Immanuel College, North East Christian University, and Naga Hospital Authority Kohima observe World Suicide Prevention Day with awareness sessions.
DIMAPUR — The District Mental Health Programme at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), Immanuel College, and North East Christian University (NECU) observed World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday on the global theme “
on suicide".
NHAK: In Kohima, the District Mental Health Programme, Kohima, observed the day with around 34 General Nursing and Midwifery students at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.
Inaholi Assumi, nursing faculty, shared reflections on addressing suicide as a taboo topic, while Clinical Psychologist Ruokuotunuo Rutsa conducted a session on “Emotional wellness and nurturing mental health".
Nodal Officer Dr. Senilo Magh stressed the need to break the silence surrounding suicide, challenge misconceptions, and foster compassionate community support.
Immanuel College: At Immanuel College in Dimapur, the programme was organised under the aegis of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell to promote awareness, sensitivity, and open dialogue on mental well-being.
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Theme speaker Ketuno Sophie Imchen, Counsellor at Roots and Wings, highlighted the importance of empathy, care, and support in creating an understanding community.
She pointed out the need for mindful and responsible language, noting that small remarks can have a lasting impact on those struggling. She urged the gathering to avoid judgement, listen with care, and help build safe spaces, stressing that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility.
Students of the Master of Arts in English programme presented a video conveying a message of hope, illustrating internal struggles and the importance of recognising distress signals. The event concluded with a confidential counselling session for registered students.
NECU: The Psychology Programme at North East Christian University, Dimapur, in collaboration with the All Nagaland Counsellors Association, held an awareness programme chaired by Niutoli Tuccu, Psychology faculty and General Secretary of the association.
Director of the university Dr. Kangzangding Thou delivered the welcome address, highlighting the need to create supportive environments for seeking help.
Dr. Fr. Pezalhoukho George, Principal of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, spoke on the history of suicide prevention and concerns in Nagaland. He called for introspection by asking, “Am I causing the suicide?" urging attendees to listen without judgement and be present for those in distress.
Bokatoli Yeptho, Co-Founder of Serendip Guardians and Finance Secretary of the counsellors association, discussed the decriminalisation of suicide under the Mental Healthcare Act, explaining that suicidal ideation should be viewed as a cry for help rather than a criminal act.
Participants took part in an interactive exercise evaluating case scenarios under the question, “What changes would make you check in with this person?”