As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh for the year 2012-2013, the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER organized a Public Forum with the topic, ‘Depression: A Global Crisis’. This topic was chosen in keeping with the theme for the World Mental Health Day for this year.
The program was inaugurated by Prof. NN Wig, founder of the Psychiatry Department and an Emeritus Professor of PGIMER. He talked about the importance of recognizing and diagnosing Depression as a distinct entity from normal fluctuations in mood, the changing aspects of Depression and the importance of de-stigmatizing this disorder. He emphasized that Depression can be treated and it is important to seek help.
His talk was followed by that of Prof Vidhu Mohan, Professor of Psychology in Panjab University. She stressed upon introspection, self-realization and healthy social relationships in human happiness. She stressed upon the different models of Psychotherapy for Depression and the importance of just having confiding relationships in the catharsis of psychological distress.
Thereafter, Prof Rajesh Gill, Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology in Panjab University, talked about Depression from a Sociological perspective. She touched upon the very relevant topic of loneliness of the modern human being despite better technological aids and social networking. Her talk emphasized the importance of real human relationships and interactions as a means of combating and preventing Depression.
Dr Puneet Bedi, Principal of the MCM DAV College for Women and Senator of Panjab University, talked about Depression from her point of view as an eminent educationist. Her talk emphasized the role of teachers as guides and mentors to young people who undergo various stresses and strains in the course of growing up.
Her talk was followed by that of Justice Kannan, a learned Judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court with vast experience in jurisprudence and medico-legal matters. His talk covered the area of the Mental Health Act and the safeguards against violations of Human Rights of the mentally ill and those whose human rights are violated by misuse of the provisions of the Mental Health Act. He also covered the areas of the misuse of the Right to Information Act and the decriminalization of those who attempt suicide.
Mr Kanwar Sandhu, a journalist of vast experience and repute, talked about the role of media in Depression and Suicide. His talk touched upon how the media can be more responsible in the reporting of suicides and how guidelines can be made regulating and discouraging overtly sensationalist reporting.
His talk was followed by that of Ms Sunita Sibal,Chairperson of the Drug Deaddiction Wing of the Chandigarh Chapter of the Art of Living. Her talk stressed upon the importance of introspection and self-awareness in combating Depression. She focused upon the spiritual aspect of health and mental well-being.
The talks were concluded with the address of Prof Savita Malhotra, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER. She talked about the clinical aspects of this disorder. She informed about the various ways in which depression can manifest and the various treatment modalities that can be used to treat it. She emphasized the need to destigmatize this condition and increase awareness so that people do not needlessly suffer from a treatable condition.
This was followed by a lively interactive session in which various questions were put to the panel by members of the audience. The entire session was conducted and moderated by Prof D Basu,from the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
The forum ended with a resolution that stressed upon the spread of awareness about Depression and the importance of reducing and removing the stigma that surrounds this condition.
This Public Forum was attended by people from all walks of life and was addressed by luminaries drawn from various areas which have a bearing on the genesis and the management of Depression.