According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illness is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. The WHO also reported that mental illness is increasing worldwide. Although mental health treatment is more easily accessible than before, many professionals in Nagaland agree that people who need aid and treatment still do not seek it out, with socio-cultural barriers being one of the main reasons for this. As a result, illnesses and disorders that can be addressed early on are overlooked, causing patients' conditions to worsen.
The most frequent cases in Nagaland are schizophrenia, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. According to Dr. Temsulong Pongener, Junior Specialist (Psychiatrist), State Mental Health Institute, Kohima, Nagas between the ages of 15 and 30 (adolescents to young adults) are especially prone to mental illness. Additionally, he notes that "consumption of cannabis among youths has also increased." In recent years, young people have become far more likely to experience mental illness. Numerous studies claim that society has become increasingly alienating and isolating, which has negatively affected their emotions, perceptions, and behaviors. The increase in youth suicidal ideation and instances can be directly attributed to these. Many youths today are also unable to handle the pressures of life; the competitive pressures in academia and unemployment; societal expectations, peer pressure, and issues in their personal life.
Substance abuse and misuse are rampant among youths and young adults than older people. Suicidal behaviour is influenced by alcohol and drug misuse issues in a variety of ways. Numerous other risk factors for suicide are also present in people with substance use disorders. They are more likely to be depressed and experience social and economic difficulties.
The common misconception is that many people think that they are the only ones who face problems and have to go through them alone. We all experience pain, loss, love, success, doubt, etc. at some point in our lives, regardless of how different we are from one another or how varied life is. This shared experience is what unites us and allows us to have empathy. There are a lot of people who have gone through a lot of hardship but have managed to overcome it and pursue their life goals. Stories like these inspire us and give us courage. It is important to remind people suffering from mental illness that they are not alone and that there is community and professional support available to them.
We have progressed as a society in many ways. When it comes to mental health we have gained a better understanding of its significance in recent years. However, there are situations when people try to reach out to someone but do not receive the help they had hoped for. There is still much to do and as a society we need to create an environment where we can have more honest discussions, de-stigmatize mental illness and the people who suffer from it, and find ways to support the cause as a friend, parent, sibling, church, NGO, institution, etc.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Khangpuiliu Pamei, Rinsit Sareo, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
