Peace Channel launches its Every Life Matters campaign on mental health and suicide prevention in Chümoukedima.
DIMAPUR — Peace Channel launched its October campaign, “Every Life Matters", at the Peace Centre in Chümoukedima with a Peace Club leadership training programme on mental health and suicide prevention.
The campaign will reach Peace Club schools across Nagaland, focusing on mental health awareness, early recognition of emotional distress, and peer support among young people, according to an update.
The training was led by Sebastian Daisinglung Kamsuan, Assistant Professor at North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research, who highlighted the importance of understanding mental health and recognising behavioural and emotional changes that may indicate distress.
Participants were introduced to warning signs such as expressions of hopelessness or a desire to die, significant mood or behavioural changes, social withdrawal, changes in sleep patterns, giving away valued possessions, and sudden calmness following prolonged sadness.
A key focus of the training was the ACT approach: ask or acknowledge, care, and tell, which provides a practical framework for supporting peers experiencing emotional distress. Peace Club leaders were encouraged to approach concerns sensitively, listen without judgement, show genuine care, and seek assistance from a trusted adult when necessary.
Read more local news: Naga Scholars' Association hosts lecture on indigenous languages, NEP 2020
The participants also took part in role-playing exercises based on common peer situations, including approaching a distressed or withdrawn student, responding to expressions of hopelessness, and seeking support from teachers or other trusted adults.
Through the campaign, Peace Channel aims to strengthen mental health awareness and create more supportive school environments where young people can recognise distress, seek appropriate help, and support their peers responsibly.