The Indonesian Health Ministry is working to improve the country's mental healthcare infrastructure by 2025, aiming for 50 percent of community health centers (puskesmas) to provide essential mental health services. Currently, only 40 percent of puskesmas offer these services, with a disproportionate distribution across regions. The ministry plans to increase this number to 70 percent in 2026 and is addressing challenges such as the limited availability of mental health professionals by training one million people as first-aiders through the First Aid for Psychological Wounds (P3LP) initiative. Additionally, the ministry has emphasized that regional governments are responsible for acquiring necessary medications, including five essential drugs, such as haloperidol decanoate, which is used to treat schizophrenia.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/338056/govt-targets-50-pct-puskesmas-offering-mental-health-support-by-2025?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightThe Indian government has made significant efforts to address mental health issues in the country. According to Minister Jadhav, over 15.95 lakh calls have been handled on a helpline number. To increase the number of mental healthcare professionals, the government has sanctioned 25 Centres of Excellence under the National Mental Health Programme and supported 19 government medical colleges/institutions to strengthen PG departments in mental health specialties. Additionally, the District Mental Health Programme has been implemented in 767 districts and over 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/nearly-16-lakh-calls-received-on-tele-manas-prataprao-jadhav/Justin Jerada, a veteran who has served in various locations including Afghanistan and Japan, is sharing his struggles with seasonal depression. He attributes his condition to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and notes that it affects him during the winter months. Jerada relies on his service dog, Harley, for support and has found solace in community groups focused on mental health.
https://krcgtv.com/news/local/veteran-shares-struggles-with-seasonal-depression#Pakistan is facing a growing mental health crisis among its youth, with insufficient facilities and affordable counselling services available. Laiba Noor emphasizes that urgent policy changes and initiatives are needed to address this issue. Educational institutions can play a crucial role by introducing mental health awareness programs and counselling services on campus. Public campaigns are also necessary to reduce stigma around mental health discussions, allowing for open conversations about the issue.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1260978-silent-crisisThe Taiwanese government is promoting the construction of elderly-friendly residential buildings and communities to accommodate its aging population. With 20% of its population expected to be over 65 next year, initiatives such as ramps, handrails, and social activities are being implemented to support seniors' quality of life. Advocates, including Liu, recommend that family members pay attention to their elderly loved ones' behavior and mood, encouraging them to interact with others and participate in social activities if they show signs of depression.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/taiwan-chiung-yao-novelist-author-death-discussions-elderly-support-4804601The Vedic Sadhana Foundation has developed an app that measures the impact of mantras on the brain. The app, which was launched by Om Swami and Vikram Shastry in Delhi's Pragati Maidan, uses technology to analyze the effects of chanting on mental well-being. The foundation is based in New Delhi and operates under the South Delhi District Administration.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/measure-the-impact-of-mantras-on-the-brain-with-the-sadhana-app/A helpline set up by a Paris health centre to address concerns about drug-facilitated sexual assault has received calls from healthcare providers and victims seeking information about the possible symptoms of such abuse. The Reference Centre on Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (CRAFS) was launched in October 2024, amid a high-profile rape trial involving Dominique Pelicot and 50 other defendants. Gisele Pelicot, Dominique's wife, had experienced strange memory lapses and health problems for years before police told her she had been drugged and raped by her husband and dozens of strangers he recruited online. The helpline provides information on symptoms such as drowsiness, nausea, disorientation, blurred vision, and amnesia, and can offer guidance on next steps for healthcare professionals who suspect a patient may have been drugged. The service has also received calls from victims seeking to report their experiences, which can help authorities understand how attackers operate.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/12/13/france-helpline-offers-support-for-victims-of-drug-facilitated-sexual-assault-amid-shock-mass-rape-trial-revelations/159785A helpline in France has been set up to provide information and support for victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault, amid a high-profile rape trial that has raised awareness about the issue. The Reference Centre on Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (CRAFS) was launched by a Paris health centre in October, and has since received calls from healthcare providers and victims seeking information about the possible symptoms of drug-related abuse. According to Dr Leila Chaouachi, who founded the service, there are many indicators that someone may have been drugged, including drowsiness, nausea, disorientation, blurred vision and amnesia. The centre can also offer guidance on what to do next if a healthcare professional suspects that a patient has been drugged. The helpline is part of an awareness campaign launched by Equality Minister Salima Saa in November, which aims to raise awareness about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/france-gets-new-helpline-amid-trauma-of-mass-rape-trial/article_2c050755-345c-514d-9a65-4b6db60180d2.htmlPavel Piskarev's NeuroGraphica technique combines drawing and mindfulness to connect with one's inner world, unlock emotional blocks, and promote self-awareness. Developed by Russian psychologist and architect Pavel Piskarev, the practice involves creating free-flowing lines and patterns without judgment, allowing participants to tap into their subconscious mind. Co-Founder of B&C Miracle Method Brenda Ganwani uses NeuroGraphica in combination with meditation to work with trapped emotions, limiting beliefs, and ancestral healing. The technique can be transformative, offering insights, emotional release, and the creation of new neural pathways that support resilience and self-awareness.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/what-is-neurographica-art-and-how-can-it-help-you-emotionally-heal