Mental health centre extends helping hand to those in need

Thiruvananthapuram: Among other hospitals in the district, Government Mental Health Centre, Peroorkada, too is playing its part in taking care of persons under

quarantine

in the district. Around seven persons are under quarantine at the mental health centre.

These persons were shifted to the centre after they faced various psychological issues and were in need of support.

Sources in health department said that a person on hospital quarantine who showed withdrawal syndrome was the first to be shifted to the mental health centre. “Later, persons on medication for psychological issues, who could not be managed by other hospitals, were shifted to the mental health centre. Also, there are patients who suffer from age-related memory loss, anxiety issues etc,” said health department officials.

The psycho-social wing of the health department has been contacting every person on quarantine in the district to understand whether they need psychological support of any kind. The wing has made over 13,000 calls to people on quarantine these days.

Initially people have been citing issues of the stigma they face in the society. “They faced harassments due to fake news spreading in the locality citing that the persons on quarantine are Covid positive. Now, most of the persons who seek support complain of anxiety and stress-related issues. This was high when the number of positive cases was on a rise in the district. Now, such complaints have reduced as there is a slump in new cases,” said a health department official.

The wing, which has psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and social workers, will provide counselling support over phone for persons in need. “If there is need to start medicines, we will alert doctors of primary health centres near them, who will take necessary steps. We will make follow up calls,” said the health department official.

The psychology wing advises people on quarantine to remain updated on necessary information and stay away from news most of the time. “It is time to ensure positivity by spending time with family, use time for productive works, improve relationships, engage with kids etc. We advise them to stay away from negative news, especially fake news on social media platforms. Only trusted news should be followed and that too for necessary information. We also provide relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety,” said members at the psychology wing.

Those who need psychological support can contact 9846854844 between 9am and 4pm.


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