ART AS THERAPY
A ray of dancing light
Mental illness shuts off those affected from experiencing the fun and laughter of everyday life. Kolkata Sanved is working to change that.
West Bengal
March 2010

HEALTH CARE
HIV and mental disorders
While those with mental disorders are at increased danger for being infected with HIV, the onset of the virus itself gives rise to a number of mental illnesses.
HIV-AIDS
August 2009

WOMEN/CHOICE
Abortion law's grey zone: retarded mothers
The SC recently ruled that a 19-year-old mentally retarded girl must be allowed to carry on her pregnancy, caused by sexual assault. The verdict open up more questions than it answers.
Women | Legislation
August 2009

GUJARAT RIOTS AND CHILDREN
Still suffering, five years after
Five years have passed after the riots, five years in which saplings have become trees and blueprints have taken the shape of buildings. But time seems to have stopped for many families and children who suffered or witnessed atrocities during the 2002 riots, altering their dreams and hopes in unlikely, distressing ways. Deepa A has more.
Society | Gujarat
January 2007

MENTAL HEALTH
Neglect of the mentally ill
Mental patients are being systematically and continuously ignored and denied the social rights they deserve. Therefore, along with a change in mindset, there is a desperate need for reform in the treatment of the mentally ill in our country, writes Debabrata Kanjilal.
Manushi, Issue #152
May 2006

FILM REVIEW: DEVRAI
Mixed messages amidst fine art
It is a splendid, intense drama about schizophrenia, with its personal, familial and social ramifications, and the bitter struggles involved in coming to terms with this strange illness and overcoming it. But the film also delivers a disturbing, highly masochistic message for women. Aparna Pallavi reviews Devrai.
Women | Film Reviews
February 2006

COUNSELLING FOR THE COUNSELLORS
Mental health care needs help
The Indian experience in institutionalised mental help has not been civilising. The National Human Rights Commission had issued a condemnation of the state of mental hospitals as early as six years ago. Parul Sharma notes that misguided private counselling and the lack of richer case law have compounded victims' problems.
Laws
June 2005

DRAMA THERAPY
Health care in action
Drama therapists believe that creative art is a powerful force for healing and change. Rasika Dhavse reports on a Pune-based organisation that actively pursues this view in drama therapy sessions designed to help special populations grow to their potential.
Art for Development | Maharashtra
June 2004

Understanding Schizophrenia
Of around 30 million mentally ill Indians, over seven million suffer from schizophrenia, the most disabling of all psychiatric disorders. Renowned expert Dr.Judith Jaeger spoke to Lalitha Sridhar in Chennai on the illness and the state of current knowledge on it.
Disability
March 2004

Gaining ground on mental health
Mental health issues of women are gaining ground in the women's studies discourse. Vibhuti Patel reports on current developments and advocates community or family-based rehabilitation of mentally ill women.
Women | Women's health
January 2004