Rachakonda: Since its launch on 10th May 2021 with a team of 14 Counselors/Clinical Psychologists, 253 persons have called the psychosocial counseling service number of Rachakonda and the Counselors addressed their issues by equipping them with positive affirmation, a few tips, and actionable strategies, said Mr. Mahesh M. Bhagwat IPS, CP Rachakonda, calls of deep concern are those relating to suicide, he added. The counseling service received 9 such calls. Counselors say a person to hear and timely support for mental health issues prevents suicides. In the case of a person who called with frustration and sad mood due to uncertainty caused by COVID-19, had thought of attempting suicide. The counselor tried to understand the thoughts and helped him to get out of helplessness. It was explained that everything passes off and this too shall. But he only has to be patient and prepare himself to be resilient and face the challenges of life. Another person called to speak about his brother who is 27 years old trying to attempt suicide due to failure in love. He was advised to admit his brother to the Institute of Mental Health. Accordingly, he was admitted and now undergoing treatment.
Many calls were from young people who are in depression and are feeling low in the uncertainty caused by CCVID-19. Be it a software employee or a student or a hawker, everyone has a certain degree of fear of the future in the COVID situation.
Counselors gave case-specific advice with some inspiring words such that one of them has called back and said that when unknown people are trying to help her, why can’t she help herself and thanked Rachakonda Police for bringing such service for the citizens.
CP Rachakonda said that the fear of suffering is dangerous than the actual suffering. In this period of the pandemic, while there are many affected with COVID, there are even more affected with the fear of COVID and even more who suffered the brunt not because of COVID but because of the fear of COVID. While those affected with COVID can be treated as they can be diagnosed, of concern are those who are suffering silently with no chance to share or treat their fears.
Considering these mental health challenges as important as physical health services, CP Rachakonda said the psychosocial counseling service was launched with 14 counselors. Of the 253 calls received so far, 78 were stress-related, 52 were COVID-related mental health issues, 15 were depression-related, 18 with several psychological problems, 9 with suicidal tendencies, 7 were pertaining to marital issues, and the rest due to several other reasons like health issues. He said anyone can call the service on 040-482 14800 during the weekdays from morning 9 am to 9 pm to share and vent their feelings and fears so that the professional counselors offer their advice or treatment as required.
Our Citizen Reporter
B. Bharath Reddy
Telangana
