KOHIMA, JANUARY 28 (MExN): On the occasion of Republic Day, members of Kohima Press Club visited the State Mental Health Institute Kohima, which is currently home to 8 patients, including 5 men and 4 women.
A press release received here informed that, giving a brief highlight of the institute, Dr. Viketoulie Pienyü said with increasing stress in present life, the need to care for mental wellbeing has become very crucial. He asserted that mental illness can happen to anyone and everybody is vulnerable to it, depending on one’s life situations. Pointing out that mentally ill patients are also like “us”, who feel hurt, pain, or joy, he expected from the society to at least show care, concern and respect for them.
Stating that society tends to dehumanize the mentally ill people, he urged upon the society to show love, concern and respect. Further, enunciating that “mental illness is curable”, he highlighted that the cure rate is as high as 70-80% in the state mental institute. However, there can also be relapses. In this regard, he emphasized that family support is very important.
Dr. Pienyü expressed that mental illness is not a curse. “Our sanity is important than any other thing in life,” he underlined, while impressing upon that outmost care should be given to maintaining one’s mental health.
Kohima Press Club President Kopelo Krome, Vice President Ketu Viluo, General Secretary Vishü Rita Krocha, Joint Secretary Kuzhovesa Soho, Treasurer Rüülhoutuonuo Theünuo, Capi Editor Medo Dzeyie, Kenei Peseyie, H.K Chishi, Xavier Rutsa, Nchum Odyuo, and Alem visited the institute.
