May 24, 2015
Schools and Colleges provide basic knowledge about physical disorders but mental disorders are left untouched. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder where there is elevation of dopamine (neurotransmitter) levels in certain areas of brain and hence it requires early and effective treatment for the patient. Despite the strong biological influence in its causation, schizophrenia is largely looked upon as psycho-social disease with the heavy cost of stigmatization and discrimination of not just the patient but at times the entire family too. World Schizophrenia Day is celebrated on May 24th every year to remind us of not only the painful sufferings of these individuals and their families but also to become more aware and sensitive to the disorder and the role the society ought to be playing in reintegrating these individuals back into their rightful community life.
To mark this day, M.S.Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation (MSCTRF) joined hands with Subitcham- the family fellowship wing of MSCTRF, Madurai, with the support of Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd., Mumbai to organise an awareness programme on 25th May 2015 at Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Shenoy Nagar, Madurai. Persons recovered from Schizophrenia, care givers and representatives from various NGOs actively participated in the event. Dr.Ganeshkumar, Consultant Psychiatrist, spoke on the importance of medication adherence and Dr.Vikhram Ramasubramanian, Consultant Psychiatrist, Radianz Health Care, spoke on the relapse prevention and importance of periodic follow up of the illness. Active discussions to clarify aspects of the illness, treatment and recovery were held by the Psychiatrists during the program. The crowning moment of the programme was acknowledging and felicitating certain important people who strived amidst the adversities of illness, to make life better for themselves or others suffering from schizophrenia. Mr.Chidambaram, a recovered person with schizophrenia, Mrs.Uma velu, a Care Giver and Ms.Priya, Social Worker of MSCTRF, were recognised for their outstanding performance as best helping hands. On this day, Mr.Shanmugam, a person with schizophrenia, wandering in the streets of Madurai, was identified, rescued and accommodated for rehabilitation training by MSCTRF.
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