KOLKATA: The Federation of Cine Technicians’ Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI), in collaboration with SSKM Hospital, launched its first sensitization workshops to support Tollywood professionals facing mental health challenges recently.This initiative comes in the wake of two cinematographers’ recent suicides due to depression. Psychiatrists believe these workshops will help reduce the stigma that prevents many from seeking help, fearing job loss.
On December 4, FCTWEI president Swarup Biswas addressed the media, highlighting the industry’s recent suicides. He announced that within a week, a program would begin at the Federation office, with SSKM psychiatrists visiting thrice monthly to assist those with mental health issues. Free treatment will be available at SSKM Hospital for those in need.At Dassani Studio, two workshops were conducted by Mayank Kumar and Debapriya Bhowmick from the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) at SSKM Hospital, with Biswas, producer Nishpal Singh Rane, and Snehasish Chakraborty in attendance recently. Amit Bhattacharya, IOP director, stated that the psychiatry department is committed to supporting film and TV industry workers with mental health issues. “Federation made the request to the director of SSKM Hospital to provide support regarding mental health issues. From the department of psychiatry, we have started conducting regular awareness programmes and sensitization workshops. If required, we will offer counseling services. We shall also ensure treatment on a priority basis to the industry. A free national helpline is available at 14416. Confidentiality will be maintained for anyone who seeks help by calling on this number,” Bhattacharya said.Bhattacharya described Wednesday’s workshop as “fruitful,” with around 100 participants engaging in Q&A sessions. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial in reducing the stigma around mental health.Freelancers in the industry face uncertainty and insecurity, making it difficult to discuss mental health ope-SSKM 1nly due to job loss fears. On December 4, music director-turned-filmmaker Indraadip Dasgupta shared his battle with clinical depression while composing a poignant song. He noted that many in the industry seek psychiatric help but hesitate to disclose it publicly. Dasgupta, however, is open about his struggles, encouraging others to share their mental health issues. “If I can talk about having fever, why can’t I do so about my clinical depression? I am just a call away for anyone who wants to share their mental health issues,” Dasgupta said.Dasgupta revealed that during his depression, he composed “Tomake Chuye Dilam” for Kaushik Ganguly’s “Bastu Saap,” debunking the myth that those with mental health issues may not deliver quality work.
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