‘Young people vulnerable to mental health problems’

Students during the awareness programme on mental health conducted by District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Kohima. (Photo Courtesy: DMHP Kohima)

DMHP Kohima conduct awareness to equip them with the tools to combat symptoms

Kohima, March 1 (MExN): District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Kohima organized an awareness programme on mental health in schools and colleges viz. St. Joseph’s College Jakhama, Alder College, Model Christian College, Kohima College, Kros College, Oriental College, Mount Olive, Mount Hermon Hr. Sec. School, Bethel Hr. Sec. School in the month of February, 2019.

During the sessions, Veronica Nriame, Psychiatric Social Worker highlighted on mental health and mental illness, common mental health issues experiences by adolescents/young people. She explained further by saying that young adults are at a particularly vulnerable time in their development, which might explain why 1 out of every 5 is affected by mental illness.

Depression, anxiety, and addiction disorders are common mental health problems encountered by young people. She also discussed about significance of life skills resilience and how it enables the individuals to deal with demands and challenges of everyday life. She stated that it is very crucial for adolescents to be mentally healthy to enjoy optimum level of health.

Ketousenuo Phewhuo, Clinical Psychologist, spoke on the physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms and management of depression and anxiety disorders. She stressed on offering emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement if you know someone who is depressed, or to talk to trusted friends or family members which is a great place to start. “Because you cannot see it (mental illnesses like depression and anxiety disorders) you need to talk about it.” She also mentioned that a depressed adolescent is prone to many problems including: failure in academic, abusing drugs, increased risk of suicide etc.

Kezhano Kenna-o, Psychiatric Nurse dealt on the various common mental health disorders and the various factors aggravating its disorder. She also explained on the statistics of people suffering from common mental disorder and explained that based on 2018 survey, India is one of the most depressed country in the world. She discussed on the stigma people look towards mental health issues and take initiative to stamp out mental health problems and to seek treatment at the earliest.

Veronica Nriame, Psychiatric Social Worker in a press release stated that with the awareness programme on mental health, DMHP, Kohima aims to educate young minds about depression, stress, anxiety and addiction disorders and to reduce the stigma attached towards mental illnesses through change of attitude and public awareness. It aims to equip them with the tools to combat symptoms of the same and to broaden knowledge about the subject, detect and provide early interventions to the individuals who are at risk or suffering from any mental health illnesses.

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