Thangum Thanalum: A project for school children at risk:

Consultation Meeting for Child Deveopment Practitioner's Training (CDP)

27^th January a Consultation Meeting  for Headmasters/ Headmistresses was held at SJGCC  at 2 P.M on Training Program to be initiated for the 5^th Standard teachers of Catholic Corporate Management, Diocese of Quilon .

This meeting was inaugurated by Rt.Rev.Msgr.K.J.Jesudas, Vicar General Diocese of Quion. Mr.Anso Cabot, Correspondent, Catholic Corporate Management, Diocese of Quilon welcomed the Headmaster/Headmistresses and Rev.Dr.Jose Puthenveed did the presentation of the project: Thangum Thanalum in power point presentation. Some scenes  from the meeting.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER' TRAINING

 29-31 May 2012

CDP Training was held at TRNITY LYCEUM School, Kollam from 29-31 May 2012.

Msgr.K.J.Jesudas Vicar General inaugurated the training program. Teachers of 29 school participated in the training. Over 70 teachers attended.

News paper report of Malayala Manorama 01-06-12

UNARVU Kollam Jilla Panchayat Project

Training for retired teachers and team leaders for Unnarvu: Kollam Jilla Panchayat project of early identification of Psycho-physical disabilities and intervention pilot program for school children was inaugurated on 10^th January 2012 at 10.30 A.M. at St.Joseph’s Guidance & Counselling Centre, Kollam. 

Fifth standard children of one Government School in each Panchayat are selected for the pilot project. This project is to be completed in the academic year March 2012.

SJGCC has collaborated with Kollam Jilla Panchayat in preparing the project proposal and undertook the task of training the retired teachers selected for the project. SJGCC has ventured into this people oriented project after the successful initiation of Student Assistance Programme (SAP) in Trinity Lyceum and Vimalahridya ICSE schools in Kollam District.   

This unique project is first of its’ kind in the State of Kerala. SJGCC is glad that its slogan : “Early identification and early intervention”, is accepted and implemented by the Jilla Panchayat of Kollam District in collaboration with us.

SJGCC has also the track record of training around 2500 school teachers in early identification and intervention of psycho-social problems of school children in and out of Kerala State. 

SJGCC has also initiated a project for the fifth standard children of all the aided schools under the Corporate Management of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Quilon, Kerala. Training program for the teachers and retired teachers   is to begin during April –May 2012. This project named “Thangum Thanalum” will be implemented in the schools from 2012 academic year.

Transformative Leadership Program

Formation of religious communities has become a central concern of the Church. The document of Congregation for Catholic Education  says, “Formation to religious life and ministry requires certain abilities as well as moral and theological virtues, which are supported by a human and psychic -  and particularly affective - equilibrium, so as to allow the subject to be adequately predisposed for giving of himself in the celibate life”.

Kerala Church is facing problems one after another:  problems of alleged homicide and women abuse related to clergy, suicides among religious women in the Church. The document of Congregation for Catholic Education, A Guide to Formation in Priestly Celibacy, (para 4) recognizes that “errors in discerning vocations are not rare, and in all too many cases psychological defects, sometimes of a pathological kind, reveal themselves only after ordination to the priesthood. Detecting defects earlier would help avoid many tragic experiences.” In this challenging context an honest evaluation of our formees and if needed an effective psychotherapeutic intervention is of paramount importance. In some cases awareness and skill development is necessary. SJGCC  with its unique resources called  a consultative meeting to identify the key areas of  collaboration.   The first meeting was held on 24th Tuesday 11 A.M. at SJGCC, Kollam.   Several Women Religious Congregations came together and shared their concerns.  Transformative Leadership Programs will be initiated shortly.

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Jesuvin Ratri : Christmas Song

Jesuvin Ratri : Christmas Song

Dr.Jose Puthenveed invited by MLCU, Shillong

Dr.Jose Puthenveed invited to talk at MLCU Conference

Dr.Jose Puthenveed, Director St.Joseph’s Guidance & Counseling Centre, is invited by Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, Meghalaya to speak on ‘Community programs for substance abuses’ on 2^nd November, 2011 at Shillong MLCU Campus Auditorium. Dr.Jose Puthenveed is one of the first Indian graduates in Addiction Counseling from Siena Heights University, Adrian, Michigan, USA. He has written many articles on the subject in journals and is active in Community Programs of Substance Abuse the Prevention. The details of the program is given below:

Developing an MPhil in Community Mental Health

Round Table Discussion

November 2, 2011

Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong,Meghalya

A.                 Objectives of the Meeting

1.      To have an overview of the project: “Comprehensive Programme for Promoting Mental       Health in Meghalaya”

2.  To discuss the broad aspects of community mental health with special reference to Meghalaya

3.   To conceptualise and prepare a broad approach and structure for the proposed MPhil in Community Health

B.                   Programme

09:30am               Welcome                                                                                   Sandi Syiem

09:40am               Objectives of the meeting                                                        Glenn C Kharkongor

09:50am               About Hans Foundation and the project                                 Carmo Noronha

10:00am               Clinical competencies for the MPhil                                       R Srinivasa Murthy

10:45am               Tea

11:00am               Community Neurology                                                          Chandran Gnanamuthu

11:30am               Referral and follow-up in the community                                Sandi Syiem

12:00am               Cross-cultural issues in community mental health                 Gideon Arulmani

12:30pm               The experience of Saarthak in community training                Achal Bhagat

01:00pm               Lunch

01:30pm               Teaching-learning methods and faculty                                                 

                                                                                                                                Glenn Kharkongor

02:00pm               Research in community mental health                                     PSS Sundar Rao

02:30pm               Global perspectives in community mental health                   Allen Kharbteng

03:00pm               Tea

03:15pm               Community programs for substance abuse                             Jose Puthenveed

03:45pm               Policy implications                                                                    Donald Wahlang

04:15pm               Final discussion

04:30pm               Close

C.                  Resource Persons

Dr Chandran Gnanamuthu MD, DM has 35 years of clinical experience in neurology. He was professor and Head of the Department of Neurological Sciences at Christian Medical College, Vellore, India for many years. He was a visiting International Scholar at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio and has over 50 publications in peer-viewed journals and has presented papers at several national and international conferences. He is now a senior consultant at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore.

Dr R Srinivasa Murthy, MD, is former Head, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, and now heads The Association for the Mentally Challenged, Bangalore.  Dr Murthy has contributed to the National Mental Health Programme and to the Government of Karnataka in developing  mental health policies and plans for the State.  He has over 200 publications, authored 10 manuals of mental health care and edited five books.   Prof Murthy has worked with the World Health Organization in the developing of mental health programs in Bhutan, Iran, Kuwait, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Yemen.  He was Editor in Chief of the WHO World Health Report 2001.

Dr PSS Sundar Rao, DrPH, FSS, is former Professor and Head of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, CMC, Vellore.  He has been Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chairman, National Cancer Registry and member, Advisory Committee, Ministry of Science and Technology.  He has published 300 articles in peer-reviewed journals and received more than 100 research grants.

Dr Achal Bhagat, MD, MRCPsych is a consultant psychiatrist at Apollo Hospital, Delhi. He is the Director of Saarthak, a voluntary organization focusing on the mental health needs of the community.  Saarthak has created partnerships with the community to further the mental health of people from vulnerable contexts.  It has developed service delivery protocols and models and capacity building programs.  Saarthak’s work was covered on Star TV News, New Delhi in 2010.

Dr Gideon Arulmani, MPhil, PhD is a clinical psychologist specialised in career psychology, who founded The Promise Foundation, Bangalore.  He has been consultant to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and UNICEF for projects in Rwanda, Maldives, Sri Lanka and other countries. He is president of the Indian Association for Career and Livelihood Planning.  He has written, reviewed and served on editorial boards of several journals.  He is visiting senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury, UK and visititng professor at MLC University, Shillong

Dr Allen Kharbteng, MRCPsych, MBA is a consultant psychiatrist in the NHS, UK and Executive Committee Member, Eastern Division of The Royal College of Psychiatrists.  He heads a national award winning “integrated acute psychiatric team”. He initiated the voluntary overseas service scheme of the Royal College for which he has written a Volunteers Manual.

Dr Jose Puthenveed, MA, MA, PhD, formerly Head of the Department of Psychology at the Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, and Kerala is now Director, St Joseph’s Guidance and Counselling Centre, Kollam.  He is also the Principal of the IPSS College of Social Sciences, Kollam.  Fr Jose has initiated the Students’ Assistance Program (SAP)in Kerala which includes Life Skills for children and awareness for teachers and parents. He is also a Family counsellor, Family Court, High Court of Kerala. Besides his Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Psychology, he has a Masters Degree in Addiction Counselling from U.S.A.

Mr Donald Wahlang, IAS is Commissioner Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Health

Co-hosts

Mr Carmo Noronha, Executive Director, Bethany Society, Shillong

Dr Sandi Syiem MD, Director of San-ker, Shillong

Dr Glenn Kharkongor, MD, MPH, VC of MLC University, Shillong

MIND WELNESS PROGRAM

Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom

Lead thou me on.

The night is dark, and I am far from home

  Lead thou me on. 

Cardinal Newman   

Mind Wellness Program:

 Sensitivity Training Workshops for Sustaining Mental Health among Religious Communities, Diocese of Quilon, Kerala, India

Studies have shown that high level of stress, inadequate social and emotional support and lack of personal relationship have led to an alarming increase in mental health disorders in modern times. We religious women and men are human beings with biological stress and strain coupled with frailties, misconceptions and misgivings like men and women in the secular world.

Midlife and retirement periods are also significant life transitions for both men and women in religious communities.  The impact of these can affect the psychological life of individual members. Satisfactions of psychological needs such as affection, recognition, security, achievement, independence status are some of the vital needs to be addressed in our community life for a healthy development and well-being of the personality. 

In this program all the members are invited to join the workshops close to their communities. Date and venue will be informed to all the communities as and when the workshops are held.  Let us join together to search for ways and means towards our MIND WELLNESS. 

Mind Wellness Program At Tangassery, Kollam 25th Sept,2011

Mind Welless Program was inaugurated by Rt.Rev.Msgr.K.J.Jesudas, Vicar General, Diocese of Quilon. Sisters of Mt.Carmel, Charity Sisters Convent and Holy face attended the meet. Sr..Bertha College of Nursing Holy Cross,  Kottiyam and Rev.Dr.Jose Puthenveed facilitated the meet.

Handout to participants 

Fighting Depression

Introduction   

Do religious women get depressed?

We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks and disappointments.

What happens if prayers don’t work for depression?

     What do you mean by depression?

Depression is “living in a black hole”   or having a feeling of impending doom.

Depression is a state of extreme sadness or hopelessness that reaches a point where it affects your everyday activities and quality of life.

It can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender or race. It has been found to affect twice as much as it affects men.

Types of depression

Major depression

Atypical depression

Dsythymia  ( Recurrent ,mild depression )

Seasonal affective disorder  (SAD)

Bipolar disorder (When depression is just one side of a coin).

Chemical Imbalance which affects depression

“Chemical imbalance” as the cause of emotional distress and disturbances.

Reduced availability of neurotransmitters like Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Acetylcholine.

Increased levels of toxic neurochemcals such as Homocysteine.

Lower level of serum Magnesium, Zinc or Potassium.

Unhealthy or deficient levels of essential vitamins like B6, B 9, B12 and Vitamin –C.

Increased cortisol stress hormone levels.

Causes of depression

Not a single cause for depression.

Problem in relationship, Loneliness, Lack of social support.

Recent stressful life experience.

Early childhood trauma or sexual abuse. 

Family history of depression (Genetic factor).

Worry about career and retirement.

Unemployment or under employment.

Difficulty to accept physical change that occurs after menopause.

Symptoms of depression

Always in sadness

Feeling guilt, hopelessness, melancholy for prolonged period of time.

Increased anger

Lack of interest in activity that previously enjoyed

Always feeling tired

Poor concentration

Problem in making in decision.

Sleep disturbance (Sleeping more or sleeping less).

Change in weight that is either weight gain or weight loss.

Suicidal thought.

Low self - esteem.

Physical problem such as head ache, stomach problems and chronic pain.

How to cope with causes and symptoms of depression

Useful Tips to apply in  daily  life:

Don’t feel alone, walking with awareness.

Try to share feeling with your friends or your closed one.

Always enjoy activities that you like, Listening to or playing music.

Being in Nature.

 Make schedule for exercise and follow it.

Connecting to the divine.

Give time for reading, writing that you like and enjoy in it.

Take a well balanced diet.( Rich in Vitamin  B)

Try to reduce stress.

Laugh give satisfaction  so always give laugh whenever you are possible

(Example: Recreation)

Don’t change your sleeping pattern and get enough sleep.

Find a group that support you whenever need it.

Nuns to keep in mind the idea

1. Exercise

2. Identify troubles and try to solve

3. Express yourself

4. Nutrition

5. Think positive.    6. Spiritual life

15 ways to avoid depression relapse:

1.       Get yourself educated

2.       Stay close to optimists

3.       Avoid too much responsibility

4.       Avoid guilt trips

5.       Continuing therapy and medication

6.       Deal with stressors

7.       Serve others

8.       Joint support groups

9.       Boost your self esteem

10.   Improve your diet

11.   Exercise your way to health

12.   Avoid negative thoughts

13.   Avoid alcohol and drugs

14.   The need for rest and sleep

15.   Be thankful.

Treatment for depression

Relaxation exercise is very good option for reducing depression in women (Recreation, listening music, Indoor and outdoor games, window-shopping etc).

                       Meditation

      Individual psychotherapy.

     Antidepressants like Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, and Desipramine). 

Conclusion:

              Prolonged stress and other factors worsen the depression, but it can also trigger it. It is better to get out from the depressive condition and stay well in life. Also it’s essential to learn to minimize and cope with stress in your day to day life. Then lead a quality and effective way of life.

MIND WELLNESS:

A Sensitivity Workshop for sustaining mental health among the religious communities in the Diocese of Quilon

A project of St.Joseph’s Guidance & Counseling Centre (SJGCC),   Bishop Jerome Institute Campus, Kollam – 691 001

Ph.0474-2745691, http://sjgcc.blogspot.com

____________________________________

Mind Wellness Program at Vaddy Convent 15th Jan 2012

Religious communities from St.Mary's Convent, Port Kollam, Sisters Adores, Moothakara, Don Bosco Convent, Thope and Deva Mata Convent, Vaddy attended the gathering. Sr..Bertha College of Nursing Holy Cross,  Kottiyam and Rev.Dr.Jose Puthenveed facilitated the meet.