Naga Hospital Authority Kohima observes World Mental Health Day with students

DIMAPUR — Commemorating Mental Health Awareness Month, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) of the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), in collaboration with the Psychology Department of Sazolie College, Jotsoma, along with Education Department of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, and Oriental College, Kohima, observed World Mental Health Day on October 10.

An update from NHAK stated that resource persons namely Ruokuotuonuo Rutsa, DMHP clinical psychologist at NHAK, and Veronica Nriame, DMHP psychiatric social worker at NHAK, spoke on the objectives such as to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. They stressed that there is ‘No health without mental health.’

Highlighting the theme "Access to services– mental health in catastrophes and emergencies," they stated that crises such as natural disasters, conflicts and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. They also stressed that the year’s theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

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They further emphasised that supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities.

It stated that stress management and mental health well-being were also discussed during the sessions.

Meanwhile, DMHP team from NHAK observed Mental Health Month, Mental Health Awareness and screenings sessions at Destitute Home, Kezieke, and Bright Morning Star Children’s Home, Perizie, on October 28 and 29 respectively.

The resource persons namely Dr. Thinuosatuo Mezhu, senior psychiatrist and DMHP nodal officer, and Kethozenuo Mere, DMHP psychiatric nurse, stressed on significance of mental health, signs and symptoms of common mental disorders, childhood and adolescent psychiatry and mental health promotion; soft skills-communication, empathy and self-awareness.

The DMHP team has expressed gratitude to above mentioned institutions for collaborating with District Mental Health Programme, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.