World Mental Health Day was observed in city today with over 1000 nursing staff of various hospitals, students of medicine, nursing schools and Psychology Dept. of Manasagangotri taking out a procession from Mysore Medical College to JK Grounds, carrying placards with messages on importance of mental health.

A programme was held later at the Platinum Jubilee Hall at the Grounds organised under the joint auspices of District Legal Services Authority, District Mental Health Authority, K.R. Hospital Mental Health Dept. and District Health and Family Welfare Department.

Inaugurating the programme, Principal District and Sessions Judge and DLSA Chairman H.P. Sandesh pointed out that education and health are two important factors influencing the health of society which should be closely monitored by the government.

Remove stigma: "Most of the mental Health patients are looked down upon in society thus carrying an indelible stigma throughout their lives. Hence they shun to visit hospitals for mental health and prefer to go to general hospitals. Such a trend should be stopped in society by showing empathy on mental health patients. Nursing staff known for their exemplary service-minded behavior can bring in remarkable changes in the attitude of mental health patients," opined Sandesh.

Incidentally, World Mental Health Day was actually observed on Oct. 10.

Its observance was postponed to today in view of Dasara festival, it is learnt.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore