*7 April 2011* *Priyanka Gollikeri * *Mumbai* : Psychiatrist Arti Sasane recounts how Neelima BR (name changed) was married off by her family despite showing signs of schizophrenia, was later subjected to greater mental and physical torture by her husband, and ultimately sent back to her maternal home.
“Her family just failed to understand her and instead of ensuring timely treatment,married her off,” says Dr Sasane, who works with SevenHills Hospital & HealthCity in Mumbai. A rather unfortunate situation seems to be gripping India on account of the rapid rise in mental illnesses which is moving cheek-by-jowl with ignorance and stigma. Dr Rajesh Sagar, additional professor of psychiatry at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), says that about 1-2% of people in India suffer from severe mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, while about 5-10% have common mental problems like anxieties, depression etc. Cases are rising due to stress, increased competition, certain genetic factors and breakdown of support systems, say doctors. "What is sad is that out of all these numbers, just 10% actually come ahead and take treatment," says Dr Sagar, "Every person can feel pain or discomfort of the body. But it's difficult to realise there is some discomfort of the psyche or mind," he explains. “This happens as the general societal perception is that people with mental illnesses can be violent, dangerous and should be socially excluded,” says Dr Sasane, further explaining that like other ailments which occur due to rise or fall in certain chemicals in the body, mental ailments have the same root. “The chemical serotonin which keeps us in a balanced state drops during depression. But without understanding the context, society starts pointing fingers at patients by calling them mad,” says Dr.Sasane. Dr Singh says that like for tobacco and AIDS, even mental illnesses need continued mass public campaigns. "Moreover, even amongst the medical community, awareness has to increase. During MBBS, out of 142 weeks of clinical posting, only two weeks are allocated to psychiatry. Often, general physicians are not well-equipped to notice symptoms related to mental illnesses," adds Dr Sagar. http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_mental-illnesses-on-the-rise-in-mumbai-but-acceptance-elusive_1529127 -- 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
