90+ and still going strong

– by Shobha Menon

Seeking answers for the mentally ill

Born in 1923, Dr. M. Sarada Menon, one of India’s first women psychiatrists by 1959, took charge as the first woman superintendent of the Institute of Mental Health, Madras, in 1961. During the next 17 years, she initiated sweeping changes in the mental health sector. She also went on to institute a premier mental health NGO, the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (popularly known as SCARF) in 1985. She has been closely associated with the establishment of a variety of organisations – at State and national level – to fight the stigma of mental illness.

It is remarkable to see how lightly the many honours and national accolades sit on this vivacious and cheerful nonagenarian. “My general routine after waking up includes morning routines and prayers, followed by a light breakfast before I get ready for my busy and always interesting day!” she smiles disarmingly. Till even a couple of years ago, she would go out and meet her patients at a private hospital nearby, or at the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk. “Each patient is like an intriguing puzzle, each one has a special story, with his or her own fears and challenges. I have always looked forward to facilitating the solving of the challenges in their minds and that of their families.”

She goes on, “Now, I’ve gotten slower, and so I spend more time in the mornings keeping up to date on the latest findings in the Mental Health scenario. Some days, I visit friends or family. Make a few phone calls to connect and reach out. I like to meet friends and visitors. A balanced and, of course, light lunch and a brief rest follow and I am all set for my clinic. Generally, there are so many patients from across the southern districts that work begins at 4 pm and goes on till 9 pm.” She still sees patients who seek her out, but only twice a week!

A self-confessed movie buff, she watches a movie every Sunday evening on her computer, an English thriller or a popular Tamil new release. “The last movie I downloaded was historical – Iron Lady, on Margaret Thatcher. I have always enjoyed interesting movies or books of the thriller genre. Agatha Christie is a favourite author!”

And, of course, she likes to read up on Mental Health issues. “I like to attend conferences and meetings on Mental Health whenever and wherever possible. Often, there are many interesting new developments and papers to read up each day. The worldwide web is vast! But what fires me, really, is a passion to put in safe systems for the mentally ill. Rehab in its truest sense is where a patient can feel that he or she can contribute in some way to the working environment around. The ironic truth is that we are not there yet… in spite of all the on-going research and all the expertise, giving the mentally ill a sense of purpose as a contributing entity in society is what will make it easier for others to accept them. I am still on that journey…to reach that goal, in whatever way I’m able to!”

Another idea she is fired about and talks with interested groups is “to get local associations to initiate a senior citizen friendly system for truly connected and safe communities. This could start with a small locality/neighbourhood survey that takes into account how many senior citizens live in the area, and their requirements. A qualified social worker could be employed to interact with them on a regular basis. Locally appropriate support services, involving a comprehensive network of community health workers, will help greatly towards a safe and mentally positive neighbourhood.”

Dr. Menon reiterates that she consciously works at keeping herself mentally and physically active, “It is important as a ‘super senior’ citizen to keep engaged with people, or groups or a passion. It keeps you mentally agile and gives you something to look forward to, like group therapy. Otherwise it is common for depression and related problems to set in. I see it all around. Most important, whichever part of your body is active, work on it to keep it going that way! Otherwise you will lose that too!”

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