Srinagar, May 24: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital Sempora on Sunday observed World Schizophrenia Day to raise awareness about schizophrenia and promote the importance of mental health care in the community.
Doctors highlighted the significance of early recognition, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. They stressed the need to eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraged people to seek professional help without hesitation.
Head Department of Psychiatry, KMC Sempora, Prof (Dr.) Mohammad Maqbool Dar, said schizophrenia is a severe psychotic disorder that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, and behaviour.
He said patients may experience symptoms such as talking to themselves, hearing voices that others cannot hear, developing false beliefs, social withdrawal, and difficulty distinguishing between reality and imagination.
Dr. Maqbool advised people to seek medical help if they notice such symptoms in themselves or their family members. He stressed that schizophrenia is a treatable condition and that early intervention and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help patients lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Shazia Kouser, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Kashmir Medical College (KMC), said that mental health is an essential component of overall health and should be given the same importance as physical health.
She said that conditions such as depression, addiction, stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are treatable, and encouraged people to seek professional help without hesitation. “Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength,” she said, urging families and communities to support individuals facing mental health challenges and make mental well-being a priority.
Dr. Muhasin Mujtaba, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, KMC, said that the institution is providing comprehensive mental health services under one roof, including psychiatric consultations, psychological assessments like personality assessments, IQ evaluations, and professional counseling services.
She appealed to the public not to ignore symptoms such as persistent sadness, sleeplessness, stress, substance addiction, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
“If you or someone around you is experiencing such symptoms, consult a mental health professional and seek timely help,” she said.
Dr. Muhasin said KMC will organize free community mental health outreach camps in June this year to extend mental healthcare services to underserved and needy populations in different areas.
