Mental Health Care, Psycho Educational Guidance, Healthy Mind, Thane, India

Thane: our city then…..

• ‘Reputed’ for its mental hospital
• Exemplar of the old model of mental health which believes only in ‘treating’ illnesses
• And which also believes in segregating the patient from the social mainstream.
• ‘Mental Health’ care facilities available:
• Regional Govt. mental hospital (1880 beds)
• Municipal Corporation hospital
• Consultant Psychiatrists and Psychologists in private practice

What changed ?

• Economic liberalization and globalization arrived
• Cities like Thane became booming metropolises
• Infrastructure developed many fold
• Population of well educated, nuclear families increased
• Texture of community, the needs of people changed & increased
• Society became more consumerist and individualistic
• Lifestyle changes arrived with changing work patterns and increased disposable income.
• This brought with it increased stresses
• Thus Concerns about improving and enhancing mental health increased
• Problems encountered by people increased and were no longer limited to ‘disorders’
• Day to day living has became stressful and brought with it “problems” or “distress” in addition to disorders.
• Chinks thus started emerging in the armor of family and social systems

So a change was required…

• A change that addressed these needs
• The definition of ‘Help’ needed a change to incorporate
• A blend of professionalism & human touch
• A multidisciplinary team of motivated professionals
• Active participation of the society in the process
• ‘Help’ that not only reduces symptoms but enhances ‘Health’
• This is how it all began for IPH in 1990 with 3 rooms, a few tables and chairs…
• A will & wish to change the outlook of mental health