The correct medical intervention, counselling, and above all, whole-hearted support from the family, can help mentally ill or disabled persons from living a productive and happy life. Arun and Kiran Kumar (names changed to protect identity) who have been visiting the Department of Psychiatric and Neuro Rehabilitation Centre (DPNRC) at NIMHANS for the past couple of years are testimony to this fact. Arun is now employed as an attendant at the hospital and Kiran has got through an interview at the Akshay Patra Foundation, Vasantapura, and will be starting work in a few days.
“For the past 20-22 years, our only concern has been how to get our son to be normal”, said 71-year-old Rajamanikkam, Arun’s father. Arun, now 35, seemed to change when he was in 10th standard. He used to fall ill often, be angry, remain aloof, and instead of going to school, would go somewhere else. “We kept a close watch on Arun, but his condition worsened. He had to discontinue his education. We checked out various hospitals and doctors. He was suffering from both mental retardation and mental illness, according to the doctors. We were in Delhi then. After my retirement in 2006, we settled down in Bengaluru and started his treatment at NIMHANS," Mr Rajamanikkam said.
“We used to get him to the rehabilitation centre every day where he was counselled and met similar patients. He used to work at the Centre's training unit for about four or five years. He now travels alone, does shopping and his daily chores on his own, and for the past six months he is working at the hospital as an attendant. He comes back home, reads newspapers and plays chess. We are so relieved now seeing our son's progress,” says an elated Mr Rajamanikkam.
Kiran Kumar, 31, is another example of how mental retardation and illness is no bar for achieving greater heights. For the past couple of years he has been attending the rehabilitation centre. His mental retardation was complicated by his habit of smoking and drinking. Since he did well at the rehabilitation centre, the special employment exchange sent him for an interview with the Akshay Patra Foundation. Kiran got through and will be starting work there in another few days.
“In the evening I also attend bhajans near my house, and play cricket. I am good at finding bus routes. Whenever my mother wants to go somewhere, I accompany and guide her,” laughs Kiran. Dr Nirmala B.P., associate professor and psychiatric social worker at DPNRC, NIMHANS says: “We are trying to train our patients so that they become competent with normal people. We get in touch with as many NGOs as we can so that once these patients are fine they can be recruited for jobs and they can lead a normal life.” Apart from the medication and training at the centre, the support of the family is important. Arun's father is always at the forefront and never misses a parent-doctor meeting at the hospital, says Dr Jagadisha, professor in the Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS.