Latest news with #NationalMentalHealthProgramme
LBCI
4 days ago
- Health
- LBCI
From crown to cause: Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa named mental health ambassador
Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine has appointed Miss Lebanon, Nada Koussa, as Lebanon's mental health ambassador in collaboration with the National Mental Health Programme. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the importance of mental well-being and the need to protect it. Expressing gratitude for what she called a first-of-its-kind appointment, Koussa said it reflects 'a growing recognition that mental health is not a luxury, but a fundamental need.' She pointed out that 'a high percentage of people in Lebanon suffer from symptoms of depression, and worse, there are cases of suicide.' Koussa added that since beginning her career as a psychologist and throughout her reign as Miss Lebanon, her mission has remained clear: Promoting awareness, education, and access to psychological care.
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Indian Express
Because every story has a beginning. Even Sonam's
Sonam Raghuvanshi once had dreams of getting an MBA degree, and expanding her father's plywood business. In the bylanes of Indore's Kushwah Nagar where, in her father's words, her movements and interactions were 'strictly curbed', she would only make it so far as the Kushwaha community's matrimonial directory. The Samaj Parichay Pustika was a time-tested way to form marriage alliances, ensuring one remained 'safely' and assuredly within own community. Six months after Sonam's biodata was added to the directory by her family, barely snatches remain of that 24-year-old, who now has only one identity, of 'the woman who killed her husband on their honeymoon'. Worse, she did it due to 'an affair with a younger man'. Even worse, 'the families didn't match her horoscope' with the man she would go on to marry — a man she barely knew except as a 'compatible' matrimonial biodata. Police are still building their case, but Sonam's brother, chased by media cameras, has declared he has little doubt 'she did it'. Her mother-in-law and the mother of her 'lover' have been pitted on national television against each other, talking about their sons and united in their censure of Sonam; the 'lover's' school-going sisters have been captured too, their 'breaking down' and 'fainting' played on repeat. Year after year, the National Crime Records Bureau registers 'love affairs' as the fastest rising cause for murder in India, and top third among all reasons. That includes 'honour killings', one of the roads down which choices of many women end. However, it would appear Sonam has gone where no man — or, should it be, woman? — has gone before. Speaking to news agency UNI last week, Dr Naresh Purohit, who is attached with the National Mental Health Programme, said that a surge in spousal murders reflects 'deeper societal issues where forced marriages and inability to express views about relationship choices can lead to violent outcomes'. However, they tell us that all Sonam should have done under the circumstances is 'walk away'. Meghalaya's famous root bridge near where Sonam allegedly carried out the murder is a place bustling with tourists, with shops having sprung up selling snacks to knick-knacks, run mostly by women. A girl belonging perhaps to bylanes no wider than where Sonam grew up can often surprise you with a perfect rendition of an English pop song. Wonder what Sonam, presumably frustrated with her marriage, presumably contemplating a new start, thought of that girl. Maybe in another lifetime, Sonam could have left home in the few months between when her groom was chosen for her and the marriage festivities started. Maybe, her family would have accepted the younger man she is said to have loved, who was their employee and much lower in social standing. Maybe she and the man could then have been one of those couples taking selfies on the root bridge, ignoring calls to move on by guards worried about the safety of the ancient structure. However, how many of us would bet on this parallel lifeline for Sonam? And yet, we are a country that lives and breathes parallel lifelines. In one such lifeline, not too long ago, two women were the face of India's efforts against a warring neighbour, as the government celebrated its 'Operation Sindoor' as a 'tribute to all women, daughters, sisters'. But even before the dust had settled, from within the ruling establishment came questions about why the women who survived the Pahalgam terror attack had not fought back for their 'sindoor'. An appeal for peace by one of those women drew a swift backlash. Across these very different lifelines, one thing is common: a woman can thrive all she wants, as long as she sticks to the course drawn for her by others. National Editor Shalini Langer curates the fortnightly 'She Said' column
United News of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Surge in spousal murders in India reflects deeper societal issues: NMHP Advisor
Hyderabad, June 11 (UNI) A surge in spousal murders in India reflects deeper societal issues where forced marriages and inability to express views about relationship choices can lead to violent outcomes, according to Dr Naresh Puohit, Advisor National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). The recent tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a young businessman from Indore, allegedly killed by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastation caused by dishonesty in relationships. Marriage is a sacred bond built on trust and mutual respect. When these values are absent, the consequences can be catastrophic, said Dr Naresh, noted Mental Health Expert. Talking to UNI after addressing a Continuing Medical Education Programme (CME) on "Understanding Toxic Relationships" organised by the Hyderabad-based Institute of Mental Health here on Wednesday, Dr Purohit emphasised that instead of resorting to violence, individuals must have the courage to choose divorce or to walk away from marriages that conflict with their true feelings. Taking an innocent life is never the answer, it creates a cycle of pain and suffering for all involved. Quoting his recent research paper titled "The Psychology Behind Spousal Killings", the Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies In Mental Care, pointed that one of the leading factors that makes spouses commit such heinous act is the desire to take over, control and dominate the relationship; and the failure to achieve that can lead to frustration, prompting them to kill their partner. "The relationships where the partner has the intense ambition of jealousy and possessiveness can fuel anger and resentment, whereas little events can take up huge manifestations like killing or murdering the partner," he added "The past experiences of an individual can lead to such killings. Where prior bad experiences may erode trust in the institution of marriage, leading to the killing of the partner," he said He averred that several personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder, where one is extremely egotistical or is very suspicious of the other partner, can predispose individuals to aggressive behaviors and a lack of empathy. "According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) homicides resulting from love affairs and marital relationships are the third and fourth most prevalent motives for murder in India. Statistically, approximately one in ten murders in the nation is perpetrated by a lover, spouse, or partner." "From 2010 to 2014, the proportion of murders linked to love affairs and relationships fluctuated between 7 percent and 8 percent. In contrast, from 2015 to 2022, this percentage increased to between 10 percent and 11 per cent, and the trend shows no signs of abating," the renowned physician added. Experts pointed out that in most spousal crimes, the person isn't mentally ill; they just don't care how their emotions and actions affect others. It's much more than just poor mental well-being, it's complete moral erosion. UNI KNR RN
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
NIMHANS launches Yoga-based Extension Services in community intervention programmes
To enhance rural mental health care through yoga interventions, NIMHANS on Tuesday launched Yoga-based Extension Services (YES) in its ongoing community intervention programmes at Thirthahalli and Turuvekere in Shivamogga and Tumakuru districts respectively. YES, will be a six-session, once a month face-to-face programme whenever a patient comes to the Primary Health Centre/hospital for a follow-up, for a 30-45 minute duration. Brochures/videos depicting yoga practice with instructions in the local language will be provided to encourage daily practice at home. Indian Council of Medical Research director-general Rajiv Bahl, NIMHANS director Pratima Murthy and National Medical Commission chairperson B.N. Gangadhar launched the YES programme on Tuesday. 'We expect to observe improvement in symptom severity, disability, social cognition, socio-occupational functioning, and well-being over six months, along with delivery and fidelity (support and challenges) of YES,' said Aarti Jagannathan, principal investigator of YES project and additional professor of Psychiatric Social Work at NIMHANS. Schizophrenia patients The Community Intervention Psychotic Disorders programme in Thirthahalli was started in June 2005 with research grants under the National Mental Health Programme. Since then, NIMHANS team has been examining clinically relevant research questions among these representative, community-dwelling schizophrenia patients. In addition to studying this cohort scientifically, the team has also been providing regular clinical services to these underserved patients. 'Nearly two-thirds of these patients were out-of-treatment, and our team has provided services to them at their doorsteps – while most receive follow-up care in their nearest primary health centres, a substantial proportion of patients are seen in their homes,' she said. Till date, 400 schizophrenia patients have been identified and are being treated and followed up regularly. Apart from these, thousands of patients with other neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions are being treated. The Turuvekere intervention programme was started in December 2009. 'Like in Thirthahalli, our team aimed to identify and treat all patients with schizophrenia in the taluk. Till date, 325 patients with schizophrenia have been identified, treated, and are being followed up. The total number of patients with other psychiatric disorders is over 2,000,' the doctor explained. 'Yoga as a culturally appropriate intervention is found to be effective in improving the physical, mental health and well-being of persons with mental disorders in India. We wish to address this important clinical, public health and research gap through YES,' she said. The event also marked the International Yoga Day 2025 month, as well as for celebrating over 15 years of community mental health service at Tirthahalli and Turuvekere, she added.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Struggling with stress? 10 student counselling platforms backed by the government
Every year, it feels like the bar gets raised just a little higher -- except now, it's sky-high. Board exam toppers flaunt percentages well above 95%, college cut-offs brush the 99% mark, and a "good score" no longer feels good pressure isn't just intense -- it's suffocating. Behind those smiling topper photos and celebratory reels is a large, silent crowd of students grappling with anxiety, burnout, and in heartbreaking cases, thoughts of now living in an academic culture where every other student scores above 90%, yet many feel like they're falling behind. The race to crack competitive exams, bag a college seat, or simply meet the sky-high expectations from schools, families, and themselves is taking a dangerous is Mental Health Awareness Month -- a timely moment to talk about the growing mental health crisis among students in India. According to the World Health Organization, 8% of children and 15% of adolescents globally face mental disorders, and suicide is now the third leading cause of death in those aged 15 to home, news reports of student suicides have become distressingly common, especially around exam the urgency, the Indian government has stepped in with several initiatives -- some old, some recent -- to provide young minds with the support they need. advertisement From helplines to in-school counsellors and digital therapy services, here's a guide to the government-backed organisations and platforms offering crucial mental health help for students:1. TELE MANASAn initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Tele MANAS offers 24/7 mental health support through helpline numbers 14416 and include telephone-based counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, and platform has seen a major increase in usage, with nearly 17,000 calls received in Gujarat over two years, showing the growing demand for mental health services.2. DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME (DMHP)Under the National Mental Health Programme, DMHP operates in 704 districts across aims to integrate mental health services into general healthcare, offering counselling in schools and colleges, workplace stress management, life skills training, and suicide prevention services.3. MANODARPANLaunched by the Ministry of Education, MANODARPAN aims to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and offers a national toll-free helpline (8448440632) for tele-counselling services. The initiative also includes a dedicated website with resources like advisory guidelines, practical tips, and FAQs. 4. KIRAN HELPLINELaunched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020, KIRAN is India's first national 24/7 mental health helpline (1800-599-0019).It offers early screening, first-aid, psychological support, and referrals to mental health professionals, catering to individuals across all age groups, including students.5. CBSE COUNSELLINGThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) provides pre- and post-exam counselling through a toll-free helpline (1800-11-8004) for a fixed period of service offers psychological counselling and career guidance to students and parents. In 2025, CBSE extended its post-result counselling services for 15 days to address student stress.6. RASHTRIYA KISHOR SWASTHYA KARYAKRAM (RKSK)Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, RKSK focuses on the health and development needs of adolescents aged 10-19 addresses mental health issues through community-based interventions and counselling services.7. NCERT COUNSELLING SERVICESThe National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) offers counselling services through approximately 270 counsellors across programme, 'SAHYOG: Guidance for Mental Wellbeing of Children', includes live interactive sessions broadcasted on eVidya DTH-TV channels for Classes 1 to recorded yoga sessions are available to help students manage stress and anxiety. National Health Mission. advertisement8. KERALA'S JEEVANI MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMMEInitiated by the Government of Kerala in 2019, Jeevani provides dedicated mental health services in 66 colleges across the programme employs trained counsellors to offer support to approximately 60,000 college students, addressing issues like anxiety and depression. Wikipedia9. ODISHA'S SAMS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTThe Odisha Government has integrated mental health support into the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) can access 24/7 tele-counselling services through helpline numbers 14416 and 1800-891-4416, especially during the admission season.10. ANDHRA PRADESH'S SCHOOL COUNSELLORS INITIATIVEIn March 2025, Andhra Pradesh became the first Indian state to appoint dedicated career and mental health counsellors in government the School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha, 255 counsellors were deployed across the state in collaboration with EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited).These initiatives show that student mental health awareness is growing in India and steps are being taken to address the issues. By providing accessible resources and support, the government aims to create a more supportive environment for students facing mental health more information on these programmes, you can visit their official Watch
