Dimapur, Oct. 10 (EMN): World Mental Health Day (WMHD) was observed across the state on Monday on the theme ‘Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority.’
Kohima: The district mental health programme (DMHP) Kohima observed World Mental Health Day to commemorate the significance of the day. An update informed that Dr. Nuvotso Khesoh, senior psychiatrist and nodal officer of DMHP, Kohima, highlighted on important mental health issues, causes, stigma-related issues and treatment.
Managing Director, NHAK, Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo, in her address said that health is not only about physical well-being but also mental well-being, which is why holistic approach should be adopted in terms of treatment. Referrals services should be practiced by all departments to cater to the overall well-being of the patients, she added. Medical officer, OST Centre, NHAK, Dr. Sungtimen Jamir highlighted on abuse and drug dependence.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung district observed WMHD at multi-purpose hall, IMDH, where Dr. Limanaro, DPO (NCD), gave an overview of World Mental Health Day & Tele-Manas.
She emphasised on raising awareness about mental health issues and also the need to reduce stigmas surrounding mental health and encourage workplaces, institutions, and individuals to prioritise their mental health, informed an update. Dr. S Marina Yaden, MS, IMDH, said mental health is one of the biggest unaddressed health challenges that affect the emotional, psychological and social well being of a person.
A short speech on mental health care was delivered by Akumjungla, psychiatric nurse.
Phek: In Phek, the WMHD programme was held at Dr. Wethselo T. Mero memorial hall, District Hospital Phek. Psychiatrist of district hospital Phek, Dr. Along Pongen highlighted the objective behind observing mental health day which, he said, is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
Special guest Maj. Atul Sharma, RMO 38th Assam Rifles, Phek, said because of social stigma, mental diseases are left untreated. Sharma stressed that mental health is not a lifelong disease but can be treated.
Peren: DMHP Peren observed WMHD at the district hospital where Dr. John Kent, SMO, in his keynote address stressed on the importance of mental well being and to be more vocal about mental health, issues and problems. Clinical psychologist (DMHP), Vizo, encouraged the participants to expand their networks to be educators of mental health to attain the theme. Dr. Kekhrielhouto Sophie, nodal officer (DMHP) launched the Tele-MANAS, a mental health helpline.
Wokha: WMHD was observed at Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School under the aegis of DMHP Wokha. Medical officer, District Hospital Wokha, Dr. L Wobemo Lotha, who spoke on ‘Understanding mental health’ highlighted on mental illness disorder, prevention of psychiatric disorder and types of mental illnesses including psychosis, neurosis and personality disorder.
Tetso College: The department of Psychology, Tetso College, Dimapur, in collaboration with district mental health programme, also observed WMHD on October 8 and on Monday. On October 8, the focus of the session was primarily on educating the parents on the impact they have on the mental health of their children and the do’s and don’ts of maintaining a healthy mental state, stated an update.
This was highlighted by Dr. Viketoulie Pienyü, senior medical officer at State Mental Health Institute, Kohima. On Monday, the session had two speakers, Neimhanu Kulnu, psychiatric social worker, who emphasised on this year’s theme. This was followed by Dr. A Temsuyanger Ao, SMO (psychiatrist) at District Hospital, Dimapur who spoke on ‘The impact of children’s role on parents’ mental health.”
St. Joseph University: The department of Psychology and Counselling, St. Joseph University, Nagaland, organised a ‘Psych Fest’ to observe WMHD. Psychiatrist consultant, Nikos Hospital, Dimapur, Dr. Ayangla Longchar, in her address underscored the importance of overcoming stigma towards mental illness.
Dr. Longchar said as per 2015 statistics of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 14 crore people in the country were subjected to mental illness in which depression and anxiety were found to be the 10 most leading disorders.
Further, post-Covid 19 has seen 25% increase in anxiety and depression with 10% increase in suicide, she added.
