Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): Under the theme, "Mental Health in an unequal world," District Mental Health Programme in collaboration with All Nagaland Counsellors Association (ANCA) Mokokchung and Child Helpline, Mokokchung organised an event on October 10 on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
A total of 170 participants comprising of students from different schools, colleges, nursing school and employees from various workplace attened the event held at at Town Hall, Mokokchung.
Addressing the gathering, Sashant Pratap Singh, ADC, Mokokchung dealt with the misconception about mental health and said that “anyone and everyone is at the risk of Mental health Irrespective of age, gender, social and economic status.”
Such observance would create awareness and reduce those misconceptions, he added.
Giving an overall objective and theme of the programme, Temsuyanger, Nodal Officer DMHP Mokokchung stated that there is prevalent inequality and stigma in availing psychological Health service.
Collectively become educator on raising awareness on mental health issues and to mobilise one’s learning in support of better mental health, he urged.
Merenchila Imchen, Counselling Pyschologist, Childline and Alemrenla Counselling Pyschologist, Educator, ANCA enlightened the participants on "Mental health within home environment" and "Mental health in the workplace"
Issues related to poor communication and poor coping skills affecting home and workplace creating disequilibrium mental health were highlighted by them.
The further encourage for identifying mental state and to nurture it by keeping mental, physical, spiritually engaged and seeking counseling service.
In Kohima, the ANCA conducted a pre-World Mental Health Day on the theme at Mount Olive College Kohima on October 8 where Viketo Zhimo, Counselor at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyala School, Kohima stressed that need to give importance to mental health as we do to physical health.
‘Mental illness is stigmatized more than any illnesses in Naga society,’ he maintained, further noting that it occurs due to lack of awareness and education on mental health.
Depression, anxiety, stress and addiction are some of the most common issues arising in our society, Zhimo added, while encouraging the students to be upfront with their emotions and feelings which only “make one humane and not a weak individual.”
Meme Metha, Counselor at Central Baptist Church, deliberated on the theme “Mental Health in an unequal World” and emphasised on the need to treat everyone equally especially giving services to people with mental health issues.
She also highlighted on several types of workplace harassment and sexual harassment to be a prevalent issue which is often concealed due to stigmatisation and shame.
She also mentioned how a person can notice cues on sexual harassment and be aware and take necessary actions.
Highlighting that the college is fortunate enough to have the Women and Anti-Sexual Harrassment Cell, Metha said that studnts can avail this service and also further mentioned help from NGO’s such as Sakhi One Stop Center, Kohima.
