“Breaking The Silence”, an awareness campaign on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, initiated by Aid Care Trust Support (ACTS) kicked off with the first phase held across various districts including Pfütsero, Phek and Zunehboto.
The campaign has been organised as a “Beauty With a Purpose Project” organised by the team ACTS with the support of Assam Rifles and Social Welfare department, in partnership with the PM SHRI JNV, Phek and the district administration of Zunheboto. The two events drew participation of about 1000 young students across many schools and a government college.
During the campaign at Zunheboto on Wednesday, Kenei Ritse (Miss Northeast 2023) and Hikali Achumi (Miss Nagaland 2022) advocated for mental health and substance abuse awareness among students.
They pointed out that there were many stigmas tied to mental health and substance abuse.
People often fear being judged or misunderstood, which could make it difficult to seek help.
Terms like “mental health issues” and “substance abuse” can carry negative connotations, leading to feelings of shame or isolation.
It’s important to challenge these stigmas by recognizing that mental health struggles are as valid and important as physical health concerns. Through “Breaking the Silence,” they encouraged open conversations, challenging stigmas and empowering young minds to seek help without fear of judgment.
The campaign, opening remarks were delivered by deputy commissioner, Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali. Commandant, Assam Rifles, Major Praveen, mentioned the need of such campaigns as he relates on the prevalence of substance abuse and mental health issues in both Nagaland and his homeland Punjab.
Chairperson for the event was EAC Zunheboto, L Chinglem Konyak, while special performances were made by Sacred Heart School and Shovishe Memorial High School.
During the programme Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Pledge (Drug Free India) was also taken by the participants together. The team of beauty queens accompanied by ACTS will next be heading to Mokokchung to continue with the campaign on Thursday followed by Wokha on Friday.