It’s a growing concern; Adopt a holistic approach to address mental illness: Governor
Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari presided over a Seminar on ‘Mental Health Problems – A Growing Concern’ at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on Sunday,17th October 2021. The Seminar was organised by the Bombay Psychiatric Society which was aimed at creating awareness about mental health and problems.
Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari addressing a seminar
Maharashtra Governor, B. S. Koshyari speaking on the occasion stressed the need for adopting a holistic approach to addressing the problems of mental health. Stating that the Bhagwad Gita begins with the chapter on Arjuna’s depression and ends with the way to salvation, he urged mental health professionals to study ancient scriptures, literature, and philosophy that may hold new perspectives for them.
Consulting psychiatrist Dr. Kersi Chavda said mental health problems are growing among children. He said 10 percent of the children in the age group of 5 -16 were found to have diagnosable mental problems; however, almost 70 percent of these did not have any medical intervention. He said the COVID 19 pandemic had increased the rate of mental health disorders. He said WHO had predicted that by 2021; twenty percent of India will suffer from mental illness.
Dr. Avinash D’Souza, President of, Bombay Psychiatric Society, said “Children and youth are the future of the country and every school should have a psychiatrist. This would help to detect early symptoms and proper care can be taken timely”.
The Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in the group photo (Photo: Raj Bhavan PRO)
Dr. Anita Sukhwani, Former president of the Bombay Psychiatric Society said “Women and men face depression in different ways, adding that social, cultural, legal and medical factors are important factors in women’s mental health problems”.
The seminar was attended by prominent personalities from India and abroad that included His Excellency Ming Fung, Consul General of Singapore in Mumbai, His Excellency Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel, Colonel Prabhat Sood, Executive Vice President of Hinduja Group, Dr. Avinash Supe, Executive Director, Hinduja Hospital, Khar and Dr. Sanjay Kumawat Consultant, Psychiatrist.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
