*Video link *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f532ZTOT1Mw *Jajati Karan* *26 October 2011* <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f532ZTOT1Mw>
*Bhubaneswar:* Diwali festivities are being used as a way to provide therapy to 150 mentally-challenged women at 'Mission Ashra' in Bhubaneswar. This Diwali India is positive and shining. For the 150 mentally-ill women at 'Mission Ashra' this festival is not just about crackers. For the past eight years, this rehabilitation centre has successfully used Diwali festivities as a therapy for the recovery of these patients. 'Mission Ashra' has transformed the lives of many, including Indira Choudhary, by giving the 38-year-old the much-needed refuge to recover from a nervous breakdown after her father's death in 2006. Regular treatment at the centre and being a part of Diwali festivities has helped her overcome her demons. Indira Chaudhary said, "Celebrating Diwali has been therapeutic. I enjoy the festival a lot and feel very happy on the occasion." However, not every one at the centre is as lucky as Indira. Gita, for instance, is unaware that Diwali celebration is more therapeutic than ritualistic. "I enjoy bursting crackers. I miss my family and want to go back home," said Gita. Since its inception in 2003, Mission Ashra has rescued 547 mentally-challenged women from the streets and railway stations. So far 367 women have been reunited with their families after such therapeutic treatment. Dr Nilamadhab Rath, HOD, Psychiatric Dept, SCB Medical college, Cuttack, said, "Withdrawal is a symptom of chronic mental illness because of the social breakdown they suffer. When they are involved in festivities like Diwali it's therapeutic as they relate to their past and have a change in the mindset." Orissa, which does not have a single government-run mental health rehabilitation centre, has an estimated three-lakh plus people suffering from mental illness. Gobinda Patnaik, the founder of 'Mission Ashra', has done a yeoman's service taking care of more than 150 mentally-challenged women. While donations sometimes prove inadequate, Patnaik remains optimistic. Gobinda Patnaik siad, "The common man can play a huge role in a very simple manner. By just sharing the joy, caring for them and simply involving them in their happiness." Celebrations like Diwali might not be the only reason for the recovery of such mentally-challenged women but experts believe it definitely play a big role in their treatment. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/healing-mentallyill-through-diwali-festivities/196575-3.html -- 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
