Nagaland: A book titled 'Out of the Woods' released in Kohima

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Aug. 26 (EMN): Author and educator, Dr. Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o, released her second novel 'Out of the Woods' in Kohima on Friday. Her debut book 'My Mother's Daughter' won the second Gordon Graham Prize for Naga Literature (2019).

“This is a story of a young boy finding his place in a world which is either not ready or yet to understand mental illness. He is exposed to an alternate reality which nobody could understand but himself. A story of trauma, pain, depression, grief and the terrifying aftermath of unresolved feelings, and emotions,” read the summary of the book.

Mepfhu-o shared that she started writing her newly released book even before her first novel. After her friend introduced books on mental illness, it changed her perspective on families dealing with mental illness and got interested in exploring Naga society’s perception and outlook on people with mental health issues as well.

“However, after I started writing, the story was going in many different directions. At one point of time, it felt as though I was against the church and prayer centers. So, I kept the story on hold for some time. It was during the pandemic that I picked up from where I left off,” she shared.

While writing, she realised that there are two groups of people, who need to read about mental illness–those who have mental illnesses and those who do not. This exposure could foster empathy, combating ignorance, misunderstanding, and insensitivity, she noted.

In the course of writing, she contacted a few doctors and interacted with family members dealing with mental illness.

“I want readers to know that this book on mental illness is not a substitute for medical advice. While mental health content provides general information, every person with mental health issues is unique and needs individualised care”, Mepfhu-o said.

“When we talk about mental illness, words like ‘crazy,’ ‘insane,’ ‘mad,’ ‘psycho’ find their way into the common vernacular, but they should not have any place in mental health content. These terms stigmatise the real mental health issues which could discourage people from getting treatment,” she pointed out.

The book was written to sensitise people on mental illness and to change attitudes of people toward people having mental health problems or families where loved ones have a mental illness. She expressed hope that her book would make one assess and question the perception of mental illness, confront the stigma of mental health issues and expand the mental health dialogue as well.

Publisher of the PenThrill Publication, Vishu Rita Krocha, said Neikehienuo has brilliantly told a powerful story with nameless characters in “Out of the Woods.” While all books affect readers in different ways, she said some books have a way of impacting people and society at large.

She has termed those books as important because they not only entertain but shape the thinking and help evolve into better persons. “Out of the Woods” has done just that by challenging societal norms,” she said.

“At one point or another, I am sure many of us have struggled with our mental health resulting from everyday stress at work or personal problems. But then there are those who really struggle with mental illness in every sense of the word and need professional help. It is particularly challenging to seek professional help in a society like ours, that does not acknowledge mental health issues and those battling with it are often advised to go to prayer centres,” she added.

But despite the presence of such stigma and discrimination in our society, she believed that the book would give a better understanding of the needs of struggling individuals.

Assistant professor of English at Kohima College, Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, presented a review of the book. The chairman of Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board, Dr. Kekhrie Yhome released the book.