Dr Damber Kumar Nirola conversation with BBS.
It is the time of the year when results are declared and students are trying to enroll in high schools and colleges. In a juncture where thousands of decisions are going to be made, health experts say it is exceedingly important for parents, caregivers, and guardians to provide support to their children.
Entering a new phase in life such as finishing school or college can be worrisome.
Dr Damber Kumar Nirola, a psychiatrist says people tend to become very stressed about this.
Trying to find a scholarship and land a job will become stressful for many and people might get frustrated when there is a lack of support.
“All these things are happening so, at this juncture I think it is very important for the parents to provide support to this type of person. Because most of the time what happens is we become very judgmental. We say you didn’t study well now, you are facing the consequences of not having worked and all that. That is not going to be helpful to anybody,” said Dr Damber Kumar Nirola.
He added that in some cases, one might express feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and guilt.
“We might see people going through a lot of stressful situations and that stress can actually lead to a lot of anxiety-related disorders such as panicking and not being able to sleep, becoming very irritable and angry. So, you suddenly notice all these changes in that individual. So, when we notice that we must suspect they could be going through a very tough time. That is the time when we need to either seek professional help or provide support.”
According to the experts, such a condition also requires attention and treatment as it can become serious if prolonged.
In such cases, having a safe environment in the family will be beneficial. Experts say that most do not open up about their feelings easily.
“I would like to even give out the message to those people who are going through this that if they are not able to express to their parents, or to their caregivers, or any relatives, they must seek professional help,” added Dr Damber Kumar Nirola.
The health ministry has trained clinical counsellors in psychotherapy and counselling in district hospitals like Trashigang, Trongsa, Tsirang, Punakha and Gelephu.
General doctors in district hospitals also have the experience to provide counselling.
According to UNICEF, there was a significant increase in cases of mental and behavioural disorders from 4,200 in 2017 to more than 6,800 in 2020.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sherub Dorji
