Port Blair, Oct 11: Every year 10th of October is marked as World Mental Health day,with the aim of removing the stigma attached to Mental illnesses.To highlight the importance of Mental Health in the islands HumaneTouch organised an awareness program on 10th October 2021 at MIM Auditorium, Wimberly Gunj on the topic “Mind Matters”.
The guest speaker Mrs Shaima Shameem,Founder BRIGHT BEGINNINGS said that the word ‘Mental’ is used as slang which we need to unlearn. She also said that the children are the most stressed these days which can hinder their overall development. The speaker said that the stress between a husband and wife effects the emotional and physical equation between them resulting into clashes and weakening of the family units. Mrs. Shaima highlighting the ill effects of social media on children said that its adding on to their stress.
Dr. Mitesh Bihari as a guest expert said that there is ignorance and misconceptions about Mental Health prevailing in the islands due to lack awareness among the people. Mental health is a very important part of our health that is governed by acts and law. He also said that the public gets information through various media’s which do not present the complete picture. There is a dreath of documentries and films that can clear the misconceptions with regards to mental illness. There has to be a continous efforts in creating awareness in the islnds. He also said that there is an increase in cases of anxiety, depression, PTSDs , suicides due Covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown. He said that awareness campaigns should be done regularly.
The talks were followed by the release of the documentary film ‘Mind Matters’ produced by HumaneTouch in association with NST Media Studios, a leading media solution house of the islands.
Earlier Mr. P Mujeeb Rehman, President, Humane Touch welcomed the gathering. The program concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr. K.Noushad, Executive member, Humane Touch.
