Mental Health Literacy: A Study based on Community Mental Health Programme at Puthanthoppu

The District Mental Health Programme provides primary mental health care for the entire district and integrates mental health care in primary health care for large confined populations reaching primary health centers and community health centers. During the 20 years of DMHP service, the study has analyzed the Mental Health Literacy of the selected community in the Trivandrum district to understand the effectiveness of the programme and its services. The following components assess MHL: the competencies needed by people to help obtain and maintain positive mental health and knowledge of mental disorder; help seeking efficiency; understanding how to apply treatments properly and eradicate stigma in the community. A descriptive research design has conducted for this study. The data collection method is Interview Schedule through questionnaire by random sampling method is used for data collection. The study proved that the Community Mental Health Programme (CMHP) should be strengthened more in the community and, through the programme, remove the stigma in the community and improve mental disorders in the community. This can help limit the mental disorder and promote equality in the community. The conclusion was made based on the knowledge of health, acceptance, services, and stigma in society.