Mental health is a topic rarely spoken about in social circles, making it difficult for those who want to seek help to know where to turn to. To bridge this gap, students of Azim Premji University (APU), Bengaluru, have brought out a directory of mental healthcare professionals in the city.

“One of the reasons behind formulating a directory was the fact that there was no such database for Bengaluru. Friends and relatives often come to us seeking references,” said Benson Issac, faculty, APU, who mentored the students.

Professionals have welcomed the launch of this directory. “With more and more people coming to us seeking therapy, it would be useful to have a directory of mental healthcare professionals,” said P.T. Shivakumar, Additional Professor of Psychiatry, NIMHANS. “People need to have information. Some platforms are offering the information, but I don’t think it is complete.”

The directory was prepared by students of Masters in Development at APU as part of their coursework. “We have tried to provide a complete picture of mental health care. So the directory also lists recreational spaces and wellness centres,” said Saumil Sharma, an MA student.

The team plans to make the handbook easily available to make it accessible to event those who are hesitant to seeking this information.

“We think the directory should be available in cafes and bookshops, workplaces and healthcare institutions,” said Mr. Issac.

Hard copies of the directory were distributed to healthcare professionals recently and will be made available free of cost. A digital version will be uploaded on the university website by Monday.

Fewer options outside

A database of mental healthcare professionals in the State would reduce the burden on institutions in the city. While every medical college in the State has a department of psychiatry, NIMHANS sees several patients from across the State visit the institute before seeking help at the district hospital or the local medical college hospital.

“Sometimes, patients drop out of treatment because they cannot afford to visit a distant centre for the entire duration of the treatment, which can stretch to several months,” said Dr. Shivakumar.

Knowing the options available nearby could help them complete the treatment.

Hidden at workplace

Mental health issues are often hidden at the workplace. People think that the moment someone sees a psychiatrist, they could lose their jobs. “Even government employees fear disclosing this information. Government employees are protected under the Disabilities Act. Even if they have a mental illness, they cannot be easily removed from their jobs,” said Dr. Shivakumar.

To some extent, many companies are supportive, but employees hesitate to reveal their condition, he added.

The directory should be available in cafes and bookshops, workplaces and healthcare institutions.

Benson Issac faculty, Azim Premji University

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – April 10th, 2016