11 pc working professionals face mental distress: Dr Lenin
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 30 2024: Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal observed the World Mental Health Month-2024 under the theme "It's time to Prioritise Mental Health in Our Communities", at its General OPD Complex on Wednesday.

Organised by RIMS College of Nursing, the programme was attended by RIMS director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma as chief guest and College principal Prof H Jamuna Devi as president, while RIMS hospital MS Prof N Sanjib Singh, dean (Academic) Prof Brojen Singh Akoijam and Department of Psychiatry professor RK Lenin Singh were the guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Prof G Sunil emphasised that mental health awareness is essential, not just as an annual observance but continuous commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities to prioritise health.

The culmination of World Mental Health Month at RIMS focussed on mental health in the workplace, addressing the rising mental health challenges faced by professionals today.

It also highlighted the importance of supportive workplace environment's to maintain productivity, well-being, and worklife balance, he conveyed.

In his speech, Dr Lenin informed that around 60 per cent of the population are working professionals, employed in different trades and fields.

Of this, around 11.3 per cent are suffering from some sort of mental distress or illness.

Misunderstandings between colleagues and leaders often lead to blame game situations, creating unhealthy work environment.

He continued that it is impossible and inhuman to expect someone to sacrifice and work throughout his life just to increase or improve the performance of someone else.

Thus, every one should take preventive measures and maintain balance between professional and personal life, elaborated the professor, and suggested that higher authorities frame policy to make all workplaces safe and thriving.

Dr Lenin also opined that as the on-going conflict is affected many, there is urgent need to resolve the same, failing which many more would be affected.

While noting that some families remain unaware about symptoms of mental depression in-spite of their near and dear ones reaching serious stage of the ailment, he cautioned that the affected individuals perceive life as a burden and tend to take extreme step believing that death is freedom.

Moreover, statics estimate that one person commits suicide every 40 seconds, with around 8 lakhs suicide in one year alone.

Timely intervention will help save precious lives, he said, adding that maintaining good health is as important as maintaining good physical health.

During the programme, a role play was demonstrated by the students of College of Nursing, RIMS, as part of the observance.

The programme was also attended by deputy director (Admin), Dental College principal, chief account officer cum financial advisor, HODs, nursing officials, faculty members, staff and students of RIMS.

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