Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Yes we are open to talking mental health issues as long as it refers to somebody else not from within the family. Though it is only as deep as "matha thik nai kuise" or, "etu, ootu kurise". It is more in the context of gossiping. Do we need to talk about mental health? That is a total different question. The way we are evolving so fast and getting confused in transition, the fast paced urbanisation, the wake to information technologies, Yes we need to talk about Mental Health. The cases of suicide and alcoholism seems to be on the raise. The basic knowledge of mental health has become a necessity so that professional help can be accessed without feeling stigmatized or discriminated.
• One of the greatest traits and wealth of the Nagas is their openness. Some mental blocks occur among some and they are groping for greater knowledge objectively simply because they not informed of the truth and facts. Overall, Nagas are open.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• No, are you kidding me. Not at all. Public are in the dark about health issues. Anything of this sort they will put the blame on black magic and stuff like that.
• No we don't take it seriously giving excuses attributed to the divine or lack of character and will power. Which is really sad because most mental problems are curable or at the least controllable.
• No. For our society if its a mental health issue or even drug addictions, the answer is almost always = prayer centre or keep praying, or he/she is possessed. Its really sad for the person suffering from it. with this kinds of answer we'll never find the real solution to that problem
• No. We seems to be very educated and modern but we are still very religiously superstitious. Anyone with psychological and mental issues are taken to prayer centres and spiritual shamans. High time we should be able to differentiate between those who need medical intervention and those who need spiritual enlightenment.
• No because we tag them as Mad crazy ... time for "so called" mentally sound ppl to learn about Mental wellbeing.
• No! We are not open! But yes...it is time we should talk! From the husband and wife complicated marriage to unprepared pregnant women; a child growing into adulthood to the old age....everyone is in need of help. We just don't know how to identify the group or person. And it becomes too late when we see someone we want to help.. Mental health is one basic health care service we are missing in the long chain. Time to talk about it!
• No, not open, and opinion #1 on this topic shows the general lack of awareness. Leave alone deal with it, it's not even acknowledged. Nagas are not a people comfortable with expressing deep emotion and feeling. expression is paramount and necessary for a person's emotional health and mental well being. But in a society like ours, with communication of our feelings at a minimum even with one's parents or spouses or children, we tend to live suppressed. Good emotional and mental well being begins at home.
• No, because people are unaware of what "Mental health" means. Naga society needs to be educated on this topic.
• No. Because of the stigma attached and afraid of being judged and labelled. But yes, time has come to educated our society on this issues and to built a good network support system.
• No, our society is not open at all to talking about mental health issues. Most are not even aware of what mental health issues are. The lack of public awareness makes it even difficult to freely talk about it.
• Because they don't accept such disease is there. Simple as that.
• Because many people think that it's a curse inherited from forefathers or possessed by evil spirits of an individual
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• Instead of giving such stupid questions, why dont MEX ask 'grave' question like- should Dimapurians bury their bodies or cremate their bodies? (due to lack of space in West Dimapur cemetery).
• We are not ready but it is about time we begin to talk about it because depression and bipolar for starter is turning into a trend.
• Actually, Nagaland State has no infrastructure in many ways like industries, factories, multi-developments, or mega business houses, pollutants, etc., to inflict the people with mental sickness. Nor do we have much social evils as compared to other cities or countries. One or two people having or suffering from mental sickness due to heredity, drug or alcohol abuse is their own making and personal problems. So, why interfere in them and waste time and space? Even common usage of internet is too nominal in Nagaland unlike other State or countries where, both children and adults (due to excess exposure to internets) acquire mental disease and are send for therapies in special rehabs.
