Our Reporter
Dimapur, Oct.1 (EMN): Even after celebrating World Mental Health Day for 30 years, there has been neither progress nor investment in Nagaland, lamented Dr. Temsuyanger, Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Psychiatrist, District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Dimapur, on Saturday.
Nagaland’s mental healthcare and scenario is the same as it was 30 years ago when the World Mental Health Day was celebrated for the first time on Oct. 10, 1992, he said during the launch of 10-day awareness campaign (Oct.1 to the 10th) on mental health in the conference hall of Dimapur Deputy Commissioner.
Themed “Make mental health and well being for all a global priority”, the programme is jointly organised by Community Mental Health Programme (CMHP) Prodigal’s Home and office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, and supported by district administration, district mental health programme, district legal services authority and Gracious Life Foundation.
The SMO pointed out that the occasion was celebrated in 2020 on the theme “Move for mental health: Increased investment in mental health” but there has been no investment in mental health in the state till date; in 2021 the theme was “Mental health in an unequal world” but in Nagaland no follow up was done after the observing the day.
However, he expressed hope that this year’s 10-day awareness programme will have a positive outcome.
Dr. Temsuyanger opined that it is important to make priorities so that ‘we can work on those priorities to talk of next year’.
The first priority is to set up a shelter home in Dimapur, especially for the homeless, he said, adding that most of the homeless persons are ‘thrown away’ by their own families. The shelter home, he suggested, could be a government-run or government-sponsored or run by the NGOs.
Another priority is the need for massive awareness drives in every nook and corner of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts, with collective effort and not just placing the responsibility on the Health department, he said.
The Social Welfare department should also initiate such drives, he said, adding that ‘waiting for the government will not bring any outcome’.
Stating that streamlining of jail inmates was another priority, he requested everyone to be actively involved in providing mental healthcare.
80% doesn’t seek help
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Dimapur, Mhalo Humtsoe, said that well-being and health is not the absence of illness but these two should allow people to cope with stress. About 80% of the people with serious mental illness do not seek treatment, she added.
“The challenges faced by people involved in taking care of the people with mental health illness is huge but the main issue and concern is the lack of resources while stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier,” she pointed out.
The ADC urged the gathering to make oneself a priority even with daily chores so that everyone can envision a world where mental health is promoted and protected.