Port Blair, Mar 04: One Stop Centre under the Directorate of Social Welfare organized an online awareness session for the benefits of the women to address various psychological issues and its management.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (SW), in the keynote address spoke about the importance of raising awareness on reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and encouraging treatment for the affected person voluntarily or through caregivers. He further emphasized that proper treatment in a friendly manner will help the person to lead a normal life without further mental complication; otherwise the condition would deteriorate and may result in unexpected events.
Dr. Mitesh Beheri, a Neuropsychiatrist and De-addiction specialist, A&N Islands, has shed light on various psychological challenges faced by women in their daily lives. He discussed issues such as psychological changes during the prenatal period, early menopause, and associated health issues, along with mental disorders like depression, anxiety, mood swings, and eating disorders. The resource person highlighted the symptoms of present-day women’s psychological disorders, addressing hormonal changes, lifestyle impacts, and coping mechanisms. Emphasizing the importance of family support, counseling, meditation, and psychotherapy, he also emphasized their crucial roles in positively impacting physical, emotional, and psychological well-being in the face of mental illness. Additionally, he addressed women’s psychological issues related to child fertility, infertility, and effective coping strategies.
During the online session Mrs. Santhi Murugesan, Central Administrator, One Stop Centre briefed on the objective of One Stop Centre scheme which provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence during distress both in private and public spaces. The One Stop Centres facilitate immediate, emergency, non-emergency services access to a range of services including Medical, Legal, minimum 5 days temporary shelter, Police assistance, Psychological and Counseling support to fight any forms of violence against women under single roof.
The program was attended by representatives NGOs like Hope Foundation, UDDAN, Panchayat Raj Institutions, Anganwadi Workers, Self Help Groups and general public.
