Psychiatry and the need for reforms in mental health, a perspective by Dr Nimesh Desai. We have traversed a long journey when it comes to the acceptance of mental health issues and treating mental health patients with care. However, reforms in mental health are still at a slower pace than expected.

Dr. Nimish Desai (Senior Psychiatrist and Director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences) speaks about sensitivity and acceptance of mental health issues, both historically and in current times.

According to him, while Psychology as a subject has been around, Psychiatry is a relatively new concept and so misconceptions about it are widespread. In the 17th and 18th century patients suffering from severe mental disorders were considered a threat to society and so their (human) rights, care, and welfare were neglected. Mental institutions were established away from culture and society where once admitted, the patient stayed there until their death. Moreover, common mental disorders or neurosis such as depression, stress, or OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) were not even acknowledged.

After the Second World War, the protection of human rights gained momentum. Towards the end  of the 19th century reforms in mental health were observed and patients were treated to rejoin their society. However, Dr. Nimish admits that we still need to expedite mental health reforms.

While the year 2020 was depressing for many as it separated us from our loved ones and made us anxious about our future, in a broader sense, it encouraged speaking about mental health more openly. It is important that we continue on this path and acknowledge the importance of mental wellbeing to become more inclusive and sensitive as a society.

For further details please watch this video.