VPS Lakeshore Hospital organised an awareness programme to mark World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of mental well-being and the need to create a supportive environment for people facing mental health challenges.
Inaugurating the programme, SK Abdulla, managing director of VPS Lakeshore Hospital, said mental health was not a luxury but a necessity. He emphasised that no one seeking help should feel alone and that the hospital was committed to supporting the mental well-being of everyone who approached it.
“The message we want to convey is that no one who comes here is alone. The entire hospital stands with you,” he said, adding that everyone's mental health was a priority for the institution.
World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10 each year, is an opportunity to meaningfully engage with people with lived experience (PWLE) of mental health conditions and to recognize their knowledge as a vital form of expertise. This year’s campaign calls for their voices to shape the policies, services and decisions that affect their lives.
Lived experience is what someone has experienced themselves, especially when it gives the individual knowledge or understanding that people who have only heard or learnt about such experiences do not have.
Jayesh V. Nair, CEO of VPS Lakeshore Hospital, presided over the function. He observed that people often struggle emotionally despite appearing happy and stressed the importance of listening to those experiencing difficulties.
He said mental health deserved the same attention as physical health and urged people to be more sensitive to the emotional challenges faced by others.
Dr PJ Xavier, senior consultant in the psychiatry department, emphasised the need to create opportunities for people to speak openly about their problems. Equally important, he said, was having the patience and willingness to listen without judgement.
Dr Mariya Varghese, chief of medical services, J.A. Ajimon and Siji P. Chandran also addressed the gathering.
Sachin Jose, psychiatric social worker, delivered the welcome address, while Dr Surta Ram Vishnoi, medical superintendent, proposed the vote of thanks.
