World Mental Health Day celebrated widely
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2024: World Mental Health Day was celebrated widely in the State today under the theme, "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace".

World Mental Health Day, marked annually on October 10, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.

The Centre for Mental Hygiene

The Centre for Mental Hygiene in association with Existence Halfway Home for Mentally ill Persons and Flamingo Mental Health Care for Women celebrated World Mental Health Day 2024 at The Centre for Mental Hygiene, Changangei Uchekon today.

The function aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues and foster community well-being along with the theme, "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace".

The celebration was graced by Ksh Shivakanta Singh, Superintendent of Police, Imphal West and Dr H Angomcha Singh, retired Senior Psychiatrist, Health Services Manipur as the chief guest & guest of honour respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Ksh Shivakanta highlighted the critical importance of mental health treatment and necessity of early intervention to be easily accessible to the public including periphery regions.

He also stressed on the need to provide mental health services to police personnel as they are prone to mental health crisis due to prolonged exposure to stress, anger and violence.

Dr H Angomcha Singh said, "People only seem to care and remember about Mental Health only on World Mental Health Day, when it must always be cared and remembered on every day to day lives".

Dr Asit Kumar Debnath, Director of Medical at Mother's Care Children Hospital & Research Centre, spoke on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

"Post COVID-19 pandemic, Mental Health related issues have been increasing.

We all must emphasize the impact of mental well-being and intervene in these areas", he added.

Ningthoujam Nongpoknganba.

Project co-coordinator of The Centre for Mental Hygiene, highlighted the urgent need for the society to address the mental health crisis, especially given the volatile and ongoing situation in the State.

"Such mental health crises have become chronic, particularly for those living in relief camps, with rising cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions", he said.

Ch Pishakmacha Devi, Secretary of The Centre for Mental Hygiene, also attended the event.

Besides, in recognition of World Mental Health Day 2024, The Centre for Mental Hygiene has announced a tele-counseling/ in-person counseling services and mental health screening and assessments for the next three months.

To access the service, the organisation has provided a helpline number "+916909366361" .

RIMS

The Department of Psychiatry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal observed World Mental Health Day 2024 under the theme, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace" at the Jubilee Hall, RIMS, Imphal today.

The event was focused on raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting mental well-being globally.

The theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 highlights the importance of mental health in professional settings, emphasizing the need for employers and organisations to create supportive environments that foster wellbeing, reduce stress and provide mental health resources for their employees.

Lilong Haoreibi College

In line with the observance of World Mental Health Day 2024, the Research & Seminar Committee, Lilong Haoreibi College organised a 1-Day National Seminar on "Mental Health Challenges and Strategic Exploration to Wellness" at the college's multipurpose hall in Lilong Ushoipokpi today.

The inaugural function of the seminar was graced by Prof GKN Chhetry, Dean, School of Agriculture Sciences, Manipur University; M Razaque Rahman, international faculty, The Art of Living, Imphal Centre; and Prof Md A Sattar Shah, Principal, Lilong Haoreibi College as presidium members.

Dr O Romesh Singh, former Deputy Director, Health & Family Welfare Services, Manipur also attended the seminar as the key speaker.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Md A Sattar said that the seminar was organised as part of a broader campaign to spread awareness about mental health issues, increase understanding, dispel misconceptions, and encourage mental wellness support.

He also encouraged all to have open conversations about mental health and promote initiatives for mental well-being.

During the seminar, 65 research scholars and teachers from different Colleges/Universities presented their papers and a souvenir titled "NASMEW-2024" was also released.

CCpur Medical College

The Department of Community Medicine, Churachandpur Medical College, Imphal Campus also celebrated World Mental Health Day 2024 at Kyamgei on Thursday to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobile support for mental well-being.

As part of the celebration, a poster competition on the theme, "Mental Health at Work" was also conducted and awards were distributed to the winners.

Dr Ch Arunkumar, Head, Department of Surgery; Dr Guddi L, Community Medicine; Dr Pinky K, Department of Biochemistry; Dr Khemitra, Department of Anatomy; Dr Sonika, Department of Biochemistry; Dr A Sanaton, Dean and other faculty members of Churachandpur Medical College also participated in the programme.

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