‘Workplaces must prioritise mental health of employees’: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

Rao also said that despite the government’s efforts to create awareness about the importance of seeking treatment for mental health-related issues, the stigma associated with it remains far from being normalised.

Bengaluru: Every organisation must prioritise the mental health and well-being of employees by providing help to those suffering from conditions, like depression, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday. 

He spoke at the World Mental Health Day programme organised by the State Mental Health Authority at the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. “People fighting suicidal thoughts and unaware of adequate mechanisms to overcome disturbing thoughts live among us, with a considerable number of those who shy away from seeking help,” he said.

This year, the WHO recognised the importance of the workplace as a new determinant of mental health, he said. 

He added that despite the government’s efforts to create awareness about the importance of seeking treatment for mental health-related issues, the stigma associated with it remains far from being normalised.  

“It is possible to overcome mental health-related issues. There are adequate measures and medicines to treat psychological problems. Through the State Mental Health Authority, we have established the Tele-Manas helpline, Mathru Chaitanya perinatal mental health services and Mano Chaitanya super Tuesday clinics to normalise treatments for mental health issues,” he stated.