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The Joy of Mental Health:
Some popular writings of Dr N.N. Wig "Of its own beauty is the mind diseased..." — Lord Byron
The book comprises three main sections. The first part largely consists of articles relating to mental health, published in daily newspapers. In addition, there are some recently written articles on common mental symptoms based on a series of lectures delivered at Lajpat Rai Bhavan. The second section contains articles published in various medical and related journals. It also contains recent lectures and keynote addresses delivered at various places within India and abroad. This section is likely to be more useful for medical and mental health professionals but equally informative for lay persons. Also included in this section is an entirely new and a very fascinating article "How I became a Psychiatrist" which is an autobiographical account of Wig’s early medical career. His dedication to his calling and the struggle to become a psychiatrist is inspiring as well as representative of early years of in India. The third section, somewhat smaller, contains records of interviews given by Dr Wig during the last decade which have been published in various newspapers and medical journals. The book’s value emanates from the anecdotal, narrative style of the writings. They come through more as the voice of a wise family elder than an intimidating medical jargon for which psychiatrists are rather notorious for. Dr Wig draws inspiration from Indian mythology, spiritual traditions and plain common sense in his approach to treating mental health problems. In an essay "The Hanuman complex," he reminds us of realising the full potential of our capacities; just as Hanuman did in Ramayana. Such easy to relate to examples make the book a delightful reading. His erudition and vast sweep of knowledge comes through in his lecture: "Mental health and spiritual values," delivered at a world forum. Very rightly he says that there is "No health without mental health." This is best explained in his own words: "As I see it, mental health is not only about mental illnesses and its treatment but about living a healthy mental life. Those who have lived a life full of mental health know what a joy mental health is and those who have lost their mental health even temporarily know what a terrible suffering it is. In the final analysis, it is the mental health component of health which gives quality and meaning to our lives." His definition of a person who enjoys good mental health is simple and easy to apply. "He is comfortable with himself; makes other feel comfortable and; always strives to improve in all spheres." Dr Wig strides the scene of psychiatry in India like a colossus. He is one of the few persons who have been instrumental in the evolution of psychiatry in India as entity, and its emergence as a scientific discipline to be pursued. Those who have been fortunate enough to know him will bear out that the man is not just a doctor – he is an epitome of holistic living, ethical conduct of life and of multifaceted interests, that not only enrich his own personality, but also pass on the ‘joy of living’ to all those who come in contact with him. He loves Urdu poetry, is knowledgeable about both Hindustani classical and film music, fascinated by history, an avid early morning bird watcher and a late-night stargazer. He is also a great votary of the healing powers of nature and our communion with it. The message is simple: Keep a fine balance in life, savour all its riches. "For me, psychiatry is a bridge between the science of medicine and the art of healing," says Dr Wig. He is a doctor by profession, a scholar by predilection, curious as a child, gifted with the eye of an artist and the heart of a poet. That is the essence of his art of healing; epitomised in the book. Though of modest printing standards, the book is well edited and has very few typos. However, one wishes that the pictures were better reproduced. |
THE human mind is the most
fascinating creator. It weaves its own hell or heaven. We all have our
share of such swings of emotions. In an era of pop spirituality and a
market laden with escapist, inspirational books; this one by an
established eminent specialist is most welcome. It would be of value not
only to patients suffering from maladies of the mind; but also those who
wish to explore its beauties a little more.