Dimapur, October 12 (MExN): The Nagaland Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) and various educational institutions in the state observed World Mental Health Day with a variety of activities on October 10.
While the day was commemorated in separate independent programmes, the occasion focused on the theme ‘Make Mental Health & Well-being for all a Global Priority.’
Accordingly, at the IDSP Hall in Kohima, Principal Director for H&FW Dr K Vikato Kinimi emphasized on the prevalence of mental illness and its symptoms among the present generation ‘because of which we have lost many precious lives.’ He expressed concern lakhs of students, parents and general population fall under depression and frustration for numerous reasons and that leads to mental health issues. The department should play a very vital role in the society to eradicate mental sickness and save lives, he added.
Director (H&FW) Dr T Wabang, in his key note address, highlighted the objective of observing World Mental Health Day. “Like our body, our mind also becomes ill and disturbed which leads to abnormal behavior of an individual,” a press release from the department quoted him as saying.
Citing the WHO, he said 6-7% of the general population suffers from mental illnesses and about 1% of general Indians (9 million population) suffer from severe mental illness while about 10% from minor mental illness which often goes unnoticed. In Nagaland, 20,000 approximately are suffering from severe mental illness and 2 lakh people suffer from minor mental illness, he maintained.
In addition to the existing health problems many aspects of mental health have been challenged due to the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that there is rise in both anxiety and depression disorder by 25% during the first year of pandemic. Therefore, it is only necessary that mental health awareness should be recognized, and propagated diligently.
As per the release, Dr C Kezo, Deputy Director and State Programme Officer for Nagaland Mental Health Programme (NMHP) dwelt on the Government of India’s T-MANAS initiative which was announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget in February 2022. He said that T-MANAS which stands for ‘Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across State’ envisions to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24x7 tele mental health services as a digital component of the NMHP across all Indian states/UTs. The objective is to exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out and to implement a full-fledge mental health services network that in addition to counseling, provides integrated medical and psychological interventions including video consultations with mental health specialists, e-prescription, follow-up service and linkage to in-person services. It also aims to extend services to vulnerable group of populations and difficulty to reach population.
According to Dr Kezo, to implement T-MANAS in the state, the existing resources and platforms are to be mapped and partnerships to be strengthened.
Meanwhile, at the Livingstone Foundation International College, the department of psychology organized an event where various activities including extempore speech, art and poetry competition, face painting, personality assessment were conducted along with a showcase of talents.
Ringthar Langthasa of Commerce Department, 1st Sem emerged as the winner of Art and Poetry competition. In the extempore speech 1st, 2nd and 3rd position were secured by Dekhingpi T Sangtam of Psychology department, 1st sem; Dantsula Yimchunger of History department, 3rd sem, and Kevin of Political Science department, 1st sem, respectively.
Mekhriengunuo, HoD, Department of Psychology also briefed the gathering on the importance of mental health, further encouraging the students and faculty to take care of one’s mental well being and to create a better space of inclusion for everyone.
The resource person for the programme at Sazolie College was Neiweü Losuo, Psychologist, NTCP, District Hospital, Phek. In connection to this year’s theme, the speaker spoke on various mental illnesses such anxiety, depression, sexual abuse and the ill effects of watching pornography, a press release informed. She also spoke on the importance of sensitizing the public about mental health through psycho-education. She discussed the increasing usage of tobacco among young people and offered some guidance to curb the habit, it said. The event was organized by the Department of Psychology.
In Tuensang, the Department of Zoology and the Mentoring Committee of Sao Chang College, Tuensang jointly organized an 8K Marathon to mark the occasion.
The run began from Clock Tower Tuensang Town and culminated at the College Gate. Before flagging off the run, Dr Senilo Magh, Psychiatrist, District Hospital Tuensang spoke briefly on the theme and stressed on the need to create awareness for mental health. Mental illness is the greatest pandemic of all which can affect just about anyone. Despite its prevalence, it has not been given the priority and platform it deserves in the society, he said, adding that mental illness is a ‘silent pandemic and it is up to us to break the barriers.’
He assured that no one is alone in their suffering and impressed upon the gathering to take on the burden to come together and join hands to create awareness and to give hope and a future to the people around.
50 students took part in the marathon, all of whom completed the full stretch of the run. Puto S of BA 3rd Semester (Political Science Honours) finished 1st in the Men’s Category with a time of 26 minutes and 10 seconds followed by Thangpong K also of BA 3rd Semester (Economics Honours). In the Women’s Category, P Juliam of BA 1st Semester (History Honours) came in first clocking 35 minutes and 2 seconds followed by Sekmoyembang of BA 3rd Semester General. Dr Vitsosie Vupru, Principal, Sao Chang College gave away certificates and cash prizes to the winners during a short presentation which concluded with a vote of thanks by Veduvolu Nienu, Assistant Professor.
