District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Kohima organized an awareness program on school mental health at the Capital College Kohima (CCK) on November 22.
A press release from DMHP Kohima psychiatric social worker, Veronica Nriame, stated that at the program, clinical psychologist, Ketousenuo Phewhuo spoke about the symptoms and management of depression and anxiety disorders. She discussed emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement offered to someone who is depressed.
“Because you cannot see such disorders, you need to talk about it”, she added.
She also stated that a depressed adolescent was prone to many problems including failure in academics, abusing drugs, increased risk of suicide etc.
Psychiatric social worker, Veronica Nriame, highlighted mental health and mental illnesses, common mental health issues experiences by adolescents and young people. She pointed out that young adults are particularly vulnerable, which might explain why one out of every five of them are affected by mental illnesses. She stated that it is very crucial for adolescents to be mentally healthy to enjoy optimum health.
Earlier, principal of Capital College Kohima, Vezuhu Keyho, gave the welcome address. The DMHP team also explained that they hoped awareness sessions on mental health will broaden knowledge about the subject and detect and provide early interventions for individuals who are at risk or suffering from any mental health problems. The program was chaired by community nurse, Anivolu Vese.