Joining the rest of the world, Nagaland observed World Mental Health Day today here at State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK).

Every year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day is observed around the world to raise awareness on mental health issues and to organise efforts in support of mental health. A global campaign for World Mental Health Day has been organised by the World Health Organization every year since 2013. The theme for 2022 was set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), which is ‘Make Mental Health and Well-Being for all a Global Priority’,

Dr Viketoulie Pienyu, Senior Medical Officer SMHIK and resource person, stated that substance abuse is responsible for 20% of all mental illness in the state and advised people not to consume alcohol or drugs to relieve their stress.

He stressed on the importance for people to preserve their mental health adding that a country can never progress if their citizens are mentally ill.

National workers, policy makers, law makers, ministers and the Prime Minister are now all realising the importance of mental health, he said, adding that this was also evident from the budget session presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman wherein mental health was listed as the 10th item.

“It was listed as one of the most important items. Finally, our leaders are beginning to realise how important it is to remain mentally healthy,” he said.

World Mental Health Day was observed at State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK).

Dr Pienyu said the main goal of observing Mental Health Day is to focus on key priorities such as to create awareness on mental health issue, to mobilize support and to wake up the government, institutions, society and the church to address the issue of mental health.

He also said the day puts the emphasis on overcoming stigma and discrimination associated with the illness, and to make the activities of the mental health institute publicly known so that people can come and access the facilities.