On 9th October 2023, the Department of Psychology, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, organized an Online Interactive session on Mental Health as a Universal Human Right on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2023, as part of the You Matter program. The resource person for the session was Dr. Manoj Therayil Kumar, Consultant Psychiatrist and Director, of InMind Hospital, Thrissur. Dr. Manoj Kumar has 30 years of experience in the field of Psychiatry. He has been a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists since 2004 and a Fellow since 2016. He has worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Midlands Partnership Trust (Stafford) and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Keele University (2007-2019). He currently works for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust. He is an examiner for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He has completed his Diploma in CBT from Oxford & Advanced Psychotherapy Diploma from Birmingham City University. He leads a research and innovation team in mental health in India (Institute for Mind and Brain). He is the Principal Investigator (India) for eye-tracking technology in diagnosing mental disorders (in collaboration with Aberdeen & Cambridge Universities).
Dr Manoj spoke about the various concerns in mental health treatment. He answered the queries of students regarding major areas such as stigma in the field of mental health treatment being a hindrance to proper treatment, the role of society in creating and breaking stigma, laws, and legal amenities concerning mental health in India and other countries. He also discussed sensitive topics relating to mental health practices prevailing in society. Dr. Manoj also encouraged students to volunteer in various projects to foster mental health in Kerala. The session was very engaging and informative.
The program helped the students and faculty to recognize the major concerns in the field of mental health.