The Department of Psychology organized a Field-based Exposure visit to Yencourage Mental Health & Rehabilitation Centre, Mangaluru on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Thirty-one final year BA students of Psychology accompanied by Dr. Sandra Sunitha Lobo & Asst. Prof. Roshini Monica Goveas visited the centre from 9:40 am to 12:20 pm. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the facilities, activities, and treatment approaches used at the center.
Upon arrival at the center, we were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Sowmya Puthran, a psychologist, and Dr. Anil Kakunje, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry. We were initially taken to the dining hall, where all the daycare patients have their meals. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the center has transitioned from a buffet system to serving food in packed trays. This change enables patients with sensory sensitivities, particularly those with mental retardation (MR), to gradually acclimate to the dining hall environment. The patients engage in various activities, including candle making, pottery, incense stick making, art, stitching, and playing games like carrom.
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Facilities and Activities:
The center boasts a well-stocked library, with books donated by generous individuals. Additionally, there is a designated area for reading newspapers. In the morning, patients participate in yoga, exercise, and meditation sessions. The center also features an open space with abundant plant life, where patients contribute to the care of plants and feed birds. Mrs. Shwetha V (Coordinator) supervises the activity area, ensuring patients receive proper guidance and support.
Patient Demographics:
At the time of the visit, there were a total of 11+ admitted patients and three patients attending the daycare program. The center accommodates both male and female patients separately, with a male general ward containing five beds and a female ward offering two beds. Additionally, there are single rooms available for patients requiring individualized care.
Patient Cases:
Dr. Rajesh Mithur, Asst. Professor in Psychiatry led the Roshnites (budding psychologists) to the wards. During the visit, we encountered four patients with different conditions. One patient was struggling with alcoholism, citing conflicts within the family related to property as a contributing factor. This patient is undergoing cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as part of their treatment. It is important to note that alcoholics often attribute their problems to external factors, increasing the risk of relapse.
Another patient we met had psychosis and had been at the center for four days. He had previously received treatment at the center two years ago. Since counselling is not effective for patients with psychosis, his symptoms are currently managed primarily through medications. The patient expressed unusual beliefs, claiming to be able to understand other people's thoughts by touching soil or drinking water. He also exhibited disorganized thought patterns and engaged in irrelevant talks.
Additionally, we encountered a pregnant patient with MR (developmental disability) who displayed violent tendencies. Due to her pregnancy, the patient cannot be given the appropriate dosage of medications to control her symptoms as it has teratogenic properties. Finally, we met another patient with MR. Her symptoms emerged after the passing of her caretaker at a previous rehabilitation center. She firmly believes that her caretaker is still alive and plotting against her.
Sessions and Staff:
Following our exploration of the center, we returned to the seminar hall for information sessions. Dr. Anil Kakunje commenced the session by sharing the journey of establishing Yencourage in 2019. He highlighted the challenges faced, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned that three staff members are pursuing their Ph.D. degrees in areas related to news addiction, karate and mental health and psychiatric helpline services.
Mrs. Sowmya Puthran (psychologist) conducted the subsequent session, providing an overview of psychological assessments, tests, and interventions. She discussed various assessments such as the Binet Kamat Test of Intelligence (BKT), Seguin Form Board test, WAIS-PR, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC), Cattell's 16 personality factors, projective techniques, Stroop test, and Tower of London test.
The professionalism, empathy, and dedication of all the five professionals whom we met namely Dr. Anil Kakunje (Psychiatrist), Dr Rajesh Mithur (Asst. Professor in Psychiatry), Mrs Sowmya Puthran (psychologist), Ms Anjana Joy (Psychiatric Social Worker) & Mrs Shwetha V (Coordinator) is commendable.
The visit to Yencourage Mental Health & Rehabilitation Centre offered valuable insights into the comprehensive care provided to patients with mental health conditions. The clean, homely and calming environment created a sense of tranquility as it provided opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation and personal growth. The center’s focus on activities, therapy, and medication management ensures a holistic approach to treatment. The dedication of the staff, the varied interventions employed, and the efforts to create a supportive environment for patients contribute to the center’s overall success in promoting mental well-being. This visit met the goal of a short-term experiential education towards encouraging students’ career choices.
-Swathi Shajil & Nikitha P. D’Sa (III BA)
