Kohima, November 28 (MExN): District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Kohima organized an awareness programme on School Mental Health at Mezhur Higher Secondary School on November 27.
During the session, Veronica Nriame, Psychiatric Social Worker highlighted on Mental Health and Mental Illness, common mental health issues experienced by adolescents/young people. She explained that young adults are at a particularly vulnerable time in their development, which might explain why 1 out of every 5 is affected by mental illness. Depression, anxiety, and addiction disorders are common mental health problems encountered by young people. She also discussed about significance of life skills resilience and how it enables the individuals to deal with demands and challenges of everyday life. She stated that it is very crucial for adolescents to be mentally healthy to enjoy optimum level of health.
Ketousenuo Phewhuo, Clinical Psychologist spoke on the symptoms and management of depression and anxiety disorders. She stressed on offering emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement if one knows someone who is depressed, or to talk to trusted friends or family member. Phewhuo also mentioned that a depressed adolescent is prone to many problems including failure in academics, abusing drugs, increased risk of suicide etc.
The DMHP team stated the rationale of conducting awareness session on Mental Health is to broaden knowledge about the subject, detect and provide early interventions to the individuals who are at risk or suffering from any mental health problems. A press release from Veronica Nriame, DMHP stated the session was attended by the students of classes 10 and 12. Anivolu Vese, Community Nurse chaired the programme.
