Kavita, who has been undergoing treatment for chronic schizophrenia for nine years, was awarded by an NGO for her exemplary work u00a0 She has risen from the ashes, as Superintendent Thane mental asylum Dr Sanjay Kumavat puts it, and is helping fellow patients recover from schizophrenia. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2011/mar/Kavita.jpg" border="5" /> Kavita (extreme right) was suffering from an extreme form of schizophrenia when she was brought to the mental asylum nine years ago Kavita (33) was suffering from an extreme form of schizophrenia when she was brought to the mental asylum nine years ago after being spotted wandering on the streets, attacking passers-by and inflicting wounds on herself in Vashi. But now her condition has improved drastically and she is helping in the treatment of other inmates at the Thane facility, spread over 75 acres. Kavita is now a key member of the occupation therapy department, which helps improve the condition u00a0of patients by enabling them u00a0to pursue different occupations. The efforts of hospital staff and the active support of volunteers from NGOs helped improve Kavita's condition. According to hospital records, Kavita was admitted to the hospital on January 20, 2002, and has been put up in the women's section since. She showed signs of improvement within a few months and eventually started leading a normal life, said Dr Kumavat. As a part of the treatment, Kavita was sent to the occupational therapy department daily where she learnt skills like making handicraft items. She would lead the team and assist other female patients in making handicrafts. Impressed by her attitude, even the hospital administration started encouraging her and she soon became a good support system for the occupational therapy department, said the doctor. A week ago, officials from an NGO, Aasara, approached Kumavat asking him to nominate a female staff member from his hospital. Eight women, who have madeu00a0 exemplary contributions to their respective fields, were felicitated in a programme on the eve of International Women's Day, and Kavita was one of them.u00a0 Kumavat said, "I proposedu00a0 Kavita's name for the award because of her phenomenal contribution to the hospital. The staff and organisers appreciated my view." Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan's wife, Satyasheela who was the chief guest at the event, handed over the award to Kavita. When contacted, Satyasheela Chavan said, "I was not aware of Kavita'su00a0 condition, until I was told about it. I feel she has been able achieve a lot because of the support that she got from people around her. Women have a lot of inner strength and they change their roles according to situations." When MiD DAY caught up with Kavita, she said, "I am happy to have received the award. I have been in the hospital for around 10 years and now I am missing my family. I know my parents and brother live in Seven Bungalows, Juhu. I am enjoying what I am doing here but I want to go home."u00a0u00a0 K Vrushali, president of Aasara, said, "She (Kavita) has shown drastic improvement in her condition and is providing assistance to other female patients in the hospital. She even teaches them how to make paper bags and other handicrafts. We decided to give her the award because of her positive approach." Ek Cutting! Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a patient fails to differentiate between real and surreal experiences and behaves violently in publics.

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Kavita, who has been undergoing treatment for chronic schizophrenia for nine years, was awarded by an NGO for her exemplary work

Schizophrenia patient helps treat fellow inmates

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Schizophrenia patient helps treat fellow inmates

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