Nagaland joined the rest of the world in raising awareness on mental health issues by observing World Mental Health Day Sunday under 2021 theme, “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.
In Kohima, the day was graced by principal director, health and family welfare department, Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao as special guest.
In his address, he said that Naga society often neglects mental health and often people realise the importance of mental health only when tragedy hits them which was often too late.
He observed that mental health issues have now come to the forefront especially since the outbreak of the pandemic.
With this in mind, he said the department had taken up various mental health programmes with utmost importance.
He disclosed that under the District Mental Health Programme which was now operational in six districts, more activities in this particular field would be taken up.
Also making a presentation on the theme, senior medical officer, Dr Viketoulie Pienyü, pointed out that mental health illnesses were common among lower income families, a finding backed by scientific studies.
He observed that with around 80-90% of population in the lower income strata, Nagaland was also in a vulnerable situation to becoming victim of mental health issues.
Citing correlation between economic inequality which leads to social inequality creating status anxiety in a person, Dr Pienyü said this whole situation becomes circular when income inequality leads to poor access to quality education and subsequently social inequality.
He added that to break this chain and reduce the crises a global concerted response would be needed.
Dr Pienyü said NGOs and social activists would be able to intervene at the local level since they would have a better understanding of the local population.
He also opined that churches could also play important roles by becoming advocates of mental health care since they do not have social discrimination.
Kohima District Legal Services Authority members Asenla Walling and Medokhrie Therie made presentations on the legal provisions that were available for people with mental health issues.
Asenla highlighted the free legal services that were available for persons with mental illness under Legal Service to mentally ill and disabled persons scheme 2015 underwhich judicial intervention, counseling and advices were provided.
Medokhrie, while citing a report from a survey conducted by National Institute of Mental Illness and Neurosciences said 1 out of 40 and 1 in 20 people suffers from past and current episodes of depressions respectively in the country.
He said the survey showed that lifeline prevalence of mental disorders was 13.7% which means atleast 150 million Indians were in need of urgent mental health intervention.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Temsukong Pongener while inmate Medozelhou and intern Tsuktisenla Longchar made special presentations.
Meanwhile, DMHP Kohima also celebrated the day at Good Samaritan Old Age Home Kohima. The theme for WMHD was shared by Cl. Psychologist, DMHP, Ketousenuo Phewhuo. Elderly helpline team also joined the programme and highlighted their activities. After the programme, DMHP team also conducted screening and mental health check-up for the elders and distributed medicines according to their diagnosis.
(Correspondent)
Phek: District Mental Health Program District Hospital, Phek and Phek District Legal Services Authority jointly observed the day at Police Baptist Church DEF Phek.
The main objective was to sensitize priorities and raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Resource person, advocate PL, PDLSA Sekhotso Rokha while speaking on NALSA (Legal Services to Mental Disable Person) scheme 2015 informed the participants the objectives of NALSA and its various fundamental rights and entitlement of a person with mental health issues.
Clinical mental health programme DH, Phek, Nikou Koza while speaking on the theme lamented that people suffering from mental health issues does not seek medical care due to stigmatisation and discrimination.
She also highlighted the importance of seeking timely treatment for mental health person and briefed the gathering on the consequences of delaying the treatment.
Interactive session was also held during which the doubts and queries of the participants were cleared and explained by nodal officer for DMHP, Dr. Ngopelo and clinical psychologist, Nikou Koza.
In a keynote address, superintendent of police Phek, Vesupra Kezo appreciated the organisers for organising such programme for the police personnel and their families. The closing remark was delivered by judicial magistrate first class-cum-secretary PDLSA, Cheliam Khiamniungan.
Mokokchung: District Mental Health Programme in collaboration with All Nagaland Counsellors Association (ANCA) Mokokchung and Child helpline Mokokchung observed the day at Town Hall, Mokokchung.
A press release by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) office, Mokokchung stated that, on the occasion ADC Mokokchung, Sashant Pratap Singh exhorted the participants on the certain misconceptions in regard to mental health.
Nodal officer, DMHP Mokokchung, Temsuyanger addressed the participants based on the objective of the programme and theme of the day.
Counselling Psychologist, Childline, Merenchila Imchen and counselling psychologist and educator, ANCA, Alemrenla educated the participants on “mental health within home environment” and “mental health in the workplace” respectively.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Monica (psy. social worker DMHP).
Dimapur: District Mental Health Programme, District Hospital Dimapur observed the day at DMHP, District Hospital Dimapur.
Psychiatric Nurse, DMHP, Dimapur, Mughatoli Zhimomi in her speech on the theme “mental health in an unequal world” highlighted the growing inequalities in mental health which has direct impact on people’s mental health. The program was also attended by Dr. Chikrozho Kezo, SPO, NMHP. He also highlighted the various inequalities due to race, ethnicity gender identity, lack of respect for human right including people with mental health.
Tuensang: Tuensang also observed the day under the theme “Mental Health in an Unequal World” at Tuensang Town Baptist Lashong (TTBL).
During the programme, MO Psychiatry DH Dr. Senilo Magh spoke on the importance of mental health, Psychiatry, mind matters, types of mental illnesses, Myths etc.
Talk on the theme was presented by Clinical Psychologist DH, Yangkhumla. More than 500 youths from different churches of Tuensang town attended the programme.