Last day at NIMHANS

Another 7.10 wake up occurred, this time with a warning that we were leaving at 8. We got ready and put our bags in one room as check out was 12 and we were going to be out until 4, and then had breakfast. We tried to get tuk tuks to NIMHANS but none would stop so we ended up getting a passing empty bus. Our day started with a trip to the out patient department. They see 100 patients per day, but people travel from all over the country and queues start at 4am with loads of people not seen each day. It was so crowded there but cool to see and learn about the treatment.

Afterwards we had a number of talks again, about family life in india, work that can be done in rural communities to increase mental health awareness etc. We also learned about the use of alternative therapies such as yoga in treatment, and visited the centre where they do it, as well as another alternative which involves oil and massage.

Afterwards we had a closing ceremony where we were given certificates and an opportunity to give feedback, before being picked up by the bus and taken back to the Ancient School of Wisdom for 2 nights. Enroute we stopped for dinner and were offered mcdonalds (chosen by 21 of the group) or an Indian restaurant (which 6 of us went for). I definitely made the right choice and had such a nice curry before getting back, trying to track down my room, showering and going to bed.

Laura x