Bengaluru: The international conference on ‘Community Mental Health: Trends and Challenges’, organized by St Joseph's College, Bengaluru began on Friday December 11.

The event began with student Praism Peter’s rendition of a prayer medley. A prayer invoking heavenly blessings on the conference was led by Fr Denzil Lobo, coordinator, Humanities. The audience then joined the college choir as they sang the college anthem.

Prof Kiran Jeevan began his inaugural speech by discussing the 2001 fire breakout at an asylum in Tamil Nadu and other incidences where mental health issues were ignored such as the Virginia Tech shooting. He discussed the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Indian society and introduced the concept of the conference, community mental health.

Dr Arthur J Frankel, in his address to the audience, remarked that he wasn’t sure if the marriage (collaboration), between the institutes, was arranged, or out of choice but will definitely be a fruitful one. He went on to introduce his university, and mentioned some of their achievements. He concluded by wishing the delegates a productive conference.

Then, Fr Antony Joseph, vice principal, BJES, was invited to the podium and he spoke about how Sociology, Psychology and Spirituality needs to be combined and put into use for better addressing of mental health issues.

Principal of St Josephs College, Fr Victor Lobo gave the final welcome to the audience. He shared an inspiring anecdote and conveyed how unity is an essential aspect in dealing with community mental health.

Prof Latha, department of social work welcomed the dignitaries. Dr Mohan Isaac, University of Western Australia, Perth, Fr Antony Joseph, vice president, BJES, principal Fr Victor Lobo, Dr Sr Judith Lewis, Prof Kiran Jeevan of St Joseph’s College, Dr Arthur Frankel, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Prof Stacy Kolomer, Interim Director, School of Social Work, UNCW lit the lamp, along with a few students from the participating colleges.

Fr Denzil Lobo proposed vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony concluded with national anthems of India and USA.

Following a break, the keynote speech was given by Dr Mohan Isaac of the University of Western Australia, Perth. Very accomplished in his field, he was introduced by Dr Sr Judith Lewis and the moderator VJ Rajendra, who emphasised that access to mental healthcare should be a matter of basic human rights.

Warming up, Dr Isaac reminisced about his days as a Josephite. The focus of his speech was about the deinstitutionalisation that has been implemented in most western countries and community psychological services. He also described the results of deinstitutionalisation programs, which are largely negative, and have resulted in systems of re-institutionalisation or trans-institutionalisation through the criminal justice system or even halfway houses. He also spoke about the rise and fall of mental institutions.

Deinstitutionalisation was the realization of people who were in mental institutions prematurely. It involved moving patients to community based care such as half way houses, and closing down the mental health centres. Dr Isaac recalls that this was considered the largest social experiment in America. It was expected that these individuals would be reintegrated into society, but this did not happen successfully in most cases. Case management was a way of helping with people’s specific needs of socialisation, comfort, etc. When people with mental health problems were prematurely released from the mental centres, their behaviour was not socially acceptable or legal, and many of them were forced into the criminal system.

In India, the mental health system is not looking at deinstitutionalisation yet. Caretakers of people with mental health problems require education to reduce the stigma and increase awareness about mental health issues. In a study conducted by NIMHANS, it was seen that the results of the care provided medically and by a community did not vary at all. This showed that even non-clinical care provided without any stigma can help people.

The question and answer session brought up certain topics such as spreading awareness about mental health issues, the importance of mental health care being provided along with primary health care during times of crisis, and different types of therapies (colour, nature, eco-therapy, etc). Dr Isaac shared his hope that the younger generations will be more actively involved in the betterment of people’s lives, especially in the public sector institutions.