Dr. Anjali Dokhan attended the conference
Your browser does not support HTML5 audio
Arun Singh, now 66, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 40s after initially being misdiagnosed as having depression. Six months ago, she was disowned by Arun and abandoned by her family. Her Arun struggled to maintain her relationships throughout her life. Although he worked as a human resources professional until recent years, he often experienced long periods of unemployment. “If people with bipolar disorder are diagnosed early and receive appropriate treatment, they can lead well-balanced lives both professionally and personally,” he said.
“Patients with mental illnesses need support in many areas, including work, living, social, and learning environments. One treatment approach that can help these patients manage their symptoms and improve their functioning. is psychosocial rehabilitation,” Arun added. However, early diagnosis remains a challenge. Vijay Narawala (62) was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 40s. “The National Mental Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2016 revealed that approximately 850 people out of every 1,000 do not seek treatment,” he points out.
vijay narawala and arun singh
Bipolar disorder fluctuates between depression and mania and is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep. Vijay has donated to the Mental Health Support Foundation and has hosted an annual conference on bipolar disorder since 2016. One such conference was held at Marine Lines on Saturday 30th March, World Bipolar Day, and Arun also attended.
“The onset of symptoms in people with depression and bipolar disorder mostly occurs during the teenage years. It is important for parents to distinguish between normal behavior and signs of mental illness,” says the Vasai-based Dr. Anjali Dokhan, a 62-year-old pediatrician, explains. .
Anjali, who along with Vijay is a member of the Mental Health Support Foundation, emphasizes the importance of staying connected with people suffering from bipolar disorder. Arun and Anjali had never met Vijay before. Arun came across Vijay by chance while searching the internet for information about his disorder, and Anjali learned about him at a support group meeting for her son’s addiction. Dr Anjali said: “Genetic factors play a role and if left undiagnosed, mental illness can wreak havoc not only on the individual but also on her loved ones.”
Asked what the next government needs to do for people with mental illness, all three said the Mental Health Act 2017 needs to be implemented and the government needs to enable insurance companies to provide cover. He said there is. “Medication, under the guidance of a psychiatrist, remains the mainstay of treatment. Since this is a chronic disease, patients may need to take medication for a long period of time,” Dr. Anjali said. To tell. However, medications to treat depression and bipolar disorder also have side effects, such as weight gain, which puts you at risk for other obesity-related illnesses.
