World Mental Health Day (WMHD) was observed in Nagaland on October 10 under the theme, “Make health and well-being for all a global priority”. Various programmes and campaigns were held across the state to create awareness and sensitise people on mental health.
20,000 people in Nagaland with severe mental illness
In Nagaland, 20,000 (approx) people are suffering from severe mental illness and two lakhs with “minor mental illness”, informed director (FW) Dr. T. Wabang during department of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW) WMHD observance at IDSP Hall, DHFW.
In addition to the existing health problems, Dr. Wabang said many aspects of mental health have been a challenge due to the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic. He estimated 25% rise in both anxiety and depression disorder during the first year of pandemic.
“It is only necessary that mental health awareness should be propagated diligently and to fight this illness together and also mental health awareness should be recognized, promoted and protected,” said Dr. Wabang.
DH&FW principal director, Dr. K Vikato Kinimi also expressed concern over the rise in mental health issues and asserted the need for the medical department to play a vital role to eradicate mental sickness and safe lives.
He said mental illness and its symptoms have been prominently evident with the present generation because of which many precious lives have been lost.
Deputy director SPO, NMHP, Dr. C. Kezo highlighted on Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across State (T-MANAS), an initiative of government of India which envisions to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele mental health services as a digital component of the NMHP across all Indian states/UTs. It also aims to extend services to vulnerable group of populations and difficulty to reach population.
To implement T-MANAS in the state, Dr. Kezo said the existing resources and platforms are to be mapped and partnerships to be strengthened to ensure mental health services to the entire population especially vulnerable groups.
Mental and physical health equally important
District Mental Health Program (DMHP), Zunheboto observed WMHD at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Satakha, wherein the importance of both mental and physical health was asserted by the clinical psychologist, DMHP Zunheboto, Atolimi I Khujumi.
She also talked about some common types and causes of mental illness and the importance to talk about mental health and take necessary actions to deal with problems like stress, depression, and anxiety. Khujumi also urged the people not to stigmatise those with mental health issues but to provide emotional support to those suffering from it.
At the programme, DPO Zunheboto, Dr. Mhonchan Kithan highlighted the gathering on T-MANAS and its objectives.
Need to relook and redefine mental health
The urgent need to relook and redefine mental health was highlighted by District Hospital (DH) Mon, clinical psychologist, Linokali Sumi during WMHD observance at DH Mon.
While highlighting the gathering on mental health, she busted several myths surrounding mental health and said that these myths also serve as a “giant factor responsible for people to not seek help or speak up and suffer in silence”.
Sumi said such social stigma and misconceptions are the result of low level of literacy in mental health and called for more awareness and sensitisation on the issue.
MO DH Mon Dr. Ngampa said that there can be no physical health without mental health and stressed on the importance of mental well-being just as any other physical well-being.
DMHP and CMHP visits ‘Missionaries of Charity’: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Dimapur and CMHP Prodigals’ Home in commemoration of WMHD visited “Missionaries of Charity” on October 10 at Notun Bosti to spread awareness on mental health.
A press release informed that the visit initiated by SMO (Psychiatrist), DMHP, Dr. Temsuyanger was to acknowledge the services being provided by “Missionaries of Charity” to persons with mental illness and the destitute. In the absence of a government managed shelter home for persons with mental illness in Nagaland, the charity home is shouldering a significant responsibility by caring for the neglected, he added. During the visit, residents of the shelter home were also provided with ration and supplies.
NDWM & ACID: National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) Nagaland Region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) observed WMHD at Assisi Auditorium.
At the programme, for NDWM Nagaland region coordinator, Sr. Pramila spoke on the need to take care of mental health. She said stigma and discrimination has continue to be a barrier to social inclusion.
Main speaker, founder director Gracious Life Foundation, Lisali M Humtsoe spoke on the importance of mental health, how physical health affects the physical body in the same way mental health affects the mental stability and the need to speak out regarding our mental health and its wellbeing. Founder director Prodigals’ home, and collob. director Child line Dimapur, Ela explained on the different programmes that were conducted through community mental health programme.
NU: Department of psychology, Nagaland University observed WMHD by organising a special programme wherein students took part in mental health talk, poster, and pamphlet competitions. The department is also organizing a month-long mental health talk program to commemorate the World Mental Health Day 2022 focusing on 2022 theme “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority”. The faculty members of the department are engaging in Mental Health Talks in various departments of Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, and in various colleges in and around Kohima.
SC: Department of Psychology, Sazolie College observed World Mental Health Day at the college auditorium, wherein resource person, psychologist, NTCP, District Hospital, Phek, Neiweii Losuo highlighted on various mental illnesses such anxiety, depression, sexual abuse and the ill effects of watching pornography. She spoke on the importance of sensitizing the public about mental health through psycho-education. She also discussed the increasing usage of tobacco among young people and offered some guidance to curb this habit.
LFIC: Department of Psychology, Livingstone Foundation International College observed WMHD organising various activities such as extempore speech, art and poetry competition, face painting, personality assessment and a showcase of talents. The competitions were based on mental health and its importance.
SJU: Department of Psychology and Counselling, St. Joseph University, Nagaland organized a Psych Fest to observe WMHD, wherein psychiatrist consultant, Nikos Hospital, Dimapur, Dr. Ayangla Longchar stressed on the importance of overcoming stigma towards mental illness. She also briefed that gathering on some of the common mental disorders which include phobia, OCD, PTSD, depression, eating disorder and more severe like schizophrenia.
After the formal programme, model exhibition, face painting, poster presentation, collage, photography and street play all of which centered around the theme of WMHD was conducted.
TC: Department of Psychology Tetso College in collaboration with District Mental Health Programme observed WMHD, wherein students participated actively by performing plays, songs, plays etc. on various topics. The two-day programme concluded with the aim to spread awareness about mental health, its impact on both parents and their children and how to move towards breaking the stigma mental illnesses carry with them.
