The Indian Red Cross Society, chennai celebrated World Mental Health Day recently with the launch of a de-addiction clinic for alcohol and substance abuse.Dr V Kanagasabai, Dean, Madras Medical College and RGGGH, and Dr R Ponnudurai, Honorary Psychiatrist at Red Cross, presided over the meeting. More than 500 people comprising students and staff from colleges in and around the city participated in the event.

The event was conducted with the aim to create awareness on mental health among the youth in society. Psychologists at the Indian Red Cross said that many people did not know what mental health was and often there were misconceptions about the term “mental health”. Dr Ponnudurai explained that depression, dementia and other psychiatric disorders affected the mental health of an individual. He said, “Mental health of elderly people depends on mental health of the youth.”

The de-addiction centre is located on the Indian Red Cross premises in Egmore and aims to cater to people addicted to alcohol and drugs. People can avail the facilities at this centre free of cost. Group therapies and sessions with psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists are also arranged. The centre also aims to incorporate research in the future.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / October 16th, 2013