Mariwala Health Initiative Calls For Multi Sectoral Workshop On Mental Wellbeing

Mariwala Health Initiative convened a high-level workshop on Tuesday with the objective of mainstreaming conversations on mental health and its intersections with other prevailing socio-economic and highlighting environmental issues, the need for a rights-based, workshop underlined psychosocial approach to mental health, the the need to move away from a narrow, biomedical approach to mental health to one that is more inclusive and holistic.

The speakers also elaborated on the significance of community-based solutions for mental heath issues and the need for an intersectional approach to mental health in workplaces.

Sridhar, CEO, Mariwala Health Initiative said, "There is a need to step back and stop looking at mental health as an individual issue. Each of us experience society from our respective social locations. Solving mental health issues is not a simple equation of access to services, but of interrogating discrimination and disparities in society. It is important for media to bring this understanding while reporting on issues, not just related directly to mental health, but also while highlighting issues related to health systems, lack of affordable housing, labour laws and climate change."

Dr Bhagat, Psychiatrist, Apollo Hospital said, "When talking about mental health, what one does no say is as important as what one does say. Conversations that layer the myths about mental health need to be avoided. These are: linking mental health to incapacity; correlating violence and mental health problems. What must be focused upon: mental health problems are common, and it is alright to seek help; lack of inadequate number and resources for mental health services, training of professionals. Keeping expectations from reasonable. There are no treatment magical cures, but help is available."