DC Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, and SP Zunheboto, Dr Kupe Kapfo, along with others at World Mental Health Day 2026 observed at the Drill Shed, Police Reserve, DEF Zunheboto on October 8. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | October 9
World Mental Health Day 2026 was observed on October 9 at the Drill Shed, Police Reserve, DEF Zunheboto, under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The programme was jointly organised by the Lapiye Centre for Mental Well-being and the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), District Hospital, Zunheboto, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Zunheboto. It was hosted by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto.
Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, IAS, attended as special guest, while SP Zunheboto, Dr Kupe Kapfo, delivered the keynote address.
The event brought together health professionals, legal representatives, police personnel and community members to emphasise mental health awareness, early intervention and community support.
Welcoming the gathering and introducing the theme, Atolimi I Khujumi, Clinical Psychologist at DMHP, District Hospital, Zunheboto, said that the Day provides an opportunity to discuss mental health issues, identify concerns that often go unrecognised, and encourage people to seek appropriate support.
She noted that the DMHP was launched in Zunheboto in 2021 and has been working to expand awareness and services despite limited human resources and funding. She observed that mental health concerns were prevalent in the district and stressed the need to address stigma and discrimination.
“Let’s include them rather than excluding them from our society,” she urged, adding that people experiencing mental health conditions require love, care, and appropriate treatment.
She also highlighted the link between substance abuse and mental health, stating that 60 to 70 per cent of the programme’s clients were associated with substance abuse. She called for greater community participation in spreading awareness and reiterated that “there is no health without mental health.”
In the keynote address, SP Zunheboto, Dr Kupe Kapfo, highlighted the stress associated with police duties and challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with family life. He expressed hope that the programme would benefit police personnel personally and professionally, adding that good mental health enables individuals to contribute more effectively to their service and department.
Speaking on mental health and legal awareness, Easter H Yeptho, Retainer Lawyer, Zunheboto DLSA, stressed the importance of beginning awareness at the grassroots level, particularly in villages. She said persons experiencing mental health conditions should not face discrimination and have the right to access medical treatment.
She cautioned against misconceptions that associate mental illness with demonic possession and emphasised the importance of proper medical care and counselling. She also highlighted the need to understand the distinction between mental illness and long-term disabilities, while encouraging people to seek timely professional assistance for conditions such as anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Speaking on prevention and community well-being, Lovitoli Awomi, Counselling Psychologist and founder of Lapiye Centre for Mental Well-being, emphasised that prevention and early intervention were essential to maintaining mental health.
She said stress, emotional difficulties, family circumstances and lifestyle pressures could affect mental well-being, particularly during adolescence. She called for greater attention to children’s emotional needs and highlighted the importance of family support, work-life balance and healthy coping mechanisms.
Awomi cautioned against turning to alcohol and smoking to cope with stress, urging people to speak with professionals when facing emotional difficulties. She also stressed the need to forgive, heal and practise empathy, encouraging the gathering to “practise the religion of love, be human first.”
In his address, DC Dharam Raj said the challenge is not just experiencing mental health difficulties but recognising and addressing them properly. “Everyone suffers some form of mental illness at some point—whether anxiety, tension, stress or depression,” he said, sharing his own experience of mental stress.
He noted that mental health concerns often go unaddressed when people fail to recognise their difficulties, which can lead to alcoholism and drug abuse. He urged society to look beyond these issues and recognise the underlying struggles people face.
On social media, the DC said people share happy images without revealing their personal difficulties. He cautioned against comparing one's life to seemingly perfect online lives and encouraged distinguishing between the physical world and social media's expectations.
Emphasising emotional intelligence, he said people should identify the causes of their stress, understand their limitations and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Sharing his own approach, Raj said he avoids taking official files home unless there is an emergency and makes time for personal reflection. He encouraged spending time with family and friends, practising mental exercises and meditation, and avoiding excessive mobile phone use, especially before sleeping and immediately after waking.
He urged people to seek help rather than self-medicate, stressing the importance of speaking to trusted individuals and mental health professionals.
Raj called for an end to the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged people to stay connected with loved ones while practising empathy and understanding.
The programme also featured an ice-breaking activity conducted by Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, and vote of thanks by Khruvotolu Nyekha, Psychiatric Social Worker, DMHP, followed by concluding remarks and prayer by Rev Victo P Shohe, Secretary, DoCM, SBAK-NM. It was chaired by Avitoli Chophy, Community Nurse DMHP Zunheboto with invocation by Kughavi V Chishi, Pastor, NCRC Zunheboto.
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