*Arun Dev* *January 4, 2011*
*Bangalore*: As buses, trucks and two-wheelers compete for space on potholed city roads, cases of road rage too are on the rise. But the problem is one that indicates declining levels of mental health, say concerned psychiatrists, reacting to the alleged murder of 57-year-old Channakeshava DC, alias Murthy, following a road rage incident on Sunday night. Ajit Bhide, head of psychiatry, St Martha’s Hospital, said, “The problem indicates more than just heightened tension. It reveals social immaturity.” Speaking of the reaction to such incidents elsewhere in the world, Bhinde said, “If you take the case of more developed countries, such incidents would only cause people to exchange visiting cards and get on, continuing the course of the journey, so as not to cause disruption in traffic.” Dr PS Murthy, clinical psychiatrist, Manipal Hospital, also expressed alarm at the violent reaction of city motorists to frustration. “There is need for action — instances of rage on the roads are experienced across the world, but it is not common for motorists to resort to violence,” Murthy said, adding that it was evident that even those with high levels of education seemed to be unable to control anger. “In a city like Bangalore, where the level of education is generally high, such instances of rage are thought provoking. We have to think rationally about why anger is so unrestrained. Yes, everyone is in a hurry, but being wild on the road is not likely to solve problems,” Murthy said, adding that with a little foresight and planning, the tension of the road can be done away with. “If you are able to plan your day in advance, foreseeing the problems you might face on the roads, you could learn to deal with the traffic better,” advised Murthy. Roshan Thomas, a clinical psychologist, said, “One could avoid heated arguments and making offensive statements that could only provoke greater anger. And don’t allow driving to become competitive. Such problems ought to be tackled in a more civilised manner,” said Thomas. http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_mental-health-falls-road-rage-rises-in-bangalore_1490037 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
