To commemorate the “World Suicide Prevention Week” (September 10 to 16), District Mental Health Programmes (DMHPs) Kohima, Wokha and Peren observed “World Suicide Prevention Week” on September 13 and 14.
In Kohima, the event was observed under the theme, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ at Mount Olive College Kohima.
A press release from DMHP Kohima informed that during the session, psychiatric social worker, DMHP NHAK, Veronica Nriame, spoke on the significance of the event and informed that in India, there are approximately 130,000 suicides annually (NCRB).
She noted that suicide prevention week was aimed to start the conversation about suicide, reducing stigma and raising awareness to prevent suicide across the globe and further discussed about suicide, myths, and warning signs of suicidal behaviour, risks and protective factors.
She also added that changing narrative around suicide through promotion of hope could create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help as suicides are preventable.
State programme officer NMHP, Dr. Rupert Peseyie, highlighted about Tele MANAS stating that the latter is the digital arm of DMHP which emphasized on affordable, accessible and timely mental healthcare through Tele-Mental health network support system.
Psychiatry, assistant professor, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Dr. Longna MD, shared insights through his clinical experiences about the subject matter and the theme. He affirmed that with proper interventions suicides are preventable.
Asst. prof department of Education, convenor of health committee Nievepolu Tetseo, chaired the programme and welcomed the gatherings, while chaplain Newtoli Zhimo, invoked God’s blessings. Around 400 students attended the session.
Wokha: A programme on Mental Health under ‘Let’s Talk Campaign’ was organised by District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), District Hospital Wokha at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha on September 13.
The resource person clinical psychologist DMHP Wokha, Amenla Longkumer, explained the term suicide and the factors contributing to suicidal risk.
During the observance of “Suicide Prevention Week”, emphasis was placed on understanding the gravity of suicide, the stigma surrounding it, and the message that it’s preventable. Drawing attention to the theme “Creating hope through action”, it was highlighted that proactive measures can bring hope to those with suicidal tendencies. The overarching message was the need for treating suicide prevention as a public health priority and the call for more initiatives to lower the suicide mortality rate.
Psychiatric nurse DMHP Wokha, Lireni Tungoe, conducted a session on mental health and ‘Tele Manas’, delving into the significance of mental well-being, challenges of stigma, and risk factors leading to mental illness.
Lireni encouraged students to reach out to DMHP Wokha’s team for any mental health concerns. She introduced ‘Tele Manas’, a confidential toll-free helpline managed by professionals, designed to assist those grappling with mental health issues. A session on stigma attached to suicide was led by psychiatric social worker DMHP Wokha, Nrithung Lotha.
Peren: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Peren observed “Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, under the theme “Creating Hope through Action”, on September 14 at Peren Government College.
A press release by district media officer, CMO office Peren, Shekho Sophie, stated that psychiatric social worker DMHP Peren, Sunepienla, spoke on suicide prevention and awareness and highlighted that suicide was not about a person wanting to die, but rather about not wanting to live. She also sensitized about stigma related to suicide, which needed to be discussed openly and create awareness, myths and stigmas of suicide.
She encouraged the students to make their institution “place of hope’ and live by helping one another by being a support system.
Psychologist, Neilasenuo, also shared about importance of mental health, noting that an individual’s mental well-being was very important in day-to-day life and highlighted Tele-manas and its services.
Vice principal, Peren Government College, Albert, exhorted the students and delivered the welcome address.