Wokha, September 13 (MExN): The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Wokha organized an awareness program at Mount Tiyi College (MTC), Wokha, on September 13 as part of World Suicide Prevention Week. The event, held under the theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation," aimed to promote openness and support in addressing suicide.
Dr KZ Ovung, Vice Principal of MTC Wokha, welcomed resource persons from DMHP Wokha and participants to the program.
Theme speaker Amenla Longkumer, Clinical Psychologist at DMHP Wokha, emphasized the importance of shifting the narrative around suicide. She called for a move away from stigma and silence toward a culture of understanding and support. Longkumer highlighted that common causes of suicide include family problems, illness, substance abuse, and unemployment, among others. She urged collective action from civil society, government departments, churches, and educational institutions to help prevent suicides.
Longkumer also addressed isolation and loneliness as significant health crises, adding that maintaining interpersonal relationships can build the support system needed to face life’s challenges.
Nrithung Lotha, Psychiatric Social Worker at DMHP Wokha, discussed the warning signs of suicide, such as withdrawal from loved ones and drastic mood swings, which are crucial for prevention. He informed students about the availability of the toll-free Telemanas helpline (14416) and mental health professionals at District Hospital Wokha for counseling and referral support.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Professor Rentsamo Humtsoe.
A similar event was organized by DMHP Wokha at Government Higher Secondary School Wokha on September 12, where Lireni Tungoe, Psychiatric Nurse at DMHP, addressed over 300 students. She emphasized that suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 and that there are between 50-200 attempts for every suicide. Tungoe encouraged students to become advocates for suicide prevention and led them in a pledge on the subject.
