Mental health awareness programme held at Anderson Theological College

Resource persons along with the faculty and students of Anderson Theological College pose for a photograph after an awareness programme on mental health on April 7.

• DIMAPUR — Anderson Theological College (ATC), Zunheboto, in collaboration with Lapiye Centre for Mental Well-being, organised a special mental health awareness programme at the college chapel hall on April 7 on the theme “Together we can: lead with love.”
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• The resource persons of the seminar were Lovitoli Awomi, counselor and psychologist and founder of Lapiye Centre for Mental Well-being, Dimapur, and Lika Awomi, school counselor and teacher.
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• The primary objective of the seminar was to create awareness about stress, mental health challenges and overall emotional well-being of students and family of ATC with knowledge and coping strategies to lead a mentally healthy life.
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• An update from the college stated that the programme began with a welcome address delivered by Kahovi Aye, academic dean of Anderson Theological College, who highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, especially among students, faculty and staff.

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• Topics that were covered in the first session included ‘Understanding stress and its impact,’ ‘Importance of mental well-being and awareness,’ ‘Anger issues and management strategies,’ ‘Addressing sexual disorders and pornography addiction,’ and Kübler-Ross grief cycle (grief theory) such as denial of loss, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
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• The second session covered topics such as ‘Stress management techniques,’ ‘Personality development leadership skills’ and ‘The importance of emotional intelligence in daily life.’
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• In the third session, Lika Awomi shared her personal journey and experience as she worked with people dealing with mental health challenges, substance abuse issues and recovery. She also addressed awareness on substance abuse.
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• In the fourth, Lovitoli focused on encouraging students to overcome ego and fear and to seek help of the counselors and experts whenever needed.
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• In conclusion, Dr. Shitovi Sumi, college’s principal, handed over certificates of appreciation and thanked to the resource persons for their efforts towards promoting mental well-being.