Photo Courtesy: totalshape.com
Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): Commemorating the World Mental Health Day, District Mental Health Programme, various stakeholders and educational institutions across Nagaland organised programme on the theme ‘Mental Health and Well Being for all a Global Priority’ on October 10.
St Joseph University: Department of Psychology and Counselling, St Joseph University organized a ‘Psych Fest’ with Dr Ayangla Longchar, Psychiatrist Consultant, NIKOS Hospital, Dimapur as the guest of honour.
Drawing on facts from statistics, Dr Ayangla Longchar said that ‘mental illness is increasing in our society.’ According to 2015 statistics, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in India 14 crore people were subjected to mental illness in which depression and anxiety were found to be 10 most leading disorders.
Further, post COVID-19 has seen 25% increases in anxiety and depression with 10% increase in suicide. In this scenario, she opined that the first step is creating public awareness through programme, media, and mental health care workers sharing their life journey in schools and practicing empathy thereby, building trust. Parents can be educated through videos and availing mental health aid from governmental mental health sectors, she added.
The second edition of the departmental magazine ‘Prism’ was released by Dr K Sethupathy, Associate Professor & Registrar, SJU. Competitions were also conducted on model exhibition, face painting, poster presentation, collage, photography and street play all of centered on the theme of the day.
Tetso College: Department of Psychology, Tetso College in collaboration with District Mental Health Programme observed World Mental Health Week on October 8 and 10.
Students participated in the celebration by performing plays and songs on the topic ‘various mental illnesses’ and ‘Maansik Swasthay’ (mental health). Tenyele Semp and Hito S Kinimi presented a ‘Report on Happiness Index Survey and Mental Health’; Mengubeinuo Solo presented on the stigma of mental illness and how we as a society can collectively work towards 'destigmatisation' of mental illnesses; Chubatula Longkumer presented a ‘report on suicide prevention’ aimed to raise awareness on suicide and its causes.
Dr Viketoulie Pienyü, Senior Medical Officer, State Mental Health Institute, Kohima in one of the sessions shared pointers on how to be a good parent and how bad parenting can lead to mental health issues for both the parents and child.
In the interactive session, the speakers, Neimhanu Kulnu, Psychiatric Social Worker emphasized on this year's theme and Dr A Temsuyanger Ao, SMO (Psychiatrist) at District Hospital, Dimapur spoke on “the impact of children's role on parents' mental health".
ACID: National Domestic Workers Movement Nagaland Region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) observed the day at Assisi auditorium. Sr Pramila, coordinator, NDWM Nagaland Region in her welcome address mentioned that health always doesn’t come from medicine, most of the times it comes from peace of mind; Peace in the heart, peace in the soul laughter and love.
The speaker, Lisali M Humtsoe, Founder Director, Gracious Life Foundation said that we need to balance between our both mental and physical health. She urged to have a vision to strengthen and promote enhanced quality of life by providing appropriate and accessible mental health support services to the people around.
Ela, Founder Director, Prodigals’ Home and Collob Director, CHILDLINE Dimapur explained on the different programmes conducted through Community Mental Health Programme.
The programme was attended by 165 women, domestic workers and the parents of CRM Children.
NU: Department of Psychology, Nagaland University observed the day with students participating in mental health talk, poster, and pamphlet competitions. The first prizes went to Jason Puro for Mental Health Talk, Mangkham Bucham for Poster and Boloho Assumi for Pamphlet. The competitions were judged by research scholars of the department- Kekhriesinuo Metha, Toihon Konyak and Kezhasenuo Kesiezie.
Dr Imlisongla Longkumer, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology exhorted the students to be active partakers in the prevention of mental disorders, to help people with mental health issues find timely and appropriate help , and to work tirelessly towards the promotion of mental health and well-being in the community.
The Department is also organizing a month-long Mental Health Talk programme where the faculty members of the department are engaging in various departments of NU, Kohima Campus, and in various colleges in and around Kohima.
Mokokchung: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Mokokchung observed the day at Multi Purpose Hall, IMDH. Dr Limanaro, DPO (NCD) gave an overview of World Mental Health Day and Tele-Manas. She emphasized on raising awareness about mental health issues and the need to reduce stigmas surrounding mental health and encourage workplaces, institutions, and individuals to prioritize their Health.
Dr S Marina Yaden MS, IMDH said that ‘Mental Health is one of the biggest unchallenged and unaddressed Health Challenges that effects the Emotional, Psychological and Social well being of a person.’ Akumjungla, Psychiatric Nurse shared briefly on Mental Health Care.
Peren: DMHP, Peren observed the day at District Hospital, Peren. Dr John Kent, SMO, District Hospital, Peren emphasized the importance of mental well being and to be more vocal about mental health, issues and problems.
Vizo, Clinical Psychologist, DMHP, Peren shared about the theme and encouraged the participants to materialize their network to be an educator of valuing, promoting and protecting mental health to attain the theme. Dr Kekhrielhouto Sophie, Nodal Officer, DMHP, Peren launched the Tele-MANAS, a mental health helpline.
Phek: DMHP, Phek observed the day at Dr Wethselo T Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek.
Dr Along Pongen, Psychiatrist DH Phek highlighted the objective behind observing World Mental Health Day which is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. He presented the different survey done under National Mental Health Survey of India, National Survey on Extent & Pattern of Substance use in India & National Crime Records Bureau 2019. He also highlighted the impact of Post-COVID pandemic which has increased the rates of common mental disorders. He informed that to manage stress one has to do physical exercise daily, sleep for 6-9 hours for adult, have a balance diet etc.
Special guest Maj Atul Sharma, RMO 38th Assam Rifle Phek said that because of social stigma mental disease are left untreated, mental health is not a lifelong disease but can be treated. He added that to prevent mental illness one needs to take precaution such as exercise, change one’s lifestyle etc.
Wokha: World Mental Health Day was observed at Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha under the aegis of DMHP, Wokha. Chairperson, Lireni Tungoe, Psychiatric Nurse DMHP said the day is celebrated to raise awareness and mobilise support on mental health issues. Speech on ‘Understanding mental health’ was delivered by Dr L Wobemo Lotha, Medical Officer, District Hospital Wokha. He spoke on mental illness disorder, prevention of psychiatric disorder and types of mental illnesses which includes psychosis, neurosis and personality disorder. The programme was attended by Amenla Longkumer, Clinical Psychologist, Nrithung Lotha, Psychiatric Social Worker, members of Wokha District Legal Services Authority and students as well as teachers of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School Wokha.
