World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” was held at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur on October 10, organised by District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA).
This year, the day was marked to raise awareness on mental health issues with the focus on the mental health impact particularly in the context of disasters and emergencies while also highlighting legal rights and services available for those struggling with mental illness and mental disabilities.
Mughali Zhimomi, Psychiatric Nurse, DMHP Dimapur highlighted on the theme, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that mental health services are readily available, to meet the , needs of individuals affected by natural disasters, or other emergencies. She said the theme emphasizes making mental health services as essential and prioritized as other basic needs during crises, ensuring everyone affected gets the support they need.
She emphasized that simply being present, listening patiently, and showing patience can greatly help individuals with mental health issues cope with and overcome their challenges. She also informed that 14416 is one of the toll-free helpline numbers for Tele-MANAS, the National Tele-Mental Health Programme. The service was launched to provides free, 24/7 mental health counseling across the country.
Moatila Ao, Panel Lawyer, DDLSA informed the participants on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, focusing on providing equal opportunities, dignity, and non-discrimination for people with disabilities. She also sensitized on NALSA ( Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and persons with Intellectual Disabilities ) Schemes focusing on the objectives of the scheme dealing with the principles while dealing with mentally ill and mentally disabled persons which includes mental illness is curable with proper medication and care, mentally disabled person are not mentally ill person, mentally ill and mentally disabled persons are entitled to all human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the inherent dignity of mentally ill and mentally disabled persons, non-discrimination, reasonable accommodation, right to get treatment, informed consent for treatment, prevention of exploitation and abuse, etc.
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The event featured personal testimonies from Vincent Neikha, a counselor and Chishi, who courageously shared their journeys of overcoming mental health challenges. The inmates of Missionaries of Charity also delivered a special performance.
Visheli Yepthomi, Panel Lawyer, DDLSA, chaired the program, while Dr Toska Chishi, Assistant MS delivered an inspiring exhortation speech, and Rev Yhunlo Thong led the invocation prayer.
After the formal programme, a Zumba dance session led by Trionix Dance Studio was also organized to promote mental wellness and stress relief through movement and music, engaging participants in a fun and energetic way.
The programme was attended by Dr Temsuyanger, Psychiatrist, District Hospital Dimapur, CHO students of School of Nursing, members of Missionaries of Charity, members of Children Home with Special Needs, staffs under District Hospital Dimapur, and patients with family members.
