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Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660
Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/
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Mental Health Workshop on Families empowered to Care
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Cause of Our Joy (COOJ) is a charitable Trust registered in 2002
whose main aim is to provide mental health services in Goa. As
part of our work we run Day Care centers, mental health clinics,
have awareness programmes and workshops, conduct rural
mental health camps, etc . We do propose to set up a long stay
home for those persons suffering from chronic mental illnesses.
We do understand that 1% of any population suffers from
schizophrenia which is the most disabling chronic mental disorder.
In Goa itself the figures may range from 15-20,000 persons. It is
very difficult for both, the one who suffers, as well as the family
to cope with the illness as it affects many areas of one's life.
Depending on the age in which the illness occurs one may not
have the chance to learn basic life's skills. This increases the
burden on the family.
Many a times families with the best of intentions but guided under
misconceptions go "all out" to "cure" their member by trying various
so called "therapies" that they do more harm than good and when
the "cure" is not obtained, get frustrated, become angry, blame
themselves and others and feel guilty. Much research has been
done to show that a proper understanding of the illness is a very
important asset in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Also if we look at the state of the mental health services available
in India we will immediately see much is lacking. The psychiatrist
- patient ratio is very poor and the same is seen with other mental
health professionals. This is where families play a very important
role. With the family movement gaining momentum in India and
around the world it is seen that families are very important partners
in the mental health service delivery of any country.
Most caregivers wonder what will happen to their ward upon their
death. Waiting for the government to provide a half way or long
stay home appears to be a distant dream. We believe motivated
caregivers can come together to initiate projects . In our country
carers in many states are doing much in setting up rehabilitation
services and employment opportunities as well as in fighting for
the rights of the mentally ill. Why not in Goa.
COOJ has recognized the importance of equipping carers with
the right understanding of the illness and hence we are organizing
a two day workshop on 8-9 October,2005
at Clube Tennis de Gasper Dias, Miramar
on the theme "Families, empowered to care".
Timings: 8 Oct --2:00-6:00pm and 9 Oct 9:30am to 6:00pm.
FACULTY
Dr. Kalyanasundaram , MD, Consultant Psychiatrist and Principal
of the Richmond Foundation College for Psychosocial rehabilitation,
Bangalore
Dr Doreen Dias, MD, Senior Psychiatrist, Hospicio Hospital and
President of the Goa Psychiatric Society
Dr. Brahamand Cuncoliencar, MD, Medical Superintendent,
(IPHB),Bambolim, Goa.
Dr. Melwyn Silva, MD, Senior Resident , Institute of Psychiatry
and Human Behaviour,(IPHB), Goa.
Mr Mukul Goswami, President of the National Federation of the
Mentally Ill (NFMI)
Mr Anil Varthak , Director of Schizophrenia Awareness Association
(SAA), Pune
Mr Avelino DeSa , President of DRAG , an NGO fighting for the rights
of the disabled in Goa.
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For more information contact COOJ Organising Secretary
Janette Dias <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
website: www.goadesc.org
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Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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