World Health Day: Psychiatry not an attraction for doctors

Staff Reporter
Dimapur, April 7 (EMN) : Depression is a major global health issue and is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. It has surged to 50% during the previous decade (1990-2013 record) in terms of people suffering from mental illness, said Dr. Kezo, program officer of the State Mental Health Program, of the department of Health and Family Welfare.The health official was addressing a function in Dimapur marking World Health Day. The year’s theme is “Depression: Let’s talk.” The event was organised by the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) at Dimapur on Friday, April 7, at the Agri Expo complex.
There are three lakh psychiatrists in India with only six psychiatrists in Nagaland although some are not at ‘appropriate posting.’ Since the inception of the State Mental Health Program in Dimapur in December 2015, 380 cases of depression have been registered till date out of which 5% of the 380 registered are established depression cases, said Dr. Kezo.
With the rate of depression ballooning, identifying the disease is one key concern which is why it is important to understand depression and provide psychotherapy which is the backbone for depression treatment articulated, Dr. Kezo said during the occasion.
Nagaland has only three mental health service functioning units. It includes two district mental health programmes in Dimapur and Mokokchung attached with respective district hospital; and one State Mental Health Institute is in Kohima (SMHIK).
‘Depression is an illness we do not talk about frequently but we must address the issue of depression; one in three is treated for depression while one in five has mental illness in India,’ said Dr. Sedevi Angami, director of the CIHSR. He remarked that things which were unheard of in the past were now occurring frequently; mental illness which was considered quite insignificant and undetectable is now existent.
The medial officer said: ‘The spectrum of mental can be very wide and very often there is a lack of awareness/understanding with regard to mental illness. Generally mental illness is not diagnosed by lab investigation and it is slightly different with the other major physical illness which is diagnosed and treated and in mental illness consultation time generally last longer than with other patients.’
Another issue that Dr. Sedevi raised was that ‘It is also not very attractive for doctors to take up psychiatry.’ He pointed out that it was difficult to differentiate between ‘demon possession and mental illnesses.’ He remarked that church leaders also need to be sensitised as very often mental illness is confused with demon possession.
Theology institutes have an imperative role to play in this regard and ‘we definitely need more psychiatrists,’ the CIHSR director said.
World Health Day is observed on April 7 every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation. It provides the people with a unique opportunity to mobilise action around a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The theme for this year is ‘Depression.’

Health of people in the rural areas

Also marking World Health Day, the FPA India, Nagaland unit, in collaboration with the Thenyuzumi Students Union conducted a seminar and medical camp at Thenyuzumi village. The organisers issued a press release on Friday informing about the event.
A session with village elders and leaders were conducted as part of the event, Ville Rhetso, counsellor with the FPA talked to the gathering about the year’s theme ‘Depression: Let’s talk.’ Participants were informed that depression affects people of all ages around the world and can lead to suicide which is now the second leading cause of death among 15-29 years old as per a WHO report.
Further, Ville Rhetso conveyed that depression was an illness and not a sign of weakness. It can be prevented and treated, she reminded the gathering. Further, the gathering was told about how they could help someone who live with depression without treating them with stigma and discrimination and how one can stay positive and prevent depression at all stages of life.
A medical camp was conducted as part of the day’s event for villagers. Altogether 100 people registered for treatment and management services. In addition, Family planning counselling and voluntary counselling and testing services were also provided during the programme.
Emotional management
An associated programme dubbed the ‘adolescent education program’ was also conducted at Andrews High School. Rokuoneinuo Zecho, program officer of the FPA India, Nagaland branch, talked on issues related to adolescents and the issues they face when growing up. They can develop their skills in decision-making, assertiveness, communication and stress and emotional management, the programme highlighted to the participants.
The session also provided inputs on ‘sense of self-confidence,’ and ability to ask questions, among others. They were encouraged to seek help. Reference to resources and services were also highlighted during the event. “Young people were empowered with the knowledge and correct accurate information,” the updates stated.