DIMAPUR: ‘Mental illness still a taboo in our community’
People putting handprints in solidarity to the fight for mental health promotion and suicide prevention on World Mental Health Day 2019 observed in Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy: NHMP Dimapur)
Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): The World Mental Health Day 2019 was observed at District Hospital, Dimapur organized by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) on October 10.
A press release issued by NHMP Dimapur stated that the day was observed with the theme “Mental health promotion and suicide prevention” in order to raise awareness of the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help prevent it.
Dr Kheshito Zhimo, Medical Superintendent, DH who spoke on the theme mentioned that mental health problems are present throughout the world, in all countries, races and people but “we should all come back to our community.” He spoke of how people in our society still want to hide mental illness, avoid talking about it, and that even patients themselves struggle to admit their illness. “As we all have different mental health needs,” he encouraged the people that “we can all contribute by living respectful lives, leading exemplary lives for each other.” He also emphasized on early diagnosis, early treatment and the need for family support.
Dr C Kezo, Nodal Officer, DMHP speaking on the theme presented alarming facts about suicide. Globally suicide is a significant public health problem. Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide, which adds up to 8 lakhs in a year. Suicide affects people of all age groups in all countries and is the second leading cause of death among young people in the age group 15-29 year olds, who are the future of the world. He emphasized that suicide is preventable and is the concern of each individual. “We should start talking about suicide in our circles to stop the perpetual stigma associated with it,” he stated. The take-home message for the people was that “each of us should be alarmed, be aware and work together to save lives.”
A care-taker/ family member of a patient also spoke on how care-takers should understand that mental illness is not the choice of the patients and that the family members need to have love and concern for them. The duty of each individual is also to share information about mental health, where and how to seek help and treatment.
