*Yamini Nair * *Feb 14, 2011*
*BANGALORE*: "It has been a discovery of my inner self, helping me to cope with the traumas of abuse. Now, I'm confident and in control of my mind. It was like a blind person gaining eye sight." This is what Sarika (name changed), a social scientist, felt after she underwent counselling at Vishwas Society for Mental Health. Stress has become part of everyday life now. Normally, people try to cope with it, but sometimes can't find a solution. Vishwas lends a helping hand to such people. Founded in August 1991, Vishwas caters to mental health concerns of people of all age groups. "We provide an atmosphere which is non-judgmental and warm. We have personal sharing to help people get clarity on their thoughts and find a solution," says Prachi Dixit, who has been a counsellor here for 10 years. For the distressed, Vishwas provides free counselling even without an appointment. Anyone can walk in for help three days a week. Founder-member of Vishwas, Thangam Venkateswaran, says: "We started with helping terminally ill cancer patients in 1991 __ at a time when society's approach to such patients was so different. Later, we realized there was tremendous need of support for almost all sections of society. Bangalore has maximum number of suicides reported. Lot of support is available in the city for specific illnesses. But it had nothing for general counselling. Therefore, we started Vishwas." Many factors can contribute to mental stress, like work-home balance, rebelling adoloscent, marital disputes, child sexual abuse, loss of dear ones. "We accept without conditions. Empathy is the key word here," says Girish N M, a counsellor. Those who need medical help are referred to other hospitals like Nimhans, he adds. Twenty four volunteers work three days a week to contribute their bit to build a mentally healthy society. "We have training for volunteers for 10 days after which they are kept on probation for six months. Refresher courses are conducted often to maintain the level of professionalism," says Girish. "Session for each individual varies according to the nature of the problem. We let them as long as they want to come. We strictly ensure confidentiality is maintained," says Dixit. "Nothing can be more rewarding than sending back a person with a smile on his face, who had once walked in with suicidal thoughts. It's just giving and getting back a lot in return. Our problems become nothing," she adds. "Certain problems can be solved only through counselling, like cases of child sexual abuse. We ensure confidentiality is maintained in all cases," adds Girish. Vishwas, supported by donations, also conducts school outreach programmes to help students fare better. A team visits IIM-B to address issues of students there. It also conducts workshops for teachers and parents. "In our own small way, if we can create a more mentally healthy society, it will be great. May be a small step. But every little drop makes a difference, that's what we believe," Thangam signs off. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7490392.cms?prtpage=1 -- 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
