INDIA: A Mender of Minds Who Uses Kindness to Cure

Shobha Nair discovers the multiple identities of Dr Ramesh Patel, a therapist, an avid reader and traveller, and a silentcrusader MUMBAI (Daily News & Analysis - Grandeur), August 11, 2006: He fits the typical image of a counsellor: gentle, reassuring and compassionate. A few hours in Dr Ramesh Patel’s company reveal the multiple facets life of this shy 60-year-old’s life. After graduating in 1972 with an MD in psychiatry, Dr Patel went on to do a stint at St Bartholomew’s in London, under the aegis of the late professor Linford Rees, a well-known figure in the field. This was followed by training at the Tavistock Institute, in general psychiatry and psychotherapy, and two years of training in child psychiatry as well. A consultant at Bhatia and Bachcha hospitals, Dr Patel is also an honorary psychiatrist at the Children’s Aid Society. He has also won the Dr JC Marfatia Award for a paper published by him. Dr Patel attributes his interest in psychiatry to two of his professors, Dr SM Lulla and Dr AP Patkar. He says he found the “concept of counselling” interesting, and one that suited his gentle demeanour. The residents of the Umarkhadi Observation Home, where Dr Patel has been counselling troubled children for over 20 years, would probably agree. “It’s a long and gradual process,” he says, as half the children are from broken homes, while others are swayed by Bollywood. The key, believes Dr Patel, is in “opening-up” and allowing the children to communicate. It is a lack of communication, Dr Patel believes, that has led to conduct disorder, misunderstandings, aggression and neurotic disorders. The worst affected are children and seniors. His advice is to “bring spirituality into one’s life to tackle these problems”. “Not religion which is based on rituals, but spirituality of the soul, which is hinged on self-awareness,” he says, adding, “Improve yourself and the rest of the world will follow.” Another important need, says Dr Patel, is maintaining close family ties for emotional equilibrium. “All families should invest in the gift of time,” he says, adding, “Ten-fifteen per cent of dementia is treatable at the initial stages.” Dementia is caused by a variety of factors like diabetes, vitamin deficiency, childhood trauma, stroke, alcohol, and stress, besides family history and old age. For the ‘young old’ in the age group of 55-65 years, who are retiring or have just retired, to cope with changed lifestyle and a diminished sense of self-worth, Dr Patel recommends memory clinics. Nair and Sion hospitals and D Y Patil Medical College in Vashi have these clinics. This early beginning, he says, will help tackle depression and suicidal tendencies. Mind games: Dr Patel believes that families need to invest in the ‘gift of time’ as maintaining close ties with each other helps maintain emotional equilibrium But dealing with the problems of others can take a toll on a person’s state of mind. So to “escape from the depression” he faces, Dr Patel unwinds with his wife and daughter. “He is a great family man,” certifies his wife, Dr Nalini Patel, a general practitioner. Dr Patel also enjoys reading and watching “fast-paced art movies”. One of his favourite books is Autobiography Of A Yogi. It is perhaps a combination of his qualities and interests that makes Dr Patel the man he is. As his wife puts it, “I find myself the envy of friends as he has great understanding, patience and maturity.” Copyright © 2006 Diligent Media Corporation.