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Tribune News Network
DR Bindhu Salim, an Indian psychologist, has advised people handling those with psychological issues to not show them any sympathy as it will not improve the situation. We should treat them with empathy, she said while addressing a packed audience at the Friends Cultural Centre auditorium recently.
Delivering the keynote address at a seminar jointly organised by Friends Cultural Centre and Mediaplus in connection with World Mental Health Day, she underlined that in spite of technological advancements and scientific development, the world we live in is full of tensions, pressures and anxiety.
"To tackle the situation society should make joint efforts towards awareness and psychological first aid. For physical ailments we have trained people to give first aid. Unfortunately, we don't have trained personnel to give psychological first aid. This increases the gravity of the situation," she said.
Dr Salim observed that unwanted anxieties and unnecessary botherations are making life miserable. In order to enjoy life, we must be happy and happiness comes only with progress.
"Always inculcate good values and virtues in our words and deeds which turn our whole life positive and peaceful. Life is full of opportunities and problems. If we look at the problems as challenges and equip our mind to tackle it with positive thoughts we can overcome all issues of life. It's proved that affirmation can boost confidence and make wonderful changes in life," she added.
Dr Salim, a member of American Psychological Association is an experienced psychologist who is an expert in psychotherapy, counselling and psycho-metric tests. As a psychology expert, Dr Salim facilitates personal and interpersonal functions across the life span with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational, health related, developmental and organisational concerns.
Mediaplus CEO Amanulla Vadakkangara, who conducted the event said,"When terrible things happen in our communities, we can give a helping hand to those who are affected. Perhaps you find yourself at the scene of an accident where people are hurt. Perhaps you are a health-care worker or teacher talking with someone from your community who has just witnessed the violent death of a loved one. Perhaps you are called upon as a staff member in a disaster or have volunteered to help asylum seekers who have recently arrived in your community. Learning the basic principles of psychological first aid will help you to provide support to people who are very distressed, and, importantly, to know what not to say.
Friend's Cultural Centre Executive Director Habeeburahman Kizhisseri chaired the function. Muhammed Unni Olakara, Dr MP Hassan Kunhi, Anas Abdul Kader, Basheer Vadakara and Rafeeq Mecheri spoke on the occasion.
