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KOHIMA/DIMAPUR — The Department of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday observed 'World Mental Health Day' across Nagaland by organising awareness programme on the theme "It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace."
World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10 to raise awareness on mental health issues and promote mental well-being with a unifying voice to take action and create lasting change.
CRIMHRC: Carl Rogers Institute of Mental Health and Research Centre (CRIMHRC) in Kohima observed World Mental Health at its institute with participants from varied backgrounds.
Counseling psychologist and career counselor, Anupam Talwar Kohli, spoke on understanding mental health.
Some of the workplace stressors, according to Kohli, included discrimination, lack of confidence, not heard nor understood, excessive workload, burnout, low self esteem, lack of recognition and office or family politics.
She stated that having life skills or soft skills can handle those stressors because having the right life skills make an individual succeed in life. The components of life skills as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) included critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills and self management skills.
Speaking about dealing with one’s emotion, she said one is not supposed to be ashamed of expressing emotions adding that listening to one’s emotion and acknowledging them is the way forward.
“Social upbringing has taught to control one’s emotions and people tend to deny their emotions and not been honest to ourselves. But in reality, one should acknowledge emotions and remain in control. Suppressing one’s emotions can lead to piling them up and erupts in an uncontrollable manner at some point in life,” Kohli said.
She also explained two type of stress namely Eustress and Distress. While Eustress is a positive stress, distress is the opposite, she said and urged all to learn to embrace eustress and cope with distress.
Kezhazolie Cornelius Mere, proprietor of CRIMHRC, pointed out that mental health wellness is not a new concept for the Nagas as it existed during forefathers’ time and has been practicing all along till today.
He stated that there is an increased in the number of females, who are not able to express their feelings and emotions. While acknowledging that everyone goes through mental health illness, he stated that they are not coming forward because of the stigma that exists in the society.
Kohima: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (DMHP, NHAK) observed World Mental Health Day on October 9.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Thinuosatuo Mezhu, consultant psychiatrist and DMHP nodal officer, highlighted about the services available, while Theresa and Dr. Sungtimen Jamir enlightened the gathering on mental health significance and mental health issues.
Ruokuotuonuo Rutsa, DMHP clinical psychologist, spoke on the theme and stress management at workplace. She stated that mental well-being is important for productivity and quality of work.
She further highlighted on the essential steps that could be taken by the management for the promotion and protection of mental health of healthcare workers.
The programme was attended by the nurses, counselors and staff of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.
Wokha: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Wokha, observed World Mental Health Day by organising an awareness programme at the chief medical officer’s (CMO) conference hall in Wokha town on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, CMO of Wokha, Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, expressed hope that the event would enlighten the staff on the importance of mental health. He also raised concern on workplace mental health issues such stress, anxiety, burn-out and called for a favourable workplace environment.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chumdemo Kikon, DMHP nodal officer, underlined the factors contributing to mental health issues in workplace such as excessive workload, discrimination or harassment, limited support from colleagues, unsafe working condition, job insecurity, absence of social life etc.
He urged the staff to be committed to their assigned work and support each other.
The theme speaker, Amenla Longkumer, DMHP clinical psychologist, has stressed on the growing need of mental health support in workplace. She stated that employees with mental health support are likely to perform better and have more job satisfaction.
Amenla also emphasised the need to promote leisure activities, spirituality, counseling, rehabilitation support and encouraging treatment compliance at workplace.
The deputy chief medical officer of Wokha, staff of DPMU, CMO office, UPHC and town sub centre took part in the programme.
Phek: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Phek, in collaboration with Mentoring and Counseling Cell of the Phek Government College (PGC), observed World Mental Health Day at the college premises.
On the occasion students from various departments of the college participated in street play by highlighting common mental illness. The street play was based on common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder and mobile addiction.
It mentioned that mental health is just as vital as physical health, yet it is often shrouded in silence and shame.
C-Edge College: The Psychology department of C-Edge College commemorated World Mental Health on October 9 by organising an exhibition with an aim to provide valuable psycho-educational resources to both students and faculty.
The exhibition showcased the importance of healthy mind and highlighted common workplace-related mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Students of Psychology department have set up various informative stalls that focused on psycho-education related to those illnesses.
It stated that faculty, staff and students from the other departments engaged in psychometric tests designed to foster self-awareness and understanding of their mental health.
The goal of the exhibition was to create an open dialogue about mental health and to equip individuals with tools to better understand and manage their mental well-being.