Doc: Mental health issues rose during pandemic

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 10

The Directorate of Health Services observed World Suicide Prevention Day today with the theme “Creating hope through action”. A state-level event was organised by the State Mental Health Cell and was presided over by Director-General Health Services, Dr Veena Singh in presence of ADGHS Dr VK Bansal. Psychiatrists and psychologists from 22 districts joined the programme.

The first continuing medical education (CME) of the year on ‘Suicide prevention and way forward’ was inaugurated by Dr Veena Singh, DGHS, Haryana. She raised her concern about mental health receiving a huge setback because of Covid-19 pandemic, which had changed the world, she added. She elaborated that World Suicide Prevention Day aimed at spreading awareness about importance of life and suicide not being the solution to any problem.

Talking on this issue she said, “This first step is to talk about mental health issues openly”. Thus, creating awareness, talking about mental health issues, recognising the mental illness, getting treatment support and finally change in behaviour are some of the steps to be taken which can help address the problem. Strengthening HR by training, upgrading skills through capsule courses can bridge the gap of mismatch between need and availability of specialists. Dr Aseem Mehra, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatrist, PGIMER, Chandigarh gave a description on management of patients with the use of new technology.