• At least 1281 OPD registered at SMHI, Kohima since May 2016
• Stigmatization of mental illness delay proper help to patient
Ketholeno Neihu
Kohima | January 22
As a silent global crisis because of the stigma and discrimination attached to it rises, cases of mental illness appear to be rising at a distressing level in Nagaland too. According to data provided by the State Mental Health Institute (SMHI) in Aradura Hill, Kohima, there have been 1281 OPD registrations from May 2016 to date at the institute, which certainly is startling.
Most of the patients are male youth, having a history of induced and substance abuse like consumption of alcohol, drugs, smoking of cigarettes and weed etc. which is more common and easily influenced among this group, the SMHI revealed. At least eight out of ten male patients have admitted to use of such substances. These occurrences are seen more in the age group of late teens to the forties.
Dr. Wapang, SMHI Medical Superintendent, observed that there has been a consistent increase in the OPD registration in recent years.
However, it may not be the number of cases increasing but awareness about the illness being cultivated in our society, he maintained.
Mental illness is ranked among the top stigmatized illnesses in the world affecting one out of four people. In Nagaland, where mental institutes are labeled as only for the “mentally deranged and insane people” and a “disgraceful” disease, the situation is further aggravated when the illness is frequently linked to spiritual/religious beliefs.
A number of cases of mental illness including clinical depression and stress, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, psychosis, substance abuse etc., have been reported in Nagaland.
People suffering from mental illness experience depressed mood, loss of interest and appetite, disturbed sleep, low self-esteem, muddled thinking and become anti-social and such depressive episodes can be categorized as mild, moderate to severe, Dr. Wapang highlighted.
Often, in Nagaland, mental illness has been blamed on instances such as “Satanic worshipping, invasion of the body by demons and other spiritual entities,” a factor that delays proper help to the patient at an early stage.
When treatment is delayed, patients usually have to undergo treatment, medication and other therapies for a longer duration or sometimes throughout his/her life. As Dr. R Themmungla, a clinical psychiatrist indicated that early intervention is the most effective.
Kevi (name changed) who has been undergoing regular consultation at the SMHI for depression said she is seeing improvement in her health, appetite, sleep and social life through the medication and counseling of the doctors.
Before, Kevi had been taking the assistance of “quacks” and “prayer warriors”, albeit without any results. Her family finally discussed the need to see a psychiatrist and landed at the SMHI.
“It is over a year that I have been undergoing treatment here at the institute and regularly taking my medications. With the help of talk therapy, I am more open to share my problems,” Kevi said. Mood swings, fear of crowd, loss of appetite, negativity and insomnia had confronted her normal life and relationships with people for years.
“There are many people who also share the same case as mine. With a little openness, awareness and concern, wasted hopes can be reclaimed,” Kevi expressed. Dr. R Themmungla observed there is an earnest need for wide social awareness and de-stigmatization of persons suffering from mental illness.
“Sensitization at the familial, institutional and societal level through the media, educational institutions, churches and NGOs through awareness programme, seminar and word of mouth to promote de-stigmatization and concerns relating to such cases can become a driven mobility and force of change,” the clinical psychiatrist explained.
The State Government also needs to equip the institute with more work forces, infrastructural improvement and increase its facility and services, increasing its branches for ease of access.
The writer is currently an intern at The Morung Express.
