Mangalore: Wenlock District Hospital, Mangalore and department of Psychiatry, KMC observed ‘World Mental Health Day’ here on Friday October 10.
In his inaugural address, additional district and sessions judge B.K Naik asked everyone to respect those who are mentally ill. He said, “The provision of fundamental right given to every citizen of India in the constitution includes those who are mentally ill. But, we laugh at them. Instead, we have to treat them as fellow humans, and not animals”, he advised, saying it’s the duty of the family, to look after a mentally ill person, and provide adequate treatment.
Later, Dr Ravish Thunga, professor and HOD of department of Psychiatry, AJ Institute of Medical Science, Mangalore briefed about the problem ‘Schizophrenia’. He said, it is a major psychotic disorder. Schizophrenia is curable with good treatment. But, if the person does not go for treatment for more than two years, there are chances that the diseases can not be cured for life. Treatment consists of medicine and counseling.
Dr Thunga also said that there are three major things to keep in mind when there is a Schizophrenia patient near to them or in the society. ‘Critical comments, hospitality and over involvement’. “Schizophrenia patients should be provided with good hospitality and should not get too much attached to him. Society and family members should not pass harsh comments on him during the recovering period.” he added
On the occasion, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Ganesha B released a leaflet on the ‘Mental Health Awareness’. KMC medical college students performed a play to show how to deal with the Schizophrenia patients and where to take them when they are affected with Schizophrenia.
Dr H S Shivakumar, district health and family welfare officer, Dr Rajeshwari Devi H R, district surgeon and superintendent of Wenlock hospital, Mangalore, Dr Caroline P D’Souza, assistant professor at KMC and HAMO, department of Psychiatry, Wenlock hospital, Dr Sunil Kumar, consultant psychiatrist and others were also present on the occasion.
