World Mental Health Day was observed across Nagaland with awareness rallies, talks, and plays.
DIMAPUR/KIPHIRE — Multiple organisations, educational institutions, and healthcare units across Nagaland observed World Mental Health Day on October 9 and 10.
DMHP Kiphire: The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Kiphire, observed World Mental Health Day at the conference hall of District Hospital Kiphire on Saturday on the theme "Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change”.
Dr. Chikrozho Kezo, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Kiphire, spoke on the importance of mental health and the theme. Pointing out that World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992, he expressed concern over challenges faced by youth, including mobile phone and social media addiction, and encouraged people to seek treatment without fear of stigma.
Dr. Nungotso Vero, Senior Dental Surgeon, delivered a talk on the ill effects of tobacco use, classifying tobacco use into non-users, users, abusers, and those addicted, while stressing that acknowledging the problem is the first step towards recovery.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Kedorianuo Sirie, Psychologist at DMHP Kiphire, highlighted the activities of the programme, which began in 2021 with a team of three members.
She stated that mental health treatment is available for everyone, with medicines provided free of cost. Over the past five and a half years, the programme recorded 486 OPD visits, excluding health camps, and conducted around 80 to 100 activities, including 28 conducted this year.
Also read: Dimapur observes World Hospice & Palliative Care Day
NECU: The Psychology Programme of North East Christian University (NECU), in collaboration with Chavara Home, observed the day on Saturday at Chavara Home, Community Care Centre, Naharbari, Dimapur.
According to an update, the first session commenced with a welcome address by Limi K Yeptho, followed by a theme talk by Nenchu Kath.
Niutoli Tuccu Jamir delivered a talk on “The art of coping", focusing on practical tools to manage life’s challenges. The second session, titled “Healing in practice", included counselling and reflection.
Gracious Life Foundation: Gracious Life Foundation, in partnership with DMHP Dimapur and fitness partner Fit Savvy Gym, organised the 5 Km Run for Mental Health Marathon 4.0 on Saturday with 154 participants.
Beginning at Airport Junction at 5 am, runners proceeded to CT Square. In the men’s category, Temjensanen Pongen secured first place, followed by Takasanen Lkr in second and Tomong T Yimchunger in third. In the women’s category, Mijinliu Gonmei bagged first place, while Jyotika Thapa and Lorenchumi R Humstoe secured second and third places, respectively.
Dr. Yansarhoni, Psychiatrist at DMHP Dimapur, spoke on the theme, followed by a mental health pledge led by Dr. Temsuyanger, Nodal Officer of DMHP Dimapur.
DPS Dimapur: Class 11 Psychology students of Delhi Public School Dimapur staged a street play on Saturday based on the theme, “Mental health problems are real even when they are not visible”.
A total of 43 students presented the play to the public at two locations. Through slogans, the students highlighted that emotional and mental struggles warrant care, attention, and non-judgemental support.
DDLSA: The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), in collaboration with Can Youth and Eastern Christian College, including the Eastern Christian College Alumni Association, organised a legal awareness programme on October 9 at Eastern Christian College in Dimapur. It was attended by about 150 participants.
Panel lawyers of DDLSA addressed legal protections: Visheli H Yepthomi spoke on legal services, free legal aid, and Lok Adalats; Moatila Ao explained the Legal Services to Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Persons Scheme, 2016; and Thiuswangwiliu detailed the National Legal Services Authority Scheme, 2024.
Khumti T Sangtam, Coordinator of Can Youth, presented a video on empathy. A testimony session led by Livino Sumi, Youth Facilitator of Can Youth, shared the life journey of Jenpu Rakho Rongmei, Founder of Can Youth.