HEALTHCARE WORKERS CALL FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO CREATE AWARENESS, ERADICATE STIGMA ON MENTAL HEALTH
Nagaland along with the rest of the world, observed World Mental Health Day on Monday on the global theme, “make mental health & well-being for all a global priority”. The programmes were organised at large by respective District Mental Health Programmes (DMHPs), wherein, health care workers stressed on the importance of mental health awareness and deliberated on what needed to be done to make mental healthcare a reality. Several doctors also stressed on the importance of church and community involvement, especially in eradicating stigma and discrimination surrounding menrtal health. According to the WHO, stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care.
Kohima
‘20% of mental illness cases associated with substance abuse’
State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK), senior medical officer, Dr. Viketoulie Pienyü on Monday, pointed out that around 20% of mental illness cases reported in Nagaland were associated with substance abuse.
Speaking at the World Mental Health Day programme organised by SMHIK at its premises, Dr. Viketoulie advised the parents to properly guide their children and informed that people could come forward to avail facilities that were accessible for public at the institute.
Informing that scientific treatment was provided for patients requiring mental treatment, he also disclosed that the centre was prioritising mental health after realising its importance and impact.
He highlighted some symptoms of poor mental health including sleepless nights, restlessness, inability to socialise, lack of productivity in one’s personal and professional lives.
For a sound mental health, Dr. Viketoulie urged upon the people to get good night’s sleep, exert one’s body through physical activities, stay socially active and most importantly spend quality time with family.
In the closing remark, medical superintendent, Dr. Khriesilie Sachü cited a report from National Family Health Survey, wherein, more than 11% of males and 1% females between the age of 15-19 years consumed alcohol and around 29% of males and 4% in the same age group were associated with substance abuse.
Shedding a light on the statistics, Dr. Khriesilie stated that it has become a necessity to prevent the youth and young adults from falling into this trap.
Further, he called for a need to remove social stigma around mental health issues and urged upon the people to be ambassadors in creating mass awareness on mental health.
In a short speech, counsellor at St Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Fr. C Joseph, said Christian concepts of mental health was focused on brokenness and deficit models, sometimes explicitly making connections with sin or lack of grace often leading to stigmatisation.
Fr Joseph added that an attitude drawn from following the examples of Jesus based upon support, healing and a commitment to justice for the marginalised was required.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by SMHIK head pharmacist Kethokhrienuo Vitso while SMHIK chaplain Akuonuo Suokhrie offered invocation. A special number was also presented by an inmate, Medozelhou accompanied by some of the staff.
DMHP Kohima: At the programme organised by DMHP Kohima observed, senior psychiatrist and DMHP Kohima nodal officer, Dr. Nuvotso Khesoh spoke on the theme and stated that mental health was for everyone and that they should thrive to increase the services with regard to mental health.
In a press release, DMHP Kohima, psychiatric social worker Veronica Nriame stated that Dr. Nuvotso highlighted important mental health issues, causes, stigma related issues and treatment.
He also lamented on the lack of manpower and resources when it came to subject matter and urged upon increased participation, which he said, was the necessity even at primary health centres (PHCs).
Further, he informed that “Tele-MANAS” was the national toll-free helpline to render services with regard to mental health problems.
Speaking on substance use disorder, OST Centre NHAK, medical officer Dr. Sungtimen stated that individuals battling with drug problems have underlying depressive symptoms and should adopt a holistic approach of treatment.
In a brief speech, NHAK managing director Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo stated that health was not about physical but mental well-being which was why holistic approach should be adopted in terms of treatment. “Referrals services should be practice by all departments to meet the overall well-being of patients”, Dr. Vibeituonuo stated.
The programme was attended NHAK managing director, senior doctors, medical officers from various departments, nurse superintendents, staff nurses and NHAK staff.
Mokokchung
Mokokchung: DMHP Mokokchung observed World Mental Health Day at IMDH Multi-Purpose Hall.
In a press release, District Programme Management Unit (DPMU) Mokokchung stated that during a short programme, DPO (NCD), Dr. Limanaro gave an overview of World Mental Health Day & Tele-Manas.
She emphasised on raising awareness about mental health issues and the need to reduce stigmas surrounding mental health and encourage workplaces, institutions and individuals to prioritise their health.
In a short speech, IMDH MS, Dr. S. Marina Yaden stressed on mental health by saying that “mental health is one of the biggest unchallenged and unaddressed health challenges that effects the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of a person.”
A short speech on mental health care was also delivered by psychiatric nurse Akumjungla.
Phek
Phek: DMHP Phek observed World Mental Health Day in the Dr. Wethselo T. Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek.
In a press release, NHM Phek, district media officer, Kutolu Nakro stated that DH Phek, psychiatrist Dr. Along Pongen highlighted the objective behind observing World Mental Health Day which, he said, was aimed at raising awareness on mental health issues and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
He presented different surveys done under National Mental Health Survey of India, National Survey on Extent & Pattern of Substance use in India & National Crime Records Bureau 2019.
Dr. Along also highlighted the impact of post-COVID pandemic which he said, increased the rates of common mental disorders.
He informed that in order to manage stress, one has to do physical exercise daily, sleep for 6-9 hours (for adults) and maintain a balanced diet.
At the programme, special guest, RMO 38th Assam Rifle Phek, Maj. Atul Sharma stated that social stigma has caused many people with mental issues to be left untreated.
The program was attended by CMO Phek Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino, MS DH Phek Dr. Avilie, medical officers, DH Phek staff and CMO office, vertical programme officers & staff, OST staff.
Wokha
Wokha: Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School Wokha under the aegis of DMHP Wokha organised a programme on World Mental Health Day.
In a press release, chief medical officer (CMO) office Wokha stated that speech on “understanding mental health” was delivered by District Hospital Wokha, medical officer, Dr. L. Wobemo Lotha.
Dr. Wobemo spoke on mental illness disorder, prevention of psychiatric disorder and types of mental illnesses which includes psychosis, neurosis and personality disorder.
The programme was attended by clinical psychologist Amenla Longkumer, psychiatric social worker Nrithung Lotha, members from Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA), students and teachers of the school.
Peren
Peren: DMHP Peren observed World Mental Health Day at District Hospital Peren.
In a press release, CMO office Peren, district media officer Shekho Sophie stated that District Hospital Peren, SMO Dr. John Kent in the keynote address highlighted the significance of the day.
He emphasised on the importance of mental wellbeing and to be more vocal about mental health, issues and problems.
DMHP Peren, clinical psychologist Vizo also spoke on the theme of World Mental Health Day and encouraged the participants to materialise their network to be educators and to promote sound mental health in order to make the theme a reality.
At the programme, DMHP Peren, nodal officer Dr. Kekhrielhouto Sophie launched Tele-MANAS and encouraged everyone to avail the services.