IMH provides counselling for patients at RGGGH

CHENNAI:

With an increase in the reports of mental health concerns and suicidal behaviour among several age groups amidst pandemic, the volunteers from the Institute of Mental Health are undertaking counselling for COVID-19 patients at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. The psychologists say that the programme in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Association

of Clinical Psychologists (TNACP) is likely to be expanded to other districts also.

“We have counselled more than 5,000 COVID recovered patients from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, which is mainly the nodal centre. The list of recovered patients is given to us from the hospitals and we follow up with each patient, irrespective of their clinical symptoms of psychological issues,” said Dr HM Nitya, a clinical psychologist and coordinator at TNACP.

Dr Nitya added that most of the patients have symptoms of sleeplessness, stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression. “Clinical anxiety and depression are common among most of the patients who are admitted for treatment or have recovered. Staying away from family, job losses and other issues are some of the concerns,” said Dr Nitya.

The counselling services are being provided in all the government hospitals with the help of psychologists and assistants from the Institute of Mental Health. The 104 helpline has also witnessed a spike in the number of distress calls for the past one month with more than 200 counselling sessions being undertaken daily, with more than 50 per cent of them from adolescents.

Dr Poorna Chandrika, director, Institute of Mental Health, said that the mental health committees in every district have been coordinating counselling services for all patients. She added that several cases of suicidal behaviour and contemplations are being observed. “Along with the COVID scare, NEET examinations and other entrance examinations have also burdened the student circle,” said Dr Poorna.