Participants during the awareness session on mental health held at Dr N Kire Government Higher Secondary School on February 14.
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 14 (MExN): In commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, the district administration, in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Kohima, conducted an awareness session on mental health followed by a plantation drive at Dr N. Kire Government Higher Secondary School on February 14.
The session, aimed at raising awareness among students about mental health issues, was led by Dietholenuo Liezietsu, Psychologist at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. Liezietsu began her address by explaining that mental health is an essential aspect of well-being, where an individual is able to cope with life's challenges, realize their potential, and contribute to the community. She emphasized that mental health should not be stigmatized, but viewed as a normal part of human experience.
Liezietsu focused particularly on the mental health challenges faced by adolescents, highlighting how this period of life is marked by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. She noted that during adolescence, individuals often struggle with identity issues, stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse. To address these issues, she encouraged students to seek support from family, teachers, counselors, and community resources such as churches.
The psychologist further explained that if left unaddressed, these challenges could lead to more serious problems such as drug abuse, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. She stressed that preventive measures such as strengthening social skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence could help safeguard mental health during this critical stage of life.
The program was chaired by Kesoneinuo Kense, Gender Specialist at the DHEW Kohima. In addition to the awareness session, the students also participated in a plantation drive within the school grounds, as part of the ongoing celebrations of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.
