World Mental Health Day, 2020 observed at Senapati
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, October 28 2020: The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Senapati organised World Mental Health Day at the District Hospital under the theme, "Mental Health for All: Greater Investment- Greater Access.

Everyone, Everywhere" .

Th Kirankumar, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, M Pradip, Superintendent of Police of Senapati, and Dr Pfokreho Pfoze, Chief Medical Officer of Senapati graced the event as chief guest, guest of honour, and president respectively.

Dr M Sokha, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital gave the welcome address.

World Mental Health Day, 2020 observed at Senapati

Paveine Paulina, Clinical Psychologist, DMHP, Senapati in her keynote stated that mental health is a basic right.

Promotion of mental health is indispensable across the lifespan from birth till old age especially when one in every four would be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives as per WHO estimates.

She also emphasised that about 70% to 92% of the people in India do not get access to treatment and therefore greater investment is required for greater access for the people.

Representatives from various schools of the district and students' unions being the audience of the event, a discussion on the promotion of school mental health, and early identification and treatment of behavioural problems were taken up.

Meveine Kazia, volunteer psychologist spoke on the impact of COVID-19's social stigma on mental health and emphasised on not to mistake social distancing for social discrimination.

M Pradip, shared that regular exercises, eating healthy foods, reading motivational books and reaching out to supportive friends are some helpful ways to cope with situations.

Th Kirankumar emphasised on building support systems within people in the society to help cope with various stressors of day to day activities.

Dr Pfokreho Pfoze, CMO, Senapati stated that learning to accept oneself with flaws and strengths is one important tool to stay mentally strong.

Dr Ngouniba Peter, District Nodal Officer, DMHP concluded the programme with a vote of thanks.

Winners of the online poetry competition are KJ Hriichine (1st); Alfina Daziine (2nd) Bhumi Chetri (3rd); Salene Mercy (consolation) and Zhoyia Kaisii (consolation).

Winners of song composition competition are K P Jenyma & D Samuel (1st) and Bevei K S (2nd) .