KOHIMA/DIMAPUR — Health department along with several institutions across Nagaland commemorated ‘World Mental Health Day’ on Tuesday on the theme “Mental health is a universal human right.”
The day is observed to create awareness on mental health issues and remove the stigma and misconception in mental illness. Mental health day was initiated by World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 to create awareness and promote mental health.
NIMSR: Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) observed ‘World Mental Health Day’ at the institute, wherein students presented various topics related to mental health illnesses.
The first MBBS batch was divided into various groups and presented on assigned topics including anxiety, ADHD, Tits and Tourette syndrome, depression, suicide etc. The students’ presentations were followed by questions and answers session.
Speaking during the occasion, the principal director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Ritu Thurr, said that anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic disorder are common in the Naga society. He pointed out that any mental disorder is related to genetic factors, unemployment problems, alcohol and drug-related problems, discrimination and family problems and stressful life.
He cited that earlier when a person had a mental health disorder, people would jump to conclusion that he or she was evil-possessed. Stating that all human beings are equal, he called upon the gathering to contribute in a small way to improve society.
Some of the tips to have positive mental health, according to him included talking to friends and family and sharing problems, keeping self-active with activities, eating healthy foods, taking a break and doing things that one enjoys.
He also urged the students not to waste time unnecessarily but to be sincere, work hard and pass out on time.
“Doctor is a noble profession but the purpose of noble is defeated without care, love and sacrifice,” he said.
NIMSR director-cum-dean professor, Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, said the green ribbon signifies mental health. She said that studying should be fun and collaborative. She told them not to take study very seriously but be focused and make it enjoyable.
Venorica Nriame, psychiatric social worker of DMHP, Kohima, called upon the gathering to work together to do away with stigma attached to mental health illnesses and be an agent of change.
According to survey conducted by the State Health Department in 2020 among respondents aged 16 years and above, it was found out that the prevalence of anxiety was 13.7%. The highest was from Kohima with 40% and Dimapur with 35%.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung division of District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), in collaboration with Mokokchung district legal service authority (MDLSA) ‘World Mental Health Day’ at Multipurpose hall of IMDH.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Limanaro, DPO (NCD), informed that health is not only about physical wellbeing but also mental wellbeing and stressed on the need to reduce stigma surrounding mental health. She also encouraged the participants to create awareness and sensitise people on mental health.
Speech on the theme was delivered by representative from Mokokchung district legal service authority and the welcome note was delivered by the vice principal of School of Nursing at IMDH.
Wokha: Wokha district observed ‘World Mental Health Day’ at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital in Wokha town.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Asunu Thong, consultant at DH Wokha, emphasised on disseminating information on mental health among family, friends and colleagues, while the chief medical officer (CMO) of Wokha, Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, highlighted on mental healthcare services available in the hospital. He also suggested on the need to sensitise the medical staff on mental health in order to enhance their efficiency.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Chikhrozho Kezo, consultant psychiatrist and nodal officer of DMHP, Wokha, said the public should have knowledge of rights under the law related to mental health. Referring to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, he informed that there are a total of 14 crores of psychiatric patients and one crore suffering from severe mental illness.
Short speech was delivered by Dr. Rupert Peseyie, state programme officer of National Mental Health Programme, on the goals of Tele-manas to provide affordable and accessible mental health care.
Shanchobeni P Lotha, panel lawyer of WDLSA, briefed the participants on Mental Healthcare Act 2017, while a brief report on DMHP Wokha status was presented by Lireni Tungoe, psychiatric nurse.
Zunheboto: District Hospital, Zunheboto, along with all the health units in the district commemorated ‘World Mental Health Day’ on October 10.
The main event at District Hospital was conducted with the EAC of Zunheboto, Viketoulie Metha, as the theme speaker wherein he spoke on various mental health issues in the form of anxiety disorder, eating disorder and mood disorder.
Stating that mental health still remains insignificant in the society due to stigma, he urged the participants not to criticise those undergoing mental issues but instead show empathy and extend support to cope up with their illness.
In conclusion, he advocated creating awareness and educating the mass to remove discrimination, stigmatisation and misconceptions on mental health disorder.
Atolimi I Khujumi, clinical psychologist, stated that physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being of a person constituted a healthy life. She added that use of smartphone affects the mental health of adolescents and young people resulting in low self esteem and lack of self confidence.
Inolito K Sumi, panel lawyer of ZDLSA, highlighted on Mental Healthcare Act 2017.
Several healthcare workers were also felicitated with cash and certificates for their outstanding performance and contribution to public with special focus on mental health during the programme.
SJC: Psychology students of St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, commemorated ‘World Mental Health Day’ at the college auditorium.
On the occasion, Abeinuo spoke on the state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well and contribute to their community. She added that it is an integral component of health and well-being that enabled individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.
In conclusion, the speaker stated that mental health is a basic human right.
Anupa and Fr. C Joseph, counselors of the college, spoke on the importance of mental health for living a stable and healthy life.
MGM College: Education department of MGM College celebrated ‘World Mental Health Day’ by organising a guest lecture on the theme “Mental health is a universal fundamental right.”
Sr. Divya from Medical Sister of St. Joseph (MSJ) was the speaker of the programme, wherein she motivated to break the barriers of stigma, advocate for change, and champion mental well-being for all. She emphasised the importance of recognising mental health as a universal right.
She explored the various factors contributing to mental health deterioration such as stress, societal pressure, and stigma and spoke passionately about creating awareness and ensuring everyone’s access to mental health resources, identify signs and symptoms of mental health illness.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sangeeta from the Education department.
DGC: Commemorating ‘World Mental Health Day,’ Psychology department of Dimapur Government College (DGC), in collaboration with IQAC of the college and District Mental Health Programme, Dimapur, organised a state-level seminar on mental health awareness at its seminar hall.
The college principal, Prof. Sanjay Sharma, has attributed lack of awareness and wrong perception on mental health as the root cause for ignoring symptoms of mental issue. In order to tackle mental health issue specially among college students, he suggested a change in the curriculum. He added that courses such as mental health and stress management, emotional intelligence are being offered under FYUP.
Dr. A Temsuyanger Ao, psychiatrist and DMHP nodal officer, spoke on ‘Psychological state of mind, body, mental illness and addiction.’ According to him, mental health is critically important to everyone and negative stigmas against mental illness should be eradicated.
He further elaborated on the different types, symptoms and causes of mental illness such as organic mental illness, neurotic spectrum disorder, psychotic spectrum disorder and addictive spectrum disorder.
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