The Punjab Government has constituted a State Mental Health Authority to look after the system of mental health services in the State.This was disclosed here today by the Health & Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra on the ocassion of "World Mental Health Day".Giving details, Mr. Brahm Mohindra said that the World Mental Health Day is observed with the objective of raising awareness regarding mental health issues. This year’s theme of world mental health day is ‘young people and mental health in the changing world.’ The Health Minister further said that the Government of India has implemented the Mental Health Care Act 2017, w.e.f. May 29th, 2018. The act articulates rights of persons with mental illness and other aspects of mental health."Soon, district level review boards will be constituted in each district for monitoring implementation of provisions of mental
health act 2017", he added.
Divulging more about the mental health care, Mr. Brahm Mohindra said that there is a tendency of experimentation in young age group leading to indulgence in alcohol and illicit drug abuse which may lead to the mental health issues among youth. He said that changing dynamics of society with increasing culture of nuclear family/ disturbed family/ higher divorce rates lead to mental health issues in youth. He said that prevention begins with better understanding and much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness.He said that the family is the first unit of support for young ones if they are facing any mental health issues.He said that if there are any warning signals of mental health issues like decreased work performance, poor performance in studies, abrupt changes in sleep pattern and appetite, suicidal thoughts etc , a psychiatrist should be immediately consulted at Government hospitals. He further said that the psychiatrists in government cadre are available in each district hospital of State and soon, more psychiatrists would be recruited to provide mental health services at rural area of the State.