19-Aug-2013MUMBAI : Psychiatrist Harish Shetty recalls a few cases he treated that would have been nipped in the bud had there been a organisational counsellor at the patient's office Every office needs a counsellor, just like every educational institute does. Among the many issues that rise, are a few common situations may emerge: Office fears Case 1: A Vasudev, an efficient employee found himself faltering and not meeting deadlines. He suddenly went on leave and sent false medical certificates that proved that he had malaria. The reason - he feared his new boss who had a tendency of humiliating his juniors in public. As he recovered with sessions, he responded effectively to his new boss. Regaining his composure, he found a better job. In his exit interview, he suggested to the HR that a counsellor within the office would have been a great help. Emotional pain caused by a boss, and increased work load can be addressed early by a mental health counsellor at work. Case 2: S Sharbani was very irritable at her workplace. She took a break to go on a pilgrimage and a holiday abroad in vain. Troubled by incessant negative thoughts, she was emotionally paralysed. Disinterested in her work, she felt hopeless, cried often and slept less. She was diagnosed with clinical depression and required immediate treatment. An office counsellor could have helped her recover faster. Building family bonds Case 1: When R Tony shared with his office counselor his wife's remarks on how he spoke like a parrot and that he hardly spoke to her, the issue was taken up seriously. His thoughts were stagnant and he was bored. After a few sessions, Tony was delighted that his marriage was working again. Case 2: M Sanzgiri was clueless about her only daughter's refusal to attend school that resulted in a lot of absenteeism at office. An early consultation led to instant diagnosis of school phobia and faster recovery. In cases like these, an office counsellor helps improve emotional contact time with the family. Saving lives Case 1: S Sadhu wanted to commit suicide when he realised that his girlfriend was dating another man. The office counsellor provided him emergency counselling and linked him with a mental health helpline too. Case 2: A Norma almost hanged herself and was saved thanks to a counsellor who alerted the office after identifying signs of a probable suicide attempt via her colleagues. The office bridges the gap and shrinks the time between the onset of distress and early help. Help at hand With the help of a supportive management and via periodical workshops on emotional hygiene, anger management, parenting tips, and mood management are a few topics, counsellors at the workplace can enhance attendance, reduce attrition rates, identify emotional crisis at an early stage. Post appraisal, they can also counsel dissatisfied employees to accept the situation and assist growth. Conflict resolution and enhancing effective communication are other issues that can be addressed by the counsellor. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/work/Every-office-needs-a-counsellor/articleshow/21911656.cms *Names have been changed to protect identities (The writer is a senior psychiatrist based in Mumbai) -- -- 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 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
