AN INTERVIEW WITH RETD. SENIOR PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND DEPUTY MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT, NIMHANS

Dr. C.R. Chandrashekar (CRC), a respected name in Karnataka's medical health circuit - fondly called “People's Psychiatrist' - retired in 2013 as senior professor of psychiatry at NIMHANS, where he worked for three decades. CRC has about 5 decades of experience in this field. Now, CRC practices at Samadhana Centre in Arekere, Bengaluru. CRC treated freely more than 50,000 patients, gave more than 30,000 lectures, trained more than 20,000 lay counsellors, and donated Rs.1.09 Crore to Dementia Care Centre, NIMHANS. CRC authored more than 280 books in Kannada and more than 30 books in English on Health and Ill Health. CRC has received many recognitions, appreciations, and awards for his outstanding work in the field of mental health, patients care, teaching, training, and education. A few awards to quote are Honorary Fellowship of Karnataka Science & Technology Academy 2020, Life Time Achievement in Science (STEAM) Communication in Kannada 2020, Dr. B. C. Roy Award by I.M.A Bangalore – 1993, U.G.C. Award-2001, National Award by Government of India–2002, Eminent Psychiatrist Award by Indian Psychiatric Society - Karnataka Branch 2006 and Dr. Anupama Niranjana Award for Kannada Medical Science Literature given by Government of Karnataka – 2012.

1. How to measure employees' mental health in the workplace?
One should focus on one's speech, behavior, relationship with others, speed of work, quality of work, and emotional control. Remember, observing these things are highly essential as good mental health at the workplace makes employees more efficient and effective.

2. What workplace factors are influencing employees’ mental health?

• Lack of focus on employees' health and safety. 
• Lack of health and safety policies. 
• Lack of support from superiors/ colleagues. 
• Lack of training and communications. 
• Lack of knowledge. 
• High pressure for output/high targets. 
• More working hours. 
• Workplace comparisons. 

3. Do mental health issues disturb the relationship?
Yes. Mental health problems often have a bad effect on many aspects of life, including family relationships. For example, people with depression may have a lack of sexual interest. Mental health issues are a major cause of the breakup/divorce.

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