Indian Mental Health and Research Centre hosts 6th International Conference on “Mental Healthcare in India: Basics and Beyond"

Indian Mental Health and Research Centre continued its 6th International Conference on "Mental Healthcare in India: Basics and Beyond," delivering impactful discussions on key mental health issues. Day 2 featured expert-led sessions on school mental health, geriatric care, substance abuse, and more, offering insights for improving mental health services in India.

Prof. (Dr.) Devvarta Kumar from NIMHANS emphasized the need for proactive school mental health programs in India. He stressed on the importance of community engagement, teacher training, and policies that foster psychological safety. He called for a shift to a holistic, collaborative approach involving mental health professionals, educators, and parents to support both academic and personal development, drawing on international examples for guidance.

Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kumar Tripathi of King George’s Medical University, in his lecture on Geriatric Mental Healthcare in India, highlighted a mental health crisis among the elderly, with 20.5% facing depression and cognitive decline. He pointed to inadequate infrastructure, social isolation, a shortage of specialized professionals, and weakening family support systems as key challenges. Prof. Tripathi advocated for using AI and telepsychiatry to enhance access, particularly in rural areas, and called for government investment in geriatric mental health training and policy development.

The panel discussion on ‘Substance Abuse Among Adolescents and Youths’ addressed the complex psychological, social, and familial factors contributing to addiction. Dr. Shazia Siddiqui highlighted that substance abuse often acts as a coping mechanism for deeper issues like low self-worth, advocating for strength-based therapy to empower recovery. Dr. Reema Sinha discussed external pressures such as peer influence and media glamorisation, calling for broader societal education on addiction. Dr. Vasudha Singh emphasised the role of family dysfunction and promoted family therapy as crucial for addressing relational dynamics that fuel addiction. Dr. Shikha Soni stressed the importance of a gradual recovery process, warning against abrupt cessation and advocating for empathy in therapy to address the emotional pain underlying substance abuse.

The panel on "Issues and Challenges Faced by Persons with Disability: Bridging the Gaps" highlighted key challenges in care, access, and empowerment for persons with disabilities in India. Dr. V. S. Sharma from Shakuntala Misra Rehabilitation University emphasized the need for inclusive education systems and partnerships between government and private sectors to improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. Dr. Mrutyunjaya Mishra discussed the shortage of interpreters and specialized educators for hearing impairments, advocating for stigma reduction and increased support in rural areas. Dr. Zafar Iqbal from Composite Regional Centre, Kashmir focused on intellectual disabilities, stressing the need for early intervention, proper diagnostic tools, and community-based rehabilitation programs to enhance life quality.

Lecture by Ms. Sajna Sajan, Adult Mental Health Coordinator at Essex County Council, United Kingdom delivered a lecture on family-centered care in mental health, sharing insights from the UK. She highlighted how involving families in therapy enhances emotional support and provides a comprehensive view of patients' needs. She emphasized adapting these practices to India's cultural context, where family ties are significant, but stigma around mental health can hinder engagement. She also discussed UK safeguarding practices for vulnerable individuals and encouraged Indian professionals to adopt similar approaches.

The Conference concluded by valedictory session in which outstanding researchers were awarded by the organising secretary Dr Sajid Kazmi and Dr Parvez Masih.