Udupi: Psychopathic diseases are curable diseases and mental health needs to be maintained by availing the appropriate treatment at the right time, said Chief District and Sessions Judiciary CM Joshi.
He was speaking at the World Mental Health programme ogranised by the Udupi District Panchayat, in association with the District Health and Family Welfare Department, District Legal Services Authority, and Dr G Shankar Women’s First Grade College, at the IMA Bhavan on Thursday, October 10.
The Government Women’s First Class College and Postgraduate Studies Center, Department of Psychology, Advisory Committee and National Service Planning Department (Ajjarakadu) also participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Joshi said, “Mental illness is a curable disease just like any other disease in the body. If mental health and physical health are present, the disease is reduced. There is a need to raise awareness of this in our surroundings. Suicidal thoughts do not come from embracing positive thoughts and maintaining sobriety.”
The District Judge further opined that there are many good books on mental health which should be practiced. He also said that parents should be aware of the various types of mental illness, and that the law should not deny treatment to mental patients in any hospital under the Mental Health and Care Act.
Senior Civil Judge Kaveri, who released a pamphlet on mental health, said that negative thoughts often undermine mental contentment. “When you have a tendency to face difficulties and develop a tendency to live in the present, thoughts of suicide do not come to mind. It is our duty to protect our life and its value,” he added.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner G Jagdish, who presided over the program, said that when a person sets expectations beyond his own ability, stresses overwhelm that person. “When we realize it ourselves, we are motivated to make a living from stress-free living. Kolar farmers are an inspiration to all of us in this regard. There is not a single instance of suicide in this district, which has a minimum land area and can grow to a maximum extent of cultivation with thousands of feet of deep water. Any work should be done in the interest of diligence,” he said.
“Young people, who are the future of the country, need to be aware of their potential and decide for ourselves what they want in life. They have to say that life is good, then our thoughts will be good,” he added.
In his address, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr Ashok said, “Knowledge and awareness of mental health needs to be a continuous process, not a day’s work. According to statistics, there are about 8 lakh people committing suicide every year in the world. If one person commits suicide every 40 seconds, about 20 people attempt suicide. There are more than 200,000 suicides in the country due to various reasons. According to the World Health Organization, those aged 15 to 20 are more likely to commit suicide.”
He added that nine consultants are being appointed to raise awareness about mental health in the district and students are being educated in every college in the district.
Earlier, District Mental Health Programme Officer Dr Surendra Chimbalkar welcomed the gathering and afterwards, Vijayabai proposed vote of thanks.
District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Preethi Gehlot, District Psychiatrist Dr Vasudev, District Mental Health Programme Psychologist Dr Manus, Dr G Shankar Women’s First Grade College department heads Vani R Ballal, Dean Sozan K J, and others were present.
