Chennai talks depression to break stigma

Dr Yamini Kannappan, consultant psychiatrist, Kauvery Hospital, said that the first step in tackling depression is to make people talk about it, adding that in her practice, a large section of her patients suffer from depression. The hospital will screen a short film on the subject for the public and a session with doctors is also on the cards. 

“If we see 10 patients a day, five invariably suffer from the condition—either diagnosed or already undergoing treatment. The biggest obstacle is stigma. There are ways in which families and friends of those with the condition react when they learn about it, and this has a negative impact on the person suffering from it. The film will touch upon these aspects,” she said. 

She added that a session later in the day will have doctors interacting with patients of depression, especially those with diabetes and hypertension. They will also discuss ways of decreasing mortality.

The Mastermind Foundation will conduct a free two-hour workshop on the topic at the Grand by GRT Hotels. Dr Lakshmi T Rajan of the foundation said, “We can come out of it with the belief and faith that we can, along with mind management and affirmation techniques, cure the affliction.”

Sri Ramachandra University will host a talk by Dr Lakshmi Vijayakumar, WHO Consultant and founder of SNEHA, the suicide prevention helpline. Dr Lakshmi said, “It has been 11 years since the World Health Day has shifted focus to mental health. This year ‘Depression Let’s Talk’ will aim at removing the stigma and making those affected with it come out of the closet.” 

The Tamil Nadu branch of the Indian Medical Association is taking up the fight against the condition across medical colleges, where a series of awareness programmes will be held in the coming months. “We are also looking at private public partnerships to tackle the issue in the coming months,” a member of the Association said.