Round the clock helpline on adolescent aggression launched

Mohali, Dec 29 (UNI) To deal with the growing problems of childhood and adolescence aggression and violence, a 24 hour helpline was launched here at Cheema Medical Complex.

With round the clock availability of senior consultant psychiatrists and psychologists to address the increasing number of queries regarding child aggression and behaviour, the helpline (9878899660) is aimed at addressing the vital concerns which parents are facing every day.

Inaugurating the helpline Cheema Medical Complex Director Ajaiwant Cheema said here yesterday that with special stress towards anger control programme, the helpline would provide expert advice on mental health related issues.

''Recent incidents of violence on part of young kids, especially, adolescents have rendered such counselling helpline absolutely necessary.'' ''What happened at a Gurgaon school when a young boy ended up killing a classmate out of vengeance is shocking as well as appalling but provides as a trigger point to address the problems of subdued and pent-up emotions which often manifest in form of extreme aggressive behaviour,'' said Dr Cheema.

Interacting with mediapersons, Dr Vani Kaler, pyschiatrist at Cheema Hospital said, ''Though such incidents of violence by adolescents are common in developed countries of Europe and US which offer little in terms of social and psychological support structures for people but in India they are unacceptable given the strong familial, social and community support which children and adolescents enjoy in India. Still there is enough room and need for psychiatric or psychological advice which is hardly available.'' ''Our helpline plans to fill that vacuum by providing the residents of the city this round the clock helpline for seeking expert advice,'' she added.

UNI