Bengaluru witnessed a one-of-a-kind fashion show when 11 patients recovering from mental health issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder walked the ramp.
Eleven patients who are recovering from severe mental health issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia set the stage on fire in the auditorium of the Medico Pastoral Association (MPA) on Tuesday. The auditorium hosted a fantastic fashion show that was greeted with thunderous applause from the friends and well-wishers of the patients.
MPA, a non-profit organization from Pottery Road in Fraser Town, celebrated its golden jubilee on Tuesday. The fashion show was the highlight of the day, and it was a culmination of efforts by patients, psychiatrists, benefactors, and family members.
MPA claims to have helped more than 1000 people recover from various mental health issues and lead better lives so far.
Hear about mental health from the administrative body of MPA
“Patients are referred to MPA by psychiatric departments of different hospitals. Caregivers and residents interact with the in-house panel of psychiatrists, which decides if a person is eligible for for rehabilitation. Those admitted have a daily routine. Specific deficits are also worked on, as per each individual’s need. For instance, those with schizophrenia have a problem with personal hygiene, but we have a routine for it. We work on communication skills for some,” Bhaskar, the administrative head of the association, said in an interview.
The residents come to MPA either because they have no immediate family to take care of them, they have no family members in the country, or they feel the institution can benefit them in a better way.
“In a majority of the cases, we have observed that the institute becomes a surrogate home to them and benefactors fund poor patients,” said Dr. George Joseph, president of MPA.
History of MPA
The Medico Pastoral Association, or MPA, was founded in 1964. Back then, it was a voluntary association. The organization was registered a decade later, and eventually, it became secular to cater to the general public. MPA also has a suicide prevention helpline.
