Section of the gathering during the ‘women’s mental health and well-being’ workshop held at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on March 16. (Morung Photo)
Women’s mental health and well-being workshop held in Dimapur
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 16
As part of women’s health awareness month, a one-day ‘women’s mental health and well-being’ workshop was held at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on March 16. Organised by Lapiye Centre for Mental Well-being, Prodigal’s Home and Gracious Life Foundation, the event witnessed discourse and conversations on a diverse range of topics related to women’s health.
Speaking on ‘emotion and self-care,’ Imlibenla Mongro, clinical psychologist at CHISR stated that while it is true that women were more emotional as compared to men, it should not be construed as a sign of weakness. Rather, being emotional is a sign of high emotional intelligence and it is an important aspect towards understanding other people through empathy. Women are emotional being and to understand why, she explained that it comes from the body particularly from the amygdala part of the brain. In women, it is responsible for the high response towards negative emotions or stress. “Stop demonizing emotions, it is a natural biological reaction,” she said.
The better response, she explained would be on how to manage it so as to not cause distress to oneself. This starts from self-care, being patient and steady, anything you do that brings you peace and joy. However indulging in harmful substances that take harms your health, finances or wasting time shouldn’t be mixed up with self-care, she cautioned the attendees.
Nagaland State Commission for Women, Chairperson, W Ngunyeih Konyak in her keynote address mentioned that when it comes to mental health conditions, women and children were prone to suffer from it as compared to men. When we say women’s mental health and well being there has been many stereotypes about the gender differences due to women being perceived as the weaker sex, she said. However, if we look into our own society, the Naga context women are more resilient compared to men.
Although progress has been made there is still more work to be done in the field, she noted. This is because womens mental health issues differ from men as it is related to anxiety, trauma from physical violence, rape and sexual assault. Due to which, the government and the society at large should come together to address these issues through more concerted efforts, she stated.
Speaking on the topic of “Healthy skin, health life,” Dr Atoka Sumi, dermatologist at Eden Medical Centre reminded the women that in order to regenerate one’s skin, it is crucial to get a good sleep regularly. Also he cautioned them on when buying skin care products, do not judge its effectiveness by how expensive it is, as it can be misleading at times. Moreover, it was important not to use harsh chemicals on the face as well.
“If you have skin problem consult a doctor or expert and not an influencer and don't believe everything that you see of the influencer,” he told the audience.
While everyone is obsessed with fair skin, it is important to note that great skin comes from within, he noted. “Invest in your skin properly. Do not just buy products that are advertised as it might not be suitable for some,” he mentioned.
Other speakers included, Khevili K Jakhalu, pastoral counselor and teacher who spoke on ‘the theos and the psychology of women,’ experience sharing was given by founder & director of Gracious Life Foundation, Lisali M Humtsoe.
