Prioritising Mental Health: The Need for Collective Action on World Mental Health

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is observed on October 10 every year. It is an important day to promote mental health support globally and, most importantly, in our own homes. It is much more than just a day; it raises awareness about the value of mental health, motivates people to take proactive measures to maintain it, and brings together people from all walks of life to support a common goal, promoting a sense of international solidarity and shared responsibility. The need of creating supportive work settings is emphasised by the UN WMHD theme for this year, “Mental Health at Work”.

The days of mental health and work existing in silos are long gone. Stress from the workplace, anxiety, and burnout are all on the rise, and they are more entwined than ever. It’s obvious that avoiding talks about mental health at work is no longer an option, whether one is struggling with depressive episodes or chronic stress.  Mental health can no longer be confined to personal lives as it affects job performance, creativity, engagement, and overall life satisfaction.

The discussion around mental health has picked up steam in recent years, yet problems still exist. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1 in 8 persons worldwide suffer from a mental health illness. These ailments include sadness and anxiety as well as more serious mental health illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This issue was made worse by the COVID-19 epidemic. An increased number of people with anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were caused by isolation, dread of disease, loss of loved ones, and uncertain economic times. It is imperative that governments, organisations, communities, and churches take a coordinated approach to enhancing mental health services and lowering stigma as the global mental health crisis gets worse.

Concern over mental health concerns in Nagaland is growing. According to a research on teenagers who were enrolled in school, 26% of students in Nagaland had mental health problems, including emotional and behavioural disorders. These problems were exacerbated by stress, substance misuse, and socio-cultural difficulties. There will be more examples, no matter how old, that remain unreported, shrouded in mystery, and hidden within each person. The stigma attached to mental health, particularly in Nagaland, is one of the main obstacles to its treatment. Many people still perceive mental health illnesses as indicators of frailty or failure on the part of the sufferer, which makes them conceal their difficulties or put off getting treatment.

The generations that follow may suffer greatly as a result of this stigma, which could hinder early intervention and deteriorate long-term results. Stigma can be greatly decreased by making efforts to normalise discussions about mental health in companies, communities, churches, and schools. Safe areas for candid conversations, training in mental health first aid, incorporating mental health education into public awareness efforts, and including spiritual coping mechanisms are all desperately needed.

In Nagaland, promoting mental health calls for a multifaceted strategy that incorporates both conventional and modern techniques. Among the tactics that could be used are carrying out awareness campaigns to inform people about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and the significance of getting treatment; Since many Nagaland residents still seek therapy from traditional healers for mental health disorders, combining traditional healing methods with contemporary mental health services can increase treatment’s cultural acceptability and accessibility; Giving healthcare workers, such as medical professionals and traditional healers, appropriate training so they can identify and handle mental health concerns; In order to address underlying difficulties early on, mental health programs such as stress management workshops, counseling services, and supportive environments can be implemented in schools and workplaces; congregations can learn about the facts of mental illness and the significance of getting treatment by introducing conversations on mental health into sermons, Bible studies, and church activities; and lastly  advocating for laws that promote mental health programs, ensuring that enough money and resources are given to mental health services.

It’s critical to identify and treat mental health problems early. Similar to physical illnesses, mental health issues can frequently be helped by early intervention. Schools and workplaces are essential locations to look for and offer help when someone is exhibiting indications of distress. Peer support groups, counselling programmes, and mental health examinations can assist people in managing stress, anxiety, and other issues before they become more serious. On World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that mental health is a social issue as well as a personal one. Governments need to make a commitment to boosting financing for mental health services, putting workplace mental health policies into place, and making sure that everyone in the country, especially those who belong to vulnerable groups, may get the assistance they require. In Nagaland, where churches have a major effect, Christian faith is engrained in the community and culture. They act as places for social and emotional support in addition to being spiritual hubs. Consequently, churches in Nagaland are in a unique position to support the development of mental well-being among their members and communities, particularly as mental health becomes a more and more significant global concern. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy involving collaboration between individuals, churches, organisations, and governments is needed to promote mental health and well-being. Together, let’s build a society in which mental health is recognised and given the same priority and attention as physical health. Let’s join forces today and every day to promote greater mental wellness for everyone.

Neiwalou Lohe

The writer is a Counsellor, Centre of Integrated Counselling Services (CICS, Kohima, Nagaland, and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in the field of Pastoral Care and Counselling