To look after the system of mental health services in the State, Punjab Government on Wednesday constituted a State Mental Health Authority.
Announcing this on the occasion of ‘World Mental Health Day’, the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra said that the ‘Day’ is observed with the objective of raising awareness regarding mental health issues.
The Central Government has implemented the Mental Health Care Act-2017 from May 29, 2018, and the Act articulates rights of persons with mental illness and other aspects of mental health.
“Soon, district level review boards will be constituted in each district for monitoring implementation of provisions of mental health act-2017,” he added.
Divulging more about the mental healthcare, Mohindra said that there is a tendency of experimentation in young age group leading to indulgence in alcohol and illicit drug abuse which may lead to the mental health issues among youth. He said that changing dynamics of society with increasing culture of nuclear family or disturbed family or higher divorce rates lead to mental health issues in youth.
He said that prevention begins with better understanding and much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness.
“If there are any warning signals of mental health issues like decreased work performance, poor performance in studies, abrupt changes in sleep pattern and appetite, suicidal thoughts etc, a psychiatrist should be immediately consulted at Government hospitals. Psychiatrists in government cadre are available in each district hospital of the State, and soon, more psychiatrists would be recruited to provide mental health services at rural area of the State,” said Mohindra.