World Mental Health Day : Adressing mental heath problems and spreading awareness emphasized
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2021: World Mental Health Day was observed today under the theme "Mental health in an unequal world" at the auditorium hall of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Lamphel.

The observance was organized by National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission Manipur.

Speaking as the chief guest, Director of Social Welfare, Ngangom Uttam stressed on the importance of spreading awareness among the masses regarding the concepts of mental health.

Expressing concern over the common notion among the people of Manipur in connection to mental health, he stated that people should not discriminate the mentally ill people as one's mental status may be the outcome of overusing the brain or due to some genetic issues.

Talking about the measures taken up in the interest of mentally unsound people, he said that whenever one sees such persons on streets or public places, State Health Mission has been trying to accommodate them in a safe place.

World Mental Health Day : Adressing mental heath problems and spreading awareness emphasized

Further he expressed belief that such problems will subside if a mental hospital is set up in the State.

He appealed to all concerned to report motivational stories of such people who are leading a life of normalcy after battling with such conditions and to share the same stories with their consent to National Health Mission and Mental Health Society so that it can be set as an example when any initiatives are being taken up in connection with mental health.

The Director also spoke about training programs to be organised by Social Welfare Department in association with Health Department where in two teachers each from various schools across the State to provide basic counselling to students on mental health.

Such an initiative will provide awareness and first aid to students before the mental problem deepens.

State Mission Director, National Health Mission, Manipur Dr N Shyamjai Singh, Member of Manipur State Legal Services Authority, Advocate Chongtham Momon Singh and HOD, Department of Psychiatry RIMS and vice president of Indian Medical Association, Manipur State Branch, Professor RK Lenin Singh also attended the programme as the presidium members.

The World Health Mental Health Day was also observed at Yaipokpa, the Rehabilitation and Child Care Centre at Langthabal Kunja today.

A press release issued by the Centre stated that B Sharmila, Clinical Psychologist spoke in detail about mental health problems and how to overcome it in today's programme which was attended by the inmates of the Centre and their family members.

Emphasizing on the problems of drug users and their mental state, one should not discriminate them and everyone should collectively work to help them overcome such destructive habits for the overall development of the society, she added.

The managing director of the Centre, S Lakhikumar appealed to the Government to formulate mental health policies reviewing the current status of Manipur to lead the youths towards the right path, added the release.