National Conference on Combat Depression For Professionals & Public
The Conference was Organized by the Departments of Pharmacology & Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, in association with Indian Psychiatric Society Combat Depression Task Force & IPS Karnataka Chapter
According to World Health Organization Depression is an emerging global epidemic with over 350 million people affected & by the year 2030 Depression will be the leading cause of the global burden of diseases ahead of all health conditions. Close to 800000 people die due to suicide every year. As depression affects all age groups, it is important that public & professionals to collectively combat depression. In this direction two Day National Conference on Combat Depression was organized at JSSMC Mysuru on Oct 22-23 (Mon & Tuesday) 2018.
The conference started with public awareness play by Sri Venkatesh & Troupe from NIMHANS on 21st Sunday at JSS Hospital at 10.30 AM. In the afternoon more than half dozen non governmental organizations joined hands to spread awareness CHITHARA program that had play on depression & suicide, drawing competition for children at Dr Sri Shivarathri Auditorium JSS Hospital (Old Block). Nearly 200 participants from Public across all age group attended and actively engaged. Media covered the event.
The 2 day conference started with active participation of nearly 600 delegates from over 80 Institutions across Nation, from a dozen different professions. Preinaguration session began with Dr Nishant Goyal talk on normality and depression mood state. Inauguration was with the divine blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, the Chief guest Prakash Belawadi Actor, Filmmaker, Journalist elaborated the need for public awareness, Dr.B.Suresh Vice –Chancellor, JSSAHER, conveyed the message in absentia, Guests of Honour Dr Ajith Bhide, President, Indian Psychiatric Society spoke about the need for undergraduates, Dr C G Betsurmath Executive Secretary JSSMVP, emphasized on suicide prevention in Depression among the youth. Special Invitees were Dr Manjunath Registrar, Dr Basavanagowdappa H, Dean Faculty of Medicine, Dr Kushalappa Registrar Academics graced the occasion along with Prof Nilesh Shah, the chairman of Task Force & Heads of two department organizing the conference.
The scientific proceedings covered every aspect of depression with experts across India making lucid presentation for delegates of all professional background. In addition exclusive training workshop for Doctors in general, Specialist (OBG & Paediatricians), Medical students, Teachers, Lecturers, Nurses, Pharmacists, Engineers was conducted as parallel sessions. Conference also had more than 30 scientific paper & 50 poster presentations, Quiz program for medical students. Also Audio- Video Competition for creating awareness was conducted and awards were given for Best Original Short Movie 5-10Mins (Category I),Best Original Mini Video -2 Minutes (Category II),Best Original 20 Second Audio Clip (Category III),Best Original 20 Second Original Video Clip (Category IV) . Nearly Rs 50000/- cash prize was given to awardees .
The 2 day event ended with valedictory ceremony that acknowledged the success of conference for bringing in every profession in the task of combat depression. Every profession representatives acknowledged the need for partnership in combating depression in their feedback. The press and media covered extensively the event.