Tele-MANAS Nagaland observes World Suicide Prevention Week

DIMAPUR — As part of the global observance of World Suicide Prevention Week 2025, Tele-MANAS Nagaland, in collaboration with various partners, organised a series of awareness and sensitisation programmes across Kohima and Dimapur.

According to an update, the initiatives aimed to promote mental well-being, encourage help-seeking behaviour, and strengthen community responses to suicide prevention.

On September 8, a team from the State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK) and Tele-MANAS Nagaland conducted a session at Konyak Baptist Church, Kohima. Manon Konyak (psychiatric social worker) and Lolisangla (counsellor) engaged over 50 children and teachers of the Christian Education Department.

The programme emphasised coping strategies, early signs of self-harm, and the importance of reaching out for support.

On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day was observed by Gracious Life Foundation (GLF) in collaboration with Tele-MANAS and the departments of Social Work and Psychology, Tetso College, Dimapur.

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With over 125 students and faculty in attendance, the programme highlighted the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide. Three resource persons led the sessions—Vizino Rikha (psychologist, GLF), Vinikali Awomi (counsellor, Tele-MANAS), and Menevino Hozoyeh (counsellor, Tele-MANAS).

Topics covered included myths and realities of suicide, the importance of empathy and presence, breaking stigma, and the accessibility of services through Tele-MANAS (14416). A live demonstration call further illustrated the ease of connecting with the helpline.

On September 11, Tele-MANAS conducted a workshop at Toppers Academy, Kohima, with 40 aspirants participating. Resource persons Kenyuhyule Thong (counsellor) and Manon Konyak (psychiatric social worker) guided students through stress management, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Test, and reinforced the message of resilience, early identification of stress, and the importance of seeking timely help.

On September 12, an awareness campaign was held at the State Library, Kohima. More than 50 students and aspirants participated in interactive sessions. Resource persons Lopongonu (counsellor) and Thong addressed myths and facts about suicide and facilitated practical stress-relief activities including progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and guided imagery.

Across all events, the mental health professionals emphasised the availability of the 24/7 national Tele-MANAS helpline (14416), which provides free and confidential counselling to individuals in distress.

Participants were encouraged to break the stigma around mental health, engage in open conversations, and support one another in times of distress.