BMO Nowshera organises event to raise awareness about mental illnesses

RAJOURI, OCTOBER 10: In observance of “World Mental Health Day 2024,” BMO Nowshera, Dr. Iqbal Malik, in collaboration with the Tehsil Legal Service Committee Nowshera, organised an event to raise awareness about mental illnesses. The event was conducted under the supervision of the Director of Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Magotra and the Chief Medical Officer, Rajouri, Dr. Manohar Rana.

During the event, Dr. Malik, who also holds the charge of the District Mental Health Programme Rajouri, delivered a PowerPoint presentation and interacted with ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, prominent citizens, PRI members and NGOs.

On the occasion, the BMO provided a comprehensive lecture on mental disorders. He stated that mental and neurological conditions account for 30.8% of all years lived with disability. Depression stands out as the leading cause of disability, comprising 12% of the total, and ranks as the fourth leading cause of disease burden globally.

Advocate Haq Nawas Choudhary added that mentally ill individuals are often neglected due to supernatural beliefs, misconceptions, and stigma, resulting in 90% of patients not receiving the necessary medical help. He urged people to seek treatment for mental illness, emphasizing that it is a curable condition.