Educators and experts at a workshop on mental health in the city
Kolkata : Overlooking early signs of mental health concerns and labelling a student “naughty” or “lazy” can deprive the child of proper support or therapy she/he may require to have a healthy life ahead, said experts who got together at a workshop in the city. Minu Budhia, psychotherapist and founder of Carring Minds International, said, “Mental health should be a topic for breakfast table conversation in every Indian household. Urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul, who attended the event as the chief guest, said, “A community cannot grow resilient if our collective emotional and psychological well-being is ignored. Pointing out how even apparently minor struggles in a child could assume an overwhelming proportion, BD Memorial School director Suman Sood said teachers were suitably positioned to observe such subtle changes and play a major role by documenting them for expert referral, rather than labelling a child “autistic” or “hyperactive”. Every teacher should keep an eye out so they can notice, observe and document any unusual behaviour among students,” said Sood, a national core committee member of Early Childhood Association.
Experts pointed out that simple behavioural changes could indicate major concerns, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. Everyone should be able to talk about it without stigma. Our mission is to bring mental healthcare of international standards within everyone’s reach. Mental health is a public health priority, and it must become a community priority. “We are not doctors and we cannot diagnose, but teachers can be keen observers who document and refer.