LifeSpring launches mental health counselling service

Founded on the premise that the concern for ensuring overall well-being and integrating mental health care with physical health care is of vital importance, the organisation aims to reform this connection between welfare and mental health in Bangladesh. LifeSpring hosted its first event ‘Break the shackles’, to give the participants an opportunity to hear from celebrated figures from the fields of psychology and psychiatry working in this country. Professor Dr Jhunu Shamsun Nahar, Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry, BSMMU, Dr Mekhala Sarkar, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, NIMH, Professor Dr Mohit Kamal, the Head of Psychiatry, NIMH were the main speakers at the event. Professor Dr Jhunu Shamsun Nahar stressed on the necessity of mental health care in her speech. Dr Mohit Kamal talked about various addictions in the society and ways to overcome these, specifically emphasising that “drug addiction is curable”. Dr Sushama Reza Rakhi discussed in detail about the regular exercises people can practice in order to alleviate anxiety and be happier. “Lack of social connection is increasingly becoming a cause of unhappiness in our daily lives, whereas social connection is a big predictor of success,” she said. Founder and CEO of LifeSpring, Dr Sayedul Ashraf Kushal said, “A positive brain is 31% more productive, more focused, more prepared to take challenges, and sees stress more as a challenge instead of a threat.” Founder and President of LifeSpring, Yahia Mohammad Amin talked about some of the inspiring initiatives by the organisation. “We have the misconception that rural people do not seek out help regarding mental health because of lack of awareness. In reality, it is because of the lack of access,” Amin informed the audience. “LifeSpring will set up centres to reach even the remotest areas so that people can seek help and receive counselling online with the help of computers and internet connection,” he added.