India has a huge unmet need for mental healthcare. The number of recorded suicides in India increased by around 25 per cent during the decade 2001 to 2010 according to National Crime Records Bureau.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), India is witnessing an alarming rise in the cases of common mental disorders, as a whole, with prevalence rising to is 10 to 12 per cent of population. It is estimated that almost 70 million people in India suffer from mental illnesses.
To address the increase of mental illness over the years, a training workshop on Common Mental Disorders (CMD) was organised by department of community medicine, under the School of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSR); Sharda University for faculties and students. The workshop was conducted by psychiatrists and doctors from AIIMS, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences and medical experts from the US and other parts of the country.
Professor Dr Pratibha Gupta, principal, dean and director, SMSR, Sharda University said: “The random lifestyle led by today’s generation has become a key concern for mental health professionals. The cases of mental instability have risen due to various factors in our everyday lives. It has become important to take proper steps for treating common mental disorder.”
“With this workshop, there was learning on how Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy techniques can be used when sufferers appear to be in depression, show behavior modification and anxiousness. The technique acknowledges us to respond faster to crisis situations”, she added.
The day-long seminar was attended by over 200 delegates. The faculty and students were educated on mental health as well as the art and technique of counseling, the best possible treatment to be given to the patients and preventive measures for these disorders.
The motivational expert and doctors at the workshop enlightened the participants about various patterns of sleep and causes of sleep disorders, increasing stress levels in people due to the gap between one’s expectations and actual availability and ominous signs of severe depression and suicides.
PK Gupta, chancellor of Sharda University and founder chairman of the Sharda Group of Institutions, said: “Through our various endeavors, we try to address concerns of common masses that play a vital role in ensuring better survival outcomes. Our aim behind such activities is to understand the importance of a positive attitude and good mental health, in adding productive life to one’s years”.
According to latest figures provided by the health ministry, India has a mere 4,500 psychiatrists in the whole country, i.e. one psychiatrist for every 400,000 people. Thus, it is important that preventive measures to handle stress, anxiety, depression and suicides are learnt at the right time to enhance the therapeutic relationship for improved quality of life.