District sub-judge K.P. Sunitha has said that a core change should take place in society’s attitude to mentally unstable persons, including those suffering from schizophrenia.
Speaking after inaugurating ‘Manoranjan’, a legal awareness programme at Vazhavatta in the district to mark World Schizophrenia Day on May 24, the sub-judge said modern society was keen on addressing physical illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, or cancer, but it was yet to give such significance for psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. “Society often watches persons recovered from mental disorders with suspicion,” Ms. Sunitha said, adding that such attitude should change.
“Society has a crucial role to play in providing a fresh lease of life to schizophrenia patients,” the sub-judge, also the secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, said.
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While handling a session on mental health, Shafeen Hyder, psychiatrist, WIMS Medical College Hospital, Meppadi, said that although schizophrenia was chronic, it could be treated with simple medication.
“Lack of awareness has become the biggest hurdle in treating patients,” Dr. Hyder said. The main cause for the mental illness was the imbalance of dopamine, a chemical present in the brain and severe stress; incidents that cast an adverse impact on people; and a few hereditary traits.
Concerted effort by the government, physicians, and society was the need of the hour for rehabilitation of the marginalised sections. Johny Pallithazhath, director, Jyothi Nivas charitable society, presided.
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The programme was organised jointly by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Wayanad; World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Indian Chapter); Janamaithri police, and Jyothi Nivas charitable society.