Jammu: Dr Shabnam Rizvi, a mental health professional from Government Psychiatry Hospital Jammu, has thanked the office of Lieutenant Governor for reaching out to her and other health professionals for seeking their suggestions and appreciating them during ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ radio programme.
Last week, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha in his monthly Radio talk dedicated the programme to corona warriors particularly those who are at forefront during COVID-19 pandemic in the Union Territory.
Dr. Rizvi like other medical professionals was appreciated for her services during the ongoing pandemic.
“The approach adopted shows the dedication and genuine approach of the Lieutenant Governor in resolution of the public issues,” Rizvi remarked.
Dr Rizvi said that at present large number of people are coming forward for getting consultation on issues like anxiety, panic attacks and depression than during the first wave of Covid-19.
Continuing, Dr Shabnam said, “It could be that we may observe a sudden jump in mental health cases in the months to come while such people with potential mental health cases are having a hard time coping with the reality at present.”
“Earlier, during the first wave, mental health counselling facility was available only in Jammu. Now, such facility is available in all the districts and a mental health professional has been deputed for telecounselling,” she informed.
She added that usually we are getting cases of hyperventilation in which a patient feels heart rate speeding up, feel weak and lightheaded, and feel like they aren’t able to take a deep enough breath.
She thanked the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for giving ‘equal importance to physical as well as mental health’ during the Covid pandemic. She said that with the launch of teleconsultation facility for mental health, people are able to come out of the feeling of helplessness and the anxiety which is the result of this pandemic.
“Our job does not end with treating only the patients approaching us. Sometimes we have to counsel even their family members which really helps in the end. I have seen people getting better with help and returning back to their lives with renewed enthusiasm,” Dr Rizvi said.
She suggested that meditation should be done to relieve stress and anxiety. “Covid patients and even their family members should do regular exercise, read books, listen to music and celebrate little joys of life to come out of the agonising days,” she said.
I believe that if you’re mentally sound and have a positive outlook, you can achieve a healthy body with much ease, she said.
Those seeking mental health consultation could call on mobile numbers- 9419110668 and 7889905359.
Other Covid-related queries and doubts can be cleared on the helpline number 0191 2571616. Public can also call Divisional Control Room at 0191-2520982, 2549676, 2674444, 2674115, 2674908. Moreover, J&K Government has started a live phone-in health programme on Gulistan channel which is aired twice daily- from 8:30 am to 9 am and 8:30 pm to 9 pm.
