Mental Health Day observed across Nagaland
Kohima, October 10 (MExN): Several institutions across Nagaland State observed the World Mental Health day on October 10.
The State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK), National Mental Health Programme in collaboration with Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and Department of Social Welfare observed the day with Dr Vikeyie Losu, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare stating that young people in Nagaland are more stressed than before.
“We should have a balance and cannot expect extra ordinary success from students as parents but according to their temperament,” he stated while highlighting achievements made in dealing with mental health problems in the state, such as integrated mental health, tertiary care reference and efforts to eradicate stigmatisation.
Mezivolu T Therieh, Member Secretary, NSLSA meanwhile was encouraged by the Nagaland government enforcing the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. She called for proper infrastructure and a strong mechanism to render care services with efficiency. She also stressed on the need for more facilities to treat mental health in the rest of the districts.
Speaking on the theme “Young People and Mental Health in the Changing World”, Dr Viketoulie, Senior Medical Officer SMHIK urged parents and adult to understand the stress and anxiety of young people.
He said that if these issues are not dealt with at the initial stages, it could lead to various mental disorders like depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar affective disorders. He informed that since these problems start at the school, the State Council of Educational Research Training started a 9 month school/mental health counselling course this year, the first of its kind in the country.
The Senior Medical Officer further informed on the services available- SMHIK, DMHP (NHAK) Kripa Foundation, various counselling centre and school counsellors.
District Mental Health Programme Kohima
The District Mental Health Programme Kohima also observed the day at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) with Dr Nuvotso Khesoh, Psychiatrist and Nodal Officer, kohima highlighting on the activities of DMHP. He mentioned that, “keeping the importance of mental health with that of physical health in delivering overall health care at NHAK is a great initiation on the part of the department.”
Dr Thorhusie Katiry, Managing Director (NHAK) stressed on the “importance of changing the mindset of the people towards positive attitude in this generation”. He also mentioned that about 80% of the patients who come for treatment have some mental health issues.
The DMHP team Kohima also visited JO foundation and interacted with the students. Jo Foundation offers service to children with special needs.
St Joseph University
At St Joseph University, Dimapur, Dr Watinaro Longkumer, Head of the Department of Psychology and Counseling spoke on the issues of mental health and said many young people today are living with several unseen issues making them particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illnesses. She said it is time to change attitudes to mental health and the stigma attached to it.
CIHSR
The Adolescent and Reproductive Health and College of Nursing, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) observed the day, with students and teachers from five schools participating in a programme. The schools included Puda Memorial School, Highland Hall School, Unity Christian Higher Secondary School, Great Commission Kids Higher Secondary School and Government Higher Secondary School, Naga United Village.
Khumjanbeni Murry, MScN Psychiatric Nursing highlighted the various mental health issues faced by young people including bullying and its effects, common mental disorders in young people- depression in teens and suicide. Strategies to combat the issues such as preventive methods, building resilience of the youth and the need for mental health education in schools were discussed.
Nagaland University
The Department of Psychology, Nagaland University organized a departmental level competition for Poster Presentation on this year’s theme. Six teams participated in the competition addressing various mental health issues amongst the youth, a press release from the University informed.
Hovisuto Khieya, Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) of the department spoke on the occasion and encouraged students to aspire and work towards becoming ‘Mental Health Professionals’ with the zeal and determination to help individuals with psychological problems’.
