Manipal Hospital EM Bypass Celebrates World Mental Health Day

News Desk, News Nation 360 : On World Mental Health Day, Manipal Hospital's EM Bypass hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on emotional well-being, inner calm, and meaningful connections for the older population. The interactive session was moderated by Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Director - Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur Cluster, and Sohini Saha, Consultant- Psychologist, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, in the presence of other eminent doctors like Dr. Abir Mukherjee, Consultant - Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur; Dr. Arijit Dutta Chowdhury, Consultant - Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass; and Dr. Anuttama Banerjee, Consultant- Psychologist, The program was intended to highlight the emotional and psychological challenges that senior people face in today's fast-paced society, as well as to promote discussion about how to cultivate empathy, mindfulness, and social connection in later

life. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abir Mukherjee shared that with greater healthcare and longer life expectancy, India's elderly population is expanding, which is a positive sign of development, but also introduces new concerns. Depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and dementia are quite common among the elderly and are frequently exacerbated by social isolation, stigma, nuclear family systems, and economic dependency. Lack of knowledge and prompt intervention exacerbate the situation. In addition, there is a lack of professional support and a failure to appropriately address the caregiver's burden. It is critical that they, as a community, work together to foster an atmosphere of empathy, early detection, and support for the seniors so that they can age with emotional well-being, dignity, and purpose. Mental health is a universal right, and they must ensure that their elderly not only receive care and support but also the dignity and emotional well-being they truly deserve. Conversations around mental health should move beyond stigma and silence to empathy and understanding. It is important that families, caregivers, and communities work together to create a safe space where emotional struggles are acknowledged and addressed. True wellness comes not only from physical health but from a balanced state of mind, where one feels valued, heard, and connected.

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