addiction has opened a second home for patients with mental ill-health.
In Tirupur, Vazhikatti Mental Health Foundation launched ‘Sumaithangi’, suicide prevention helpline. Those with depression and feeling suicidal could call 0421-2472472.
Dr. K. Selvaraj, Chairman of the Foundation, S. Thirunavukkarasu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, K. Shanmugasundaram, Principal of Chikkanna Government Arts College – Tirupur, and G. Govindaraj, District Collector, participated in the function.
A campaign titled ‘Neengalum Oru Vazhikatti’ Mental Health Awareness campaign was launched at the Tirupur New Bus Stand. The same was also conducted at the Fun Mall in Coimbatore city.
Students of Nursing of the Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences took out a rally and performed a street play in a bid to generate awareness on mental health.
Cheshire Homes also observed the Day.
