"Enter and cry," reads one sign. "I too have anxiety," glows another notice in pink. One corner has phones with the names of psychologists and other people you can call when you're feeling down.

This is the Crying Room, or La Lloreria, a place where you can freely express your sorrow. Located in central Madrid, the project seeks to eliminate social stigmas associated with mental health, crying, and seeking help. Anyone can drop in.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-is-still-a-crime-in-at-least-20-countries-worldwide-research-411901">Suicide is still a crime in at least 20 countries worldwide: Research</a>

Jon Nelssom, a Swedish student based in Madrid, says that he thinks it's a great idea to visualize mental health issues.&nbsp;

As he noted, the name 'The Crying Room' is a brilliant idea since, in Spain, there's a saying that goes "if you want to cry, go to the crying room". Therefore, people are kind of stigmatized to cry as in many other countries.

Martyna Dluzniewska, Head of marketing at therapy chat, explained that the idea of 'La Lloreria' did come&nbsp;from the Spanish phrase that is said when people don't want to worry about other people's problems.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-took-hold-suicide-rose-among-japanese-women-365653">As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women</a>

"They say "a llorar a la lloreria" (go and cry in the crying room), you take your feelings to your corner and don't talk about them. This is exactly what we want to destigmatize, that yes, you can talk about your feelings, that if you are not well you can be so, if you need to stop, stop and if you need to put yourself first do so. And of course, if you need help, ask for it."

A week ago, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, also announced a 100-million-euro or $116 million, mental health care program, which will include services like a 24-hour suicide helpline.

"It is not a taboo, it is a public health problem that we must talk about, make visible and act accordingly," he said about mental illness as he launched the plan on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/teen-girls-complain-of-tics-experts-link-it-to-depression-tiktok-videos-421497">Teen girls complain of tics; experts link it to depression &amp; TikTok videos</a>

Spain's 2021-2024 Mental Health and COVID-19 Action Plan, which will have 100 million euros allocated from the Government of Spain, is, according to a press release being implemented "in response to the emergency caused by the impact of the COVID pandemic on Mental Health and in response to the Opinion of the Reconstruction Commission".&nbsp;

In 2019, 3,671 people in Spain committed suicide, the second most frequent cause of death after natural causes. According to government data, one in ten adolescents has a mental health condition, while 5.8 per cent of the overall population suffers from anxiety.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a&nbsp;professional.&nbsp;Aasra&nbsp;(Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726,&nbsp;Sneha&nbsp;(Chennai) 044-24640050,&nbsp;Sumaitri&nbsp;(Delhi) 011-23389090,&nbsp;Cooj&nbsp;(Goa) 0832- 2252525,&nbsp;Jeevan&nbsp;(Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830,&nbsp;Maithri&nbsp;(Kochi) 0484-2540530,&nbsp;Roshni&nbsp;(Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata),&nbsp;Parivarthan&nbsp;(Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

 
WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

"Enter and cry," reads one sign. "I too have anxiety," glows another notice in pink. One corner has phones with the names of psychologists and other people you can call when you're feeling down.

"Enter and cry," reads one sign. "I too have anxiety," glows another notice in pink. One corner has phones with the names of psychologists and other people you can call when you're feeling down. This is the Crying Room, or La Lloreria, a place where you can freely express your sorrow. Located in central Madrid, the project seeks to eliminate social stigmas associated with mental health, crying, and seeking help. Anyone can drop in. Also read | Suicide is still a crime in at least 20 countries worldwide: Research Jon Nelssom, a Swedish student based in Madrid, says that he thinks it's a great idea to visualize mental health issues. As he noted, the name 'The Crying Room' is a brilliant idea since, in Spain, there's a saying that goes "if you want to cry, go to the crying room". Therefore, people are kind of stigmatized to cry as in many other countries. Martyna Dluzniewska, Head of marketing at therapy chat, explained that the idea of 'La Lloreria' did come from the Spanish phrase that is said when people don't want to worry about other people's problems. Also read | As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women "They say "a llorar a la lloreria" (go and cry in the crying room), you take your feelings to your corner and don't talk about them. This is exactly what we want to destigmatize, that yes, you can talk about your feelings, that if you are not well you can be so, if you need to stop, stop and if you need to put yourself first do so. And of course, if you need help, ask for it." A week ago, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, also announced a 100-million-euro or $116 million, mental health care program, which will include services like a 24-hour suicide helpline. "It is not a taboo, it is a public health problem that we must talk about, make visible and act accordingly," he said about mental illness as he launched the plan on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day. Also read | Teen girls complain of tics; experts link it to depression & TikTok videos Spain's 2021-2024 Mental Health and COVID-19 Action Plan, which will have 100 million euros allocated from the Government of Spain, is, according to a press release being implemented "in response to the emergency caused by the impact of the COVID pandemic on Mental Health and in response to the Opinion of the Reconstruction Commission". In 2019, 3,671 people in Spain committed suicide, the second most frequent cause of death after natural causes. According to government data, one in ten adolescents has a mental health condition, while 5.8 per cent of the overall population suffers from anxiety. (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

'Enter and cry': Spain's crying room aims to break stigma attached to crying and mental health problems

Parliament today passed a bill that seeks to decriminalise suicide attempt by mentally ill people and provides for the right to better healthcare for people suffering from mental illness.

&#39;The Mental Healthcare Bill&#39; also has a provision to protect and restore the property right of the mentally ill people, Health Minister J P Nadda said in the Lok Sabha, just before it was passed by the House by a voice vote.

All the amendments moved by the opposition members were defeated.

The Rajya Sabha had passed it in August last year with 134 official amendments.

The bill provides for decriminalising suicide attempt by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable under the Indian Penal Code.

It also focusses on community-based treatment and provides for special treatment for women.

The bill seeks to ensure health-care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness &quot;in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity.&quot;

While replying to a debate on the bill, Nadda described it as a &quot;patient-centric&quot; measure and said there was a need to empower the patients so that they could secure proper treatment.

The legislation has been brought after wider consultations with the stakeholders, he said.

&quot;There were consultations at the regional level, as well at the Centre. After consultations with the stakeholders the bill was sent to the Standing Committee and post amendments it came to Rajya Sabha.&quot;

Most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee were accepted by the government, the Health Minister said.

Around 29 members participated in the discussion and almost all of them extended support to the bill.

Stating that the 1987 Mental Act was institutionalised, the minister said that in the present bill, instead of the institution, the focus was on the community.

The bill is a &quot;progressive legislation&quot; and intends to take care of everyone in case of any exigency, he said.

Describing the bill as &quot;historic&quot;, the Health Minister said with the support of all, &quot;we can develop the mental health services.&quot;

There was a need to take care of the health and hygiene of the patients, he said, adding the right of a child with his/her mother will also be maintained.

Sterlisation would not be conducted on a person who is mentally ill, Nadda said, describing it as &quot;an insane and inhuman act.&quot;

If the need arises, he said, NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health &amp; Neuro Sciences) would be extended.

Responding to concerns expressed by some members over the safety of doctors in the wake of assault on a medico in Maharashtra recently by relatives of a patient, the Health Minister said instructions have been sent to the states that security of doctors should be ensured.

With regard to the issue raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the inclusion of &quot;role model&quot;, the Health Minister said there was no need to include it in the bill.

However, he said, the government will definitely look at it at its own level.

Earlier, members cutting across the political spectrum supported the Metal Health Care Bill.

NCP&#39;s Supriya Sule said the Standing Committee has &quot;walked an extra mile&quot; to incorporate the suggestions of all stake holders.

BJD&#39;s Bhartruhari Mahtab said this legislation is the only bill which received 124 amendments and almost all have been accepted by the government.

Highlighting the shortage of medics and paremedics, BJP member Heena Gavit said there are only 4500 doctors specialised in mental health when the requirement was 12,500 and 3000 nurses per one lakh patients having mental disorders.

She rued that the country does not have any Phd seat for research in mental health. She said there should be a proper mechanism to take consent of patients for their treatment and they should not be treated as an &quot;experimental animals.&quot;

Sule wanted to know what would happen to the child after he/she turns the prescribed age.

Mahtab, along with Gavit and Sule, noted that the budget for the mental healthcare is abysmally low.

Sule also demanded inclusion of drug addiction and alcholism into the category of mental disease.

Supporting the legislation, Ravindra Babu (TDP) said, this was one of the &quot;finest legislation&quot; in last three years, but it mostly focuses on schirzophrenia.

K Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS) said while the earlier laws on mental health were &quot;regulation centric&quot;, the new bill is &quot;patient-centric&quot;.

Referring to Nobel prize winning mathematician John Nash, a patient of schizophrenia, who made fundamental contributions to game theory, Reddy said, at least he had support of his family. The movie &#39;A Beautiful Mind&#39; was based on his character. 
&quot;Although he had severe disabilities, he also had other capabilities,&quot; he said.

The TRS MP said the bill should have taken care of property of patients suffering from mental health as &quot;cruel relatives&quot; may exploit them under this pretext.

Supporting the legislation, Ratna Dey (TMC) demanded stringent punishment for doctors who falsify mental health cases.&nbsp;

P K Sreemathi Teacher (CPM) said the government should ensure that a mentally ill patient, after treatment, is accepted by the society and the people.

Besides, she said, free treatment for such kind of patient should be allowed.

Bansi Lal Mahto (BJP) suggested that ayurvedic clinic should be equipped to treat mentally ill people as this traditional method has precription for treatment of such diseases.

Jai Prakash Narain Yadav (RJD) there is a need to specify rehabilitation policy since the bill is silent about the exact modalties.

The government should look at providing conducive environment for mentally ill people after the treatment and suitable employment opportunity should be ensured.

Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said the level of stress is rising in the society and it is necessary to provide medical attention to the people suffering from mental disorder and depression.

He said that just like AIDS patients are give insurance cover, insurance cover with low premium should be provided to people with mental disorder as well.

N K Premachandran (RSP) said 5-6 per cent of people have mental problem and of them, 1-2 per cent have severe mental disorder.

He lauded the move to decriminalise attempt to suicide as a &quot;progressive&quot; move and said the government should also define &#39;severe stress&#39; in the Mental Health bill.

Others who participated in the debate included Idris Ali (TMC), Renuka Butta (YSRC), Janardan Mishra (BJP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and Kaushlendra Kumar (JDU), Kaushalendra Kumar (JDU), Ashwini Kumar Choubey (BJP) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM). 
 
(PTI)

The bill decriminalises suicide attempt by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable under the Indian Penal Code

Parliament today passed a bill that seeks to decriminalise suicide attempt by mentally ill people and provides for the right to better healthcare for people suffering from mental illness. 'The Mental Healthcare Bill' also has a provision to protect and restore the property right of the mentally ill people, Health Minister J P Nadda said in the Lok Sabha, just before it was passed by the House by a voice vote. All the amendments moved by the opposition members were defeated. The Rajya Sabha had passed it in August last year with 134 official amendments. The bill provides for decriminalising suicide attempt by mentally ill persons by making it non-punishable under the Indian Penal Code. It also focusses on community-based treatment and provides for special treatment for women. The bill seeks to ensure health-care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness "in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity." While replying to a debate on the bill, Nadda described it as a "patient-centric" measure and said there was a need to empower the patients so that they could secure proper treatment. The legislation has been brought after wider consultations with the stakeholders, he said. "There were consultations at the regional level, as well at the Centre. After consultations with the stakeholders the bill was sent to the Standing Committee and post amendments it came to Rajya Sabha." Most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee were accepted by the government, the Health Minister said. Around 29 members participated in the discussion and almost all of them extended support to the bill. Stating that the 1987 Mental Act was institutionalised, the minister said that in the present bill, instead of the institution, the focus was on the community. The bill is a "progressive legislation" and intends to take care of everyone in case of any exigency, he said. Describing the bill as "historic", the Health Minister said with the support of all, "we can develop the mental health services." There was a need to take care of the health and hygiene of the patients, he said, adding the right of a child with his/her mother will also be maintained. Sterlisation would not be conducted on a person who is mentally ill, Nadda said, describing it as "an insane and inhuman act." If the need arises, he said, NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences) would be extended. Responding to concerns expressed by some members over the safety of doctors in the wake of assault on a medico in Maharashtra recently by relatives of a patient, the Health Minister said instructions have been sent to the states that security of doctors should be ensured. With regard to the issue raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the inclusion of "role model", the Health Minister said there was no need to include it in the bill. However, he said, the government will definitely look at it at its own level. Earlier, members cutting across the political spectrum supported the Metal Health Care Bill. NCP's Supriya Sule said the Standing Committee has "walked an extra mile" to incorporate the suggestions of all stake holders. BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab said this legislation is the only bill which received 124 amendments and almost all have been accepted by the government. Highlighting the shortage of medics and paremedics, BJP member Heena Gavit said there are only 4500 doctors specialised in mental health when the requirement was 12,500 and 3000 nurses per one lakh patients having mental disorders. She rued that the country does not have any Phd seat for research in mental health. She said there should be a proper mechanism to take consent of patients for their treatment and they should not be treated as an "experimental animals." Sule wanted to know what would happen to the child after he/she turns the prescribed age. Mahtab, along with Gavit and Sule, noted that the budget for the mental healthcare is abysmally low. Sule also demanded inclusion of drug addiction and alcholism into the category of mental disease. Supporting the legislation, Ravindra Babu (TDP) said, this was one of the "finest legislation" in last three years, but it mostly focuses on schirzophrenia. K Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS) said while the earlier laws on mental health were "regulation centric", the new bill is "patient-centric". Referring to Nobel prize winning mathematician John Nash, a patient of schizophrenia, who made fundamental contributions to game theory, Reddy said, at least he had support of his family. The movie 'A Beautiful Mind' was based on his character. "Although he had severe disabilities, he also had other capabilities," he said. The TRS MP said the bill should have taken care of property of patients suffering from mental health as "cruel relatives" may exploit them under this pretext. Supporting the legislation, Ratna Dey (TMC) demanded stringent punishment for doctors who falsify mental health cases. P K Sreemathi Teacher (CPM) said the government should ensure that a mentally ill patient, after treatment, is accepted by the society and the people. Besides, she said, free treatment for such kind of patient should be allowed. Bansi Lal Mahto (BJP) suggested that ayurvedic clinic should be equipped to treat mentally ill people as this traditional method has precription for treatment of such diseases. Jai Prakash Narain Yadav (RJD) there is a need to specify rehabilitation policy since the bill is silent about the exact modalties. The government should look at providing conducive environment for mentally ill people after the treatment and suitable employment opportunity should be ensured. Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said the level of stress is rising in the society and it is necessary to provide medical attention to the people suffering from mental disorder and depression. He said that just like AIDS patients are give insurance cover, insurance cover with low premium should be provided to people with mental disorder as well. N K Premachandran (RSP) said 5-6 per cent of people have mental problem and of them, 1-2 per cent have severe mental disorder. He lauded the move to decriminalise attempt to suicide as a "progressive" move and said the government should also define 'severe stress' in the Mental Health bill. Others who participated in the debate included Idris Ali (TMC), Renuka Butta (YSRC), Janardan Mishra (BJP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and Kaushlendra Kumar (JDU), Kaushalendra Kumar (JDU), Ashwini Kumar Choubey (BJP) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM). (PTI)

Indian Parliament passes Mental Health Care Bill decriminalising suicide

A bill which seeks to decriminalise suicide and provide better health care for people suffering from mental illness was passed by the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India, yesterday (August 8).&nbsp; 
 
The Mental Health Care Bill 2013 says that any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to be suffering from mental illness at the time of attempting suicide and shall not be liable to punishment under section 309 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). 
 
As of now, a person who attempts to commit suicide is charged under section 309 of IPC as it is considered to be an offence. 
 
Replying to a debate on the legislation, health minister JP Nadda termed it as &quot;humane and progressive&quot; and said its focus was to provide better support and facilities to the people suffering from various kinds of mental illnesses. 
 
&quot;This is a historic and progressive Bill. It has been a long-standing effort. It is patient-centric and focuses on how more facilities and support could be provided to the patients,&quot; Nadda said. 
 
He said around 6-7 per cent of the country&#39;s population suffered from some kind of mental illnesses, while 1-2 per cent suffer from acute mental disease. 
 
He also admitted that there was a&nbsp;shortage of medical staff dealing with mental health in the country and the government is trying hard to have more such specialists. 
 
Various stakeholders including academia, experts and political establishment were consulted while formulating the Bill, Nadda said, adding &quot;the Bill focuses on community-based treatment. Special provisions for women and health have also been provided for in the Bill.&quot; 
 
Members across the political spectrum, however, sought urgent steps to address the lack of infrastructure and shortage of psychiatrists in the country. 
 
The Bill also provides for protection and promotion of rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community. The bill was passed unanimously through&nbsp;a&nbsp;voice vote. 
 
There were 134 official amendments to the bill, which took almost an hour to be passed clause by clause. 
 
A senior Health Ministry official told PTI,&quot;Suicide has been treated as a form of severe stress which will not be punishable under 309 of IPC.&quot; 
 
&quot;Earlier it used to be considered as an&nbsp;offence. Now a humanistic approach has been taken in this matter. It is a very reformative. It is a significant progression from regulated healthcare to rights based mental health approach,&quot; the official said. 
 
With Rajya Sabha passing the bill, it will now be introduced in the Lok Sabha. 
 
MV Rajeev Gowda of the Congress said that there are many many good things in this bill and one of the most important ones is the fact that it decriminalises suicides. 
 
&quot;When a person attempts to take his or her own life that person is crying for help, that person is not someone who should be treated as a criminal and thrown behind bars. We need to reach out and find a way to overcome the problems that have caused that kind of action,&quot; he said. 
 
Among the various objectives, the bill provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness &quot;in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity.&quot; 
 
It also allows adults to make an advance directive on how they wish to be treated in case they suffer from mental illness in future. A person can also choose a nominative representative who would take care of him or her. 
 
Elaborating further, Nadda said that the bill also provides that electric treatment will be not be given to children. However, it can only be administered only if medically required. 
 
He said that if it has to be administered to adults, it has&nbsp;to be given with muscle relaxant and anaesthesia under the bill. The bill also has the provision that women should not be separated from children and it can only be done only if medical condition requires. 
 
It also provides for the&nbsp;establishment of Central and State Mental Health Authority. The bill also defines mental illness as well as its treatment. Under the bill, psycho-surgery will only be allowed if the district medical board approves it. 
 
Earlier, Congress member T Subbirami Reddy raised a point of order saying the bill had as many as 134 amendments and sought to know if a new bill could be drafted. 
 
He was supported by his party colleague Jairam Ramesh, with even Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien observing that the point of order raised by Reddy was &quot;very valid&quot; but asked them to raise the issue when the measure was taken up for passage. 
 
(PTI)

Among the various objectives, the bill provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness

A bill which seeks to decriminalise suicide and provide better health care for people suffering from mental illness was passed by the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India, yesterday (August 8). The Mental Health Care Bill 2013 says that any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to be suffering from mental illness at the time of attempting suicide and shall not be liable to punishment under section 309 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). As of now, a person who attempts to commit suicide is charged under section 309 of IPC as it is considered to be an offence. Replying to a debate on the legislation, health minister JP Nadda termed it as "humane and progressive" and said its focus was to provide better support and facilities to the people suffering from various kinds of mental illnesses. "This is a historic and progressive Bill. It has been a long-standing effort. It is patient-centric and focuses on how more facilities and support could be provided to the patients," Nadda said. He said around 6-7 per cent of the country's population suffered from some kind of mental illnesses, while 1-2 per cent suffer from acute mental disease. He also admitted that there was a shortage of medical staff dealing with mental health in the country and the government is trying hard to have more such specialists. Various stakeholders including academia, experts and political establishment were consulted while formulating the Bill, Nadda said, adding "the Bill focuses on community-based treatment. Special provisions for women and health have also been provided for in the Bill." Members across the political spectrum, however, sought urgent steps to address the lack of infrastructure and shortage of psychiatrists in the country. The Bill also provides for protection and promotion of rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community. The bill was passed unanimously through a voice vote. There were 134 official amendments to the bill, which took almost an hour to be passed clause by clause. A senior Health Ministry official told PTI,"Suicide has been treated as a form of severe stress which will not be punishable under 309 of IPC." "Earlier it used to be considered as an offence. Now a humanistic approach has been taken in this matter. It is a very reformative. It is a significant progression from regulated healthcare to rights based mental health approach," the official said. With Rajya Sabha passing the bill, it will now be introduced in the Lok Sabha. MV Rajeev Gowda of the Congress said that there are many many good things in this bill and one of the most important ones is the fact that it decriminalises suicides. "When a person attempts to take his or her own life that person is crying for help, that person is not someone who should be treated as a criminal and thrown behind bars. We need to reach out and find a way to overcome the problems that have caused that kind of action," he said. Among the various objectives, the bill provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness "in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity." It also allows adults to make an advance directive on how they wish to be treated in case they suffer from mental illness in future. A person can also choose a nominative representative who would take care of him or her. Elaborating further, Nadda said that the bill also provides that electric treatment will be not be given to children. However, it can only be administered only if medically required. He said that if it has to be administered to adults, it has to be given with muscle relaxant and anaesthesia under the bill. The bill also has the provision that women should not be separated from children and it can only be done only if medical condition requires. It also provides for the establishment of Central and State Mental Health Authority. The bill also defines mental illness as well as its treatment. Under the bill, psycho-surgery will only be allowed if the district medical board approves it. Earlier, Congress member T Subbirami Reddy raised a point of order saying the bill had as many as 134 amendments and sought to know if a new bill could be drafted. He was supported by his party colleague Jairam Ramesh, with even Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien observing that the point of order raised by Reddy was "very valid" but asked them to raise the issue when the measure was taken up for passage. (PTI)

India: Mental Health Care Bill decriminalising suicide passed in Rajya Sabha