World Mental Health Day: Nagaland ‘reluctant’ to open up

Eastern Mirror Desk Dimapur, Oct. 9: In a state like Nagaland where tradition is deep-rooted, due importance to mental well-being is more or less ignored. Yet, with much awareness happening around the globe, it may be mentioned that people are accepting the reality of mental illness. Various districts in the state will observe World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10 to raise importance of mental health and emotional well-being. The World Health Organisation has set aside this year’s theme as ‘young people and mental health in a changing world’. Counsellor of Serendip Guardians in Dimapur, Bokatoli shared in details about the mental health scenario in Nagaland. She said: “The level of awareness is really low in addition to having just a handful of mental health professionals in the state. Whereas on the other hand mental health issues are rising as the society is growing and moving rapidly.” She was of the view that it is difficult for people to cope with the transition which in turn affects their mental health resulting in issues ranging from frustrations, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, violence, addiction, depression, self-harm, and many more. Despite all these metal disorders, the counsellor pointed out that majority of the people in the state were not aware of mental health in its true sense. She said, “most people are still reluctant in opening up about their mental health problems.” According to a survey done by the Serendip Guardians on ‘ the attitude and awareness of young people on mental health as well as their own mental health status’ in the year 2014 , out of 500 respondents 39.9% were found to be suffering from some form of mental health issue. Suggesting measures to help take care of one’s mental health, Bokatoli said: “There is no health without mental health, our well being, productivity and happiness of life are majorly affected by the state our mental health.” She added that maintaining good mental health starts from “awareness, realising and accepting the need for help and reaching out for professional help just as we would seek help for our physical health.”