HYDERABAD: We belong to a shame-based society that controls members of a system – like family, a clan or group by shaming and humiliating members,when they do not live up to the expectations trust up on them,” said Anna Chandy, Chairperson of ‘The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation’ by actress Deepika Padukone. A non-profit organisation, Roshni Trust completed its 20 years of service in the area of mental health care and had invited Anna to deliver a talk as a part of 20th year celebration.
They organised a talk titled ‘Shame and Support – Role of the family.’ “Support from family is absolutely important to deal with shame; this starts at home. Recovery in mental health have to be collaborative and family part is very critical,” Anna said. Choose friends if you don’t get support from family,” she added. On a question about Child Sexual Abuse, Anna said, “ we have a huge problem and sharing narrative works. My thought is activism and education need to go side by side. It cost me a lot to talk about it openly in my case too.”
“One of the mental health issues is that sufferer has no insight and there is a negative propaganda which does affect the sufferer ability to approach a psychiatrist”. Answering to a question about geriatric depressions – Does age have an effect on everybody, quoting WHO about the epidemic of depression, Anna said doctors are the first point of contact and help begins there. “it is beginning to happen and hopefully it will enlarge as we move forward that will help minimise this geriatric burden,” she added.
Meanwhile, she applauded Roshni Trust for their work. The non-profit body has made tremendous impact in their pursuit to raise awareness about the root cause of mental illness by being available for the depressed and the suicidal through the Roshni Helpline, providing professional care through their counselling centre. It also helps the terminally ill to die with dignity through its palliative care. Further more,it gives a second lease of life to the seniors at the Roshini Recreation Centre.
Roshni is a member of ‘Befrienders Worldwide’ an international organisation recognised by the UN which has 700 member centres in several countries world wide and more than 70,000 volunteers across the globe.
“Mental illness is a challenge not only to those who encounter them, but also creates tremendous amount of trauma to the care givers. It is important that people are open to identifying their illness, accepting it,taking support and help to get treated,” said Shashi Reddi,co-founder of Roshni Trust.