Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS)- IDEA & UNICEF

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Mental health burden has been a major health concern in India. In the last few years, we have witnessed various initiatives that are addressing the gap of mental health services in India. Limited access to mental health services, stigma, lower literacy, poverty, lack of awareness, and accessibility are some of the major challenges faced in the 'Mental Health' domain. Studies have addressed the effectiveness of community-based mental health interventions (psychoeducation, psychosocial rehabilitation, support for livelihood, management) in addition to facility-based care showing benefits of regular treatment in decreasing patient’s disability.

In light of this, the Institution for Disasters, Emergency & Accidents (IDEA) is collaborating with UNICEF, India to expand MHPSS services in a total of 40 districts in three states of India viz. Assam, Bihar & Uttar Pradesh. Our primary objectives are to:

1. Strengthen mental health and psycho-social services through integration into primary and community health care.

2. Psycho educating parents and caregivers to support children and adolescents to promote mental health well-being, preventing violence, abuse, exploitation, suicide prevention, and positive parenting.

"Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all"- Bill Clinton

" Let's all be a part of this crucial MHPSS initiative"