Dr Zubenthung Kikon, CMO Wokha with participants during observation of World Mental Health Day at CMO conference hall, Wokha.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 10 (MExN): World Mental Health Day was observed across various districts in the region on October 10, with the theme "It's time to prioritize mental health in the workplace." The events aimed to raise awareness about the significance of mental health and the challenges faced in professional environments.
In Wokha, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) organized an awareness program at the CMO Conference Hall. Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, Chief Medical Officer, Wokha, thanked DMHP Wokha for organizing the program and hoped it would enlighten the staff on the importance of mental health. He also raised concerns about workplace mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and burnout, calling for a favorable workplace environment, as stated in a press release issued by the CMO office, Wokha.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Chumdemo Kikon, Nodal Officer of DMHP Wokha, noted that we often tend to neglect our mental health and highlighted the rising cases of suicide in the community. He underlined factors contributing to mental health issues in the workplace, such as excessive workload, discrimination or harassment, limited support from colleagues, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, and absence of social life. He urged the staff to be committed to their assigned work and support each other.
Theme speaker Amenla Longkumer, Clinical Psychologist at DMHP Wokha, emphasized the growing need for mental health support in a workplace environment. She stated that employees with mental health support are likely to perform better and experience greater job satisfaction. Amenla discussed the need to plan interventions for mental health at the workplace by promoting leisure activities, spirituality, counseling, rehabilitation support, and encouraging treatment compliance. For mental well-being at work, she suggested practicing gratitude and being a source of social support.
A short speech on mental health was given by Nrithung Lotha, a psychiatric social worker. Staff from the Deputy Chief Medical Officer's office, DMHP, CMO office, UPHC, and town sub-centers participated in the program.
In Dimapur, the Department of Psychology at C-Edge College commemorated Mental Health Day by organizing an exhibition on October 9. The exhibition aimed to provide valuable psychoeducational resources to both students and faculty, emphasizing this year’s theme of “Mental Health at Work” and the importance of mental well-being. A press release stated that the exhibition showcased the significance of a healthy mind and highlighted common workplace-related mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Students from the Department of Psychology set up various informative stalls focusing on psychoeducation related to these illnesses.
Attendees, including faculty, staff, and students from other departments, had the opportunity to engage in psychometric tests designed to foster self-awareness and understanding of their mental health. In addition to educational resources, the exhibition featured a variety of interactive activities. Attendees participated in art therapy sessions, created mood boards, and engaged in feelings checks, all aimed at promoting mindfulness and stress management.
In Phek, DMHP Phek, in collaboration with ‘Mentoring and Counselling All’ from Phek Government College, celebrated World Mental Health Day under the theme “It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace” on October 10 at Phek Government College. On this occasion, students from various departments participated in a street play organized by DMHP, Phek, where they highlighted common mental illnesses. The street play focused on three major mental health issues: workplace stress, anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and mobile addiction. Through the play, the students showcased various symptoms of mental health issues, emphasizing that early intervention can save a life and that a lack of awareness can have serious consequences.
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, a short awareness programme was conducted by GLF with the staff and employees of YouthNet at their office premises in 4th Mile, Chümoukedima on October 10. Under the theme of ‘It is time to prioritize mental health in workplace,’ the session began with a brief introduction about GLF shared by their community mobiliser, Nitoka H Aye, a press release received here stated.
Rovikhono Savino then gave a presentation on the theme where she emphasized the importance of an employee’s mental well-being at the workplace which is often overlooked. She also highlighted on work-related risks that may arise if individuals had mental health issues. The session also included discussions about how employers and employees can each contribute to better understanding of mental health policy guidelines in the workplace, practicing self care and stress management among others.
The Carl Rogers Institute of Mental Health and Research Center (CRIMHRC) today marked World Mental Health Day in Kohima.On the occasion, Kezhazolie Cornelius Mere, Psychologist, chairman and co-founder, CRIMHRC Kohima, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health, a topic often shrouded in stigma.
In line with the World Health Organization's 2024 theme, Anupam Talwar Kohli, counselling psychologist and career counsellor highlighted the ubiquity of stress and its detrimental impact on individuals.
The event concluded with interactive activities and discussions, providing attendees with valuable insights and tools for fostering a mentally healthier workplace.
