World Mental Health Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 10 2025: Reaffirming its commitment to promoting mental health and well-being in the State, Manipur joined the global observance of "World Mental Health Day, 2025" today.

The event was jointly organised by the National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission, Manipur and the Directorate of Health Services on the theme "Access to Services-Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies" at Hotel Imolesh, Old Lambulane Road, Imphal.

Speaking at the event, Shri Sumant Singh.

Commissioner cum Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) reflected on the unseen yet profound influence of the human mind, describing it as 'a strange fact of life' that guides everything yet remains unseen and intangible in its very existence.

Highlighting key symptoms of depression, he noted that many suffer silently, withdraw from social contact and struggle internally.

He expressed concern over the rising scale of mental health issues, especially in the backdrop of crises and emergencies and emphasised the need to modify and address triggers that cause psychological distress, depression and related problems.

He called for collective efforts from the Government, CSOs and the public to promote mental health and well-being and further mentioned that a full-fledged mechanism is in place to reach out to everyone, especially those in relief camps and those affected by the catastrophic event.

Dr M Dinesh Singh, State Mission Director, NHM, Manipur, acknowledged the prolonged hardships faced by students and people of the State owing to the ongoing crisis.

He assured that the Government, NHM Manipur and the Directorate of Health Services are making every possible effort to provide necessary assistance to the IDPs to help them return to normal life.

Dr N Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, stated that trauma, anxiety and depression require as much healing as physical injuries and asserted that mental health is not a privilege but a necessity, especially in time of crisis.

He said that efforts are being made to strengthen district mental health services, establish counselling comers in hospitals and expand Tele MANAS to ensure no one is left unseen or unheard.

Dr Shekhar Seshadri, Professor (Health), Azim Premji Foundation, former Senior Professor and former Head.

Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, emphasised the psychological toll of internal displacement, noting that enforced change often causes trauma, anxiety and distress.

He underscored the importance of improving access to quality mental health services and building capacity among service providers.

He further stated that the Foundation will continue its pro bono support to facilitate the State build a resilient, inclusive and accessible mental health system for all.

A street play on 'Awareness on Mental Health' was performed at Thangal Lambi (Mall Road) Ima Keithel and at Thoubal Bazaar as part of the observance.

A mental health awareness rally was also carried out from Kangla Gate to Hotel Imolesh led by a team from DMHP, Tele-MANAS and various schools, followed by a session on "Re-imagining Mental Health Interventions for Children in Ethnic Conflict-Through the Prism of Loss, Reconciliation and Justice" by Dr Shekhar Seshadri.

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