GOALPARA, Oct 11 - With a view to raise awareness on issues relating to mental health and mobilising efforts among the people in support of it, the World Mental Health Day, which is observed on October 10 every year, was organised at the Goalpara Civil Hospital under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP).
Speaking on the occasion, noted social worker Sailen Das said that stress in life can lead to mental illness and added that changes occur during adolescence and early adulthood when some find it exciting while others find it stressful. As most of these cases go undetected and untreated, the outcome is risky behaviour. Moreover, use of alcohol and illicit drug has become a major issue among adolescents in the 15-19 age group in many countries. He also suggested some remedial measures and urged the authorities, especially the DMHP, to give more publicity by publishing booklets and writing wall messages.
Retired Principal, BN College, Dhubri, Ahijuddin Sheikh said that while high expectations of parents from children is healthy but putting too much pressure on them may be harmful. He also said that by putting too much pressure children can develop mental illness, self esteem problems, risk of suicide etc. Sheikh also praised the efforts of the DMHP for organising a streetplay on the occasion for creating awareness.
Advocate Amjad Ali also spoke in details on prevention and management of mental health and also gave a detailed account on issues relating to mental health and juvenile justice system.
Advocate Jiten Das spoke elaborately on issues relating to judiciary and mental health. He also spoke on the ethical challenges faced by the courts while dealing with mentally ill people committing crimes. Journalist Dilip Sarma spoke on issues relating to greediness as it contributes to a plethora of mental health problems. Assistant professor Ranjit Choudhury also spoke on Alzheimer�s disease and threw light on compulsive behaviour of children getting addicted to mobile phones and the internet.
Earlier, a meeting for generating awareness was organised in front of the Goalpara Civil Hospital while a streetplay was held at the New Market, Goalpara besides an extempore speech competition.
The meeting was chaired by Joint Director, District Health Services, Dr Nilmadhab Das, which was well attended by social workers, medical staff and a host of dignitaries, informed nodal officer, DMHP, Dr Upamoy Nath.
