The Mental Health Association was organized by NIMHANS on Friday to create awareness about the needs of mental health, reduce social stigma and increase knowledge on mental health among the masses. Leading mental health organizations and various stakeholders working in the field of mental health and suicide prevention were part of the event.
Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS said that mental health is important for all and schools should focus on the importance of mental health of children, while organizations should also worry about the mental health of employees, thereby increasing the productivity of employees. Will be
Around 50 stalls were set up for the Santhe with the participation of various organizations, hospitals, NGOs, medical centers etc. Apart from providing information on mental health, various other stalls featuring suicide prevention, counseling, games, quiz and other interactive activities were also part of the program on mental health. Mental Health Chalchitotsav was also organised, in which three short films and three street plays on the importance of mental health were screened and staged.
NIMHANS officials also said that the institute has developed an application called MindLamp, which helps in warding off depression and other mental illnesses and keeping records of mental health on a day-to-day basis. Tele Manas, a telephone service that was launched by NIMHANS, has received over 2500 calls across India, he said, adding that the toll free number 14416 can be reached 24*7.