Gains from Ekalavya SHSG - RaghunathAcharya

My daughter has been mentally ill for the past 20 years. She has had treatment from various doctors, but initially we, as parents, remained on the periphery with inadequate knowledge about the illness. After joining Ekalavya SHSG. I really started understanding the full impact of the illness; the patients' problems, our own shubhankars" responsibilities and ways of managing the patient at home. After participating in the discussions at the Ekalavya group and listening to the lectures from experts from time to time, I have gained in the following ways: We have been more sensitized to her suffering, thus helping us to take care of my daughter better. Through an exchange of information with other shubhankars and shubharthis, I learnt about the various options, medications, psychotherapy etc. available to shubharthis and also about the limitations of these therapies. I have realized that I am not alone in facing such a problem. There are others who are facing similar or worse problems. I can reduce my own stress by talking things over to other understanding members. I have found a forum where I can exchange information about issues such as legal aspects, patient's rights, concessions in personal taxation etc. I am able to offer help to others, based on my own firsthand experience of handling the illness. Being of support to others goes a long way in boosting one's self-esteem. This group has thrown open opportunities for joint action for securing patients rightful place in the society and all the material benefits that are due to them. I have noticed considerable improvement in my daughter's ability to manage her moods with responsibility. Last, but not the least, the Ekalavya group has helped us to develop self-respect and confidence.