Healing Minds: Inside Hyderabad’s Institute of Mental Health

A tragic incident twelve years ago led Ravi to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda, Hyderabad, where he has sought treatment for his mother’s brain injury. The journey of healing for Ravi and many others reflects the challenges faced by patients and their families at this critical institution, which provides psychiatric care to those in need.

On a typical morning, the streets of Erragadda are alive with vendors selling fruits and vegetables. Just a left turn from the chaos reveals the serene 40-acre campus of IMH, a vital mental health facility in Telangana. Patients navigate the bustling environment with a shared purpose: to access affordable and compassionate psychiatric care.

The outpatient block, designed to accommodate around 150 individuals, is often filled with patients and their caregivers waiting for treatment. The atmosphere is one of both hope and hardship. Ravi explains the significance of this place, saying, “It is far and always crowded. But the doctors here are kind, and the medicines are free. She has grown used to this place now. So have I.”

Challenges of Stigma and Care

Despite the supportive environment at IMH, stigma surrounding mental health persists. A middle-aged man from Nizamabad waiting for his appointment shares his struggle: “I come here every few months for treatment. The doctors are compassionate, but once I return home, it is hard to continue medication. In my village, people still speak in hushed tones if they see you coming out of a psychiatrist’s clinic.” This fear of judgment can lead patients to halt their treatment, emphasizing the need for broader societal change.

The facility also caters to a unique population: inmates requiring psychiatric evaluations. This intersection of mental health and the justice system highlights the diverse services provided by IMH, although it has faced significant challenges. Following a food-poisoning outbreak on June 2, 2023, during Telangana Formation Day celebrations, swift action was taken to ensure patient safety. Seventy individuals were affected, and one long-term patient sadly passed away. Hospital administrators responded by terminating the diet contractor and launching investigations to prevent future incidents.

Historical Significance and Expansion Plans

Established in 1907 and originally located in Jalna, the IMH has undergone significant changes over the years. It moved to Erragadda shortly after its inception and has since become a cornerstone of mental health services in the region. Anitha Rayirala, the superintendent of IMH, notes that the hospital handles a daily outpatient footfall of between 400 and 500, serving patients from across Telangana and neighboring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra.

In response to the increasing demand for services, IMH is currently constructing a new multi-functional block. This facility will include departments for Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Social Work, and a rehabilitation centre, among other advancements. Dr. Rayirala anticipates completion in the coming months, with the project budgeted at approximately ₹25 crore, although funding is still pending.

Navigating the System and Patient Challenges

While expansion efforts are underway, IMH faces ongoing challenges, particularly regarding patient reintegration into the community. Dr. Rayirala highlights a troubling trend: families sometimes refuse to take patients home after treatment. “There are times when, even after successful treatment, families refuse to take the patients home. Legally, if the family doesn’t give consent, it becomes complicated,” she explains. This creates a burden on the healthcare system, as alternative care options must be sought.

The rise in mental health awareness since the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more individuals seeking help. IMH has seen increased registrations for anxiety and depression, with a notable demand for counselling services. The Day Treatment Centre (DTC) has been pivotal in managing outpatient cases, reporting 530 patients in June and 529 in July 2023 alone.

Despite these advancements, infrastructure gaps remain. Some areas, particularly those designated for patients with police cases, require urgent attention. “The medical care is adequate, but the wards require better infrastructure,” notes a doctor from the hospital. Such improvements are essential for enhancing the quality of care.

The Path Forward

As IMH continues to adapt to the growing need for mental health services, the importance of addressing stigma cannot be understated. Dr. Rayirala emphasizes the necessity for societal change in how mental health issues are perceived and treated. “People rush to the hospital if someone has a fever or chest pain. But when someone says they want to end their lives, families try to manage the situation themselves instead of seeing a specialist. That needs to change,” she asserts.

The commitment to providing compassionate care at IMH is evident as patients and caregivers navigate their journeys. With ongoing efforts toward expansion and a growing awareness of mental health issues, there is cautious optimism for the future. As patients leave the outpatient block, clutching their prescriptions and ready to return home, they carry with them the hope for continued healing and support.

For those in need of immediate assistance, the Tele-MANAS helpline is available at 14416, and Roshni can be contacted at 8142020033 or 8142020044, providing confidential emotional support daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.