At an event celebrating World Differently Abled Day 2024, Madras High Court Judge Justice N. Anand Venkatesh emphasized the pressing need for mental health counseling, especially for those in high-stress professions like judges. Organized by the M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation in collaboration with Round Table India, the event focused on raising awareness about mental health challenges and the growing need for systemic support.
Drawing comparisons to the United Kingdom, where surgeons undergo regular mental health counseling, Justice Venkatesh advocated a similar framework for the judiciary in India. He stated, “Judges require mental health tests the most as they deal with disputes in uncomfortable circumstances daily.” Reiterating a view he has expressed previously, he highlighted the universal nature of mental health struggles, saying, “All human beings, irrespective of their position and stature, experience mental health problems, though many hesitate to acknowledge them.”
Judges require mental health tests the most as they deal with disputes in uncomfortable circumstances dailyJustice N. Anand Venkatesh
Neuroscience and the Judiciary
Justice Venkatesh stressed the importance of understanding neuroscience to approach sensitive cases humanely. He pointed out that cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, and individuals with mental instability demand a nuanced understanding of human behavior. "Judges need fundamental neuroscience knowledge to handle such situations efficiently and empathetically," he said, urging for specialized training in the judiciary.
As technology continues to dominate daily life, the judge warned of its potential mental health consequences. He noted that the current generation increasingly relies on gadgets, forsaking real-world experiences. "The younger generation feels it is enough to experience the world through mobile screens, forgetting the joy of real interactions," he remarked.
Growing Lifespans and Evolving Challenges
Scientific advancements have significantly extended human lifespans, but Justice Venkatesh warned of the accompanying rise in mental health issues among the elderly. As a result, countries are spending substantial resources on elderly care, including pensions and medical assistance. He expressed concern that the younger generation, prioritizing independence and solitude, might face loneliness and its adverse effects in old age.
"The freedom they cherish today may become a burden when they are older and weaker," he said, urging younger people to build healthy, meaningful relationships.
Due to practical difficulties like few psychiatrists and stigma, the treatable has become untreatable.Dr. C. Ramasubramanian
India's Mental Health Crisis
The event also featured insights from Dr. C. Ramasubramanian, a senior consultant psychiatrist and founder of the M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation. Highlighting the critical shortage of mental health professionals in India, he revealed stark statistics: the country has only 9,000 psychiatrists, 3,500 psychologists, 42 mental health hospitals, and just one lakh hospital beds for mental health care.
Dr. Ramasubramanian pointed out the barriers to mental health treatment, including long travel distances, high costs, stigma, and limited resources. “Due to these practical difficulties, the treatable has become untreatable,” he said, emphasizing that mental health is a societal problem, not just an individual one. With 10 lakh Indians suffering from serious mental health conditions, the role of social workers is increasingly vital to addressing community-level issues, he added.
As part of the program, children with special needs performed dance routines, spreading a message of inclusion and resilience.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)