Health authorities ask state to prioritise mental health

[caption id="attachment_276310" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Counselling students from the State Council of Educational Research and Training sing at the World Mental Health Day programme. (EM Images)[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, Oct. 10 (EMN): World Mental Health Day was observed was across the districts in Nagaland with a call to the state’s government to give attention to mental health. The event was observed with a call to give more attention to the emotional problems people suffer and to do away with the stigma and superstitions attached to such issues. In Kohima, a programme to commemorate the Day was conducted at the State Mental Health Institute, jointly organised by the district mental health program and the institute on Thursday, October 10 in Kohima. The theme of the event was ‘mental health promotion and suicide prevention.’ Dr. Viketoulie of the institute said that the event was to create awareness about mental health issues, promote mental health and to break the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. He mentioned that India stands ranked 11th among countries with the highest suicide rates in the world, topped by Guyana and followed by South Korea / North Korea, Sri Lanka and Lithuania. Expressing alarm at the increase in the rate of suicide cases in the world, he said life’s stress such as poverty, unemployment, lack of family support, high level competition, rejection in relationship, loneliness, mental illness, losing jobs, and financial misfortune are some of the causes of suicides. Viketoulie spoke of some prevention strategies. He said early detection of abnormal behaviour is important to address the matter. He asserted the need for training of medical officers to diagnose mental health problems and the need for education of parents to encourage their children to socialise and engage in physical activities. Further, Viketoulie felt the need to set up a crisis intervention centre. He urged the media not to sensationalise stories of suicides and to avoid giving coverage to such. Likewise, the mental health official stressed on the importance of maintaining a healthy body, ensure balance of work and rest, and develop a healthy social circle, pursuing activities that will bring a sense of fulfilment. Likewise, he advised having interactions with people who will be a positive influence, and to avoid addiction to intoxicants. Developing a healthy spiritual life is another positive activity, he said. The additional director for Health and Family Welfare, Neikhrielie Khimiao also delivered a short speech at the event. With the inauguration of the district mental heatlh centre in Phek too, the state has now five district mental health centres including those in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and Longleng with one state mental health institute. The official maintained that the government should prioritise and consider mental health and wellbeing of the people in the state.