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Dimapur, Oct. 9 (EMN): The Nagaland State Mental Health Programme (NMHP) under the directorate of Health and Family Welfare will observe the World Mental Health Day on October 10 on the theme ‘Mental health for all, greater investment- greater access’.
World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year with the objective of raising awareness on mental health issues and mobilising efforts in support of mental health, according to an update from National Health Mission (NHM).
With the current global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is only appropriate and of great significance that the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) choose the theme “Mental health for all, greater investment-greater access” for this year, stated NHM director Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru.
He stated that with the new reality of physical isolation and distancing caused by the lockdown, the world has seen a spike in mental health issues. He added that along with psychological burden, everyday person is also now experiencing overwhelming vulnerability to mental distress due to the hard and drastic measures implemented to battle Covid-19.
“This disruption of the natural social interactions along with stigmatisation has seen a rise in cases of insomnia, fear, anxiety and depression etc. and has been the heaviest even on the poor and the ones living in remote areas,” Medikhru stated.
With the prevailing grim situation, Medikhru stated that people should ensure prioritising mental health now more than ever, adding that nobody should be denied access to mental healthcare.
He added that the World Mental Health Day is not just a one-day event but a continuous process to ensure that mental health gets its due spotlight with the stakeholders and a reminder that it is the responsibility of all to ensure that none is left behind.
As the goal of this year’s World Mental Health Day is to increase investment in mental health, he has invited all to join in the call for action in highlighting the need for greater investment in mental health for all and everywhere.