NMHP calls for prioritizing mental health for all

World Mental Health Day is not just a one-day event but a continuous process to ensure that mental health gets it due spotlight to ensure that none are left behind, NHMP underscores. (Image: pixabay.com)

World Mental Health Day is not just a one-day event but a continuous process to ensure that mental health gets it due spotlight to ensure that none are left behind, NHMP underscores. (Image: pixabay.com)

Kohima, October 9 (MExN): On World Mental Health Day, the Nagaland State Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has emphasized the need to prioritize mental health especially in the back drop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new reality of physical isolations and distancing caused by the lockdowns.

In a press release on Friday, the NMHP said that the world has seen a spike in mental health issues as humans are now experiencing overwhelming vulnerability to mental distress due to the hard and drastic measures implemented to battle COVID-19.

“This disruption of the natural social interactions along with stigmatization has seen a rise in cases of insomnia, fear, anxiety and depression, etc, and has been the heaviest even on the poor and the ones living in remote areas,” it added.

It said that this bleak picture necessitates that mental health is prioritized now more than ever and that nobody should be denied access to mental health care.

It underscored that World Mental Health Day is not just a one-day event but a continuous process to ensure that mental health gets it due spotlight with the stake holders and a reminder that it is the responsibility of all to ensure that none are left behind.

It said that Government of India (GOI) the goal of this year’s World Mental Health Day is increased investment in mental health and as such, invited all citizens to join its call to action in highlighting the need for greater investment in mental health for all, everywhere.