Mental Health care at Nawinna Medicare

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and merely not the absence of disease or infirmary. -World Health Organization- According to the WHO definition which is given above you will understand the importance of mental health as well physical health.

However physical, mental and social well-being is reciprocally influenced by each other. If you are sad and depressed, you may notice many physical symptoms such as loss of hair, pimples or other skin diseases, dark circles around the eyes, irregular sleep, increased states in case of diabetes, hypertension or any other cardiovascular (heart) problems and increased vulnerability in catching a cold, cough or flu. This happens because our immune functions are closely linked with our psychological/mental processes, which is been studied under a special science called Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Similarly, when we are under stress or in a state of psychological imbalance our relationships with the external world (inter-personal relationships) are also negatively affected. The anxiousness, irritability, distress and restlessness we might be going through could severely damage our relationships and result with harmful or negative consequences such as relationship breakups, economic loss, failure to achieve educational or other personal goals and even suicide Hence, as an organization that is into HEALTHCARE, Nawinna Medicare Center (NMC) understands that physical-health alone is not affective without mental & social well-being and is providing you Comprehensive Healthcare under one-roof. 

There is a misconception that ‘counselling is for people who are mentally ill’. NO! Counselling is not only for mentally ill people. There are times that any of us may need some extra support to handle and go through rough situations in our day to day lives. Some such could be;

• Relationship problems or loss of a loved one
• During exams or having learning difficulties
• Work related stress
• Phobia (fear of insects/germs/heights/…)
• Having harmful addictions (alcohol/smoking/drugs)
• Curiosity/confusion in adolescents
• Gender identity disorders
• Sexual dysfunctions
• Suffering with a terminal illness (Cancer/AIDS)
• Having illness with no medical explanation
• Feeling lonely/isolated/helpless or hopeless
• Or just when NO BODY UNDERSTANDS YOU

Some disorders that could be treated through counselling (often along with drug therapy) for much sustaining cure;

• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Bi-polar Affective Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Gender Identity Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Sibling Rivalry Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Adjustment Disorder
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia / Bulimia)
• Manic Disorders (Kleptomania/Pyromania/…)
• Pathological Gambling
• Pathological Jealousy (morbid jealousy)

Why talk to a counselor and not to a friend or mentor?

Counselling is a professional service which is strictly guided by “Counselling Ethics”. Given below are two most important practices of a professional counselor; Confidentiality – a counselor will not under any circumstance divulge any details discussed with his/her client to a third party, unless there is a life-threat to the client or another person/s. Unconditional Positive Regard – this is the most important thing that a person needs to feel comfortable to open up and talk about their situations or problems. A professional counselor would approach his/her client with genuine respect without any judgments towards the individual. Counselors are trained professionals to therapeutically intervene in difficult situations of individuals. Remember! Unprofessional intervention can damage you more. So, be very careful when you select whom you are taking help from.

What are the benefits of obtaining Psychological Counselling?

• Gain insights of difficult situations and realize the best alternatives to deal with such situations
• Identifying self-actualization goals and focusing on fulfilling them to achieve your own purposes of life and reach new heights
• Personal growth through gaining improved emotional control, developing coping skills, time management skills, stress management skills, and relaxation techniques for psychological well-being
• Improve inter-personal relationships
• Recognize if you have any unclear problems

Our Staff

Dr. Ravimal Galapaththi, Psychiatrist 
Dr. (Mrs.) Usha Gunawardhana, Psychiatrist 
Mrs. Chamalee Ahangama, Senior Psychological Counselor 
Mrs. Badra Udawaththa, Senior Psychological Counselor 
Mr. Thejanu de Silva, Motivational and Life Coach